History:
One of last partially intact ahupua‘a on O`ahu, Waimea Valley consists of 1,875 acres and has been a sacred place for more than 700 years of Native Hawaiian history.
Waimea, “The Valley of the Priests,” gained its title around 1090 when the ruler of O‘ahu awarded the land to the kähuna nui. Descendants of the high priests lived and cared for much of the Valley until 1886.
As part of a cooperative conservation land purchase, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs acquired the property in 2006. In 2008, Hi‘ipaka LLC was established to manage Waimea Valley and hold the deed.
Highlights:
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- Activities
- Several activities (with paid admission) are offered at 10 am, 11 am 1 pm and 2 pm including History Walk, lei making and hula lessons.
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Ancient Hawaiian Archaeological Sites - 78 sites of interest have been identified including religious sites and shrines, house sites, agricultural terraces and fishponds.
- Botanical Collection
- The 150-acre Botanical Collection contains more than 5,000 kinds of tropical and subtropical plants including native and endangered Hawaiian plants.
- Wildlife
- Several native and endangered birds including the ‘alae ‘ula are found in Waimea. All five species of o'opu, a native freshwater fish can be found in Kamananui Stream. Because Waimea Valley is home to so many endangered plants and animals, we do not allow any domestic animals to be brought in. This includes birds, cats and dogs, with the exception of properly certified service animals.
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- Cultural Activities
- Visitors to the Valley are invited to participate in several free activities (with paid admission) including Lei Making, Kapa Demonstration, Hula Lessons, Hawaiian Games, and Crafts, Music & Story Telling with Kūpuna.
- Waihī
- An attraction of great interest and enjoyment is the Valley’s 45-foot waterfall. Waihï is approximately 3/4 of a mile from the park entrance booth.
- Retail, Food & Beverage Services
- Ku‘ono Waiwai, the Valley’s retail store, showcases the work of North Shore artists and Hawaii crafters of locally made products. The Valley’s on-site concession services uses locally grown, made-in-Hawai‘i ingredients for local dining at its best.
Management:
Hi‘ipaka LLC is a nonprofit company created to nurture and care for Waimea Valley and holds title to the land. The Valley was purchased by a partnership between the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii State Department of Land Natural Resources, and the U.S. Army.
.jpg) Waimea Valley is deeply rooted in Hawaiian history and continues to be a respite for Hawaiian spirituality and traditions. Hi‘ipaka LLC is a nonprofit, limited liability company created to nurture and care for this treasure.
As stewards and employees of Hi‘ipaka LLC, we will strive in our daily responsibilities to Waimea and its host culture, to celebrate and share a vibrant and living Hawaiian culture with the world. We welcome you to the living pu‘uhonua of Waimea Valley. Let us honor and perpetuate Hawai`i’s past, steward our present and plan for a prosperous and healthy future.
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