Your Questions, Answered

  • Waimea Valley is a sacred and historically significant ahupuaʻa on Oʻahu’s North Shore, dedicated to preserving Hawaiian culture, history, and natural ecosystems. The Valley offers scenic trails, world-class botanical gardens, cultural sites, and Waimea Falls for guests to learn, explore and enjoy.

  • Waimea Valley is located on Oʻahu’s North Shore across from Waimea Bay Beach at 59-864 Kamehameha Highway. Free parking is available.

  • Yes. Hawaiʻi residents / military receive special pricing. Waimea Valley also offers community programs such as ʻOhana Day, Keiki Wednesday, and cultural celebrations honoring aliʻi.

  • Admission fees directly support the preservation and stewardship of Waimea Valley. As a nonprofit organization, revenue helps fund:

    • Maintenance of the botanical gardens and paved pathways

    • Preservation of cultural and historical sites

    • Waterfall and safety operations

    • Educational and cultural programs

    • Environmental conservation efforts

    • Staffing and daily operations

    Your visit helps protect this sacred and historically significant ahupuaʻa for future generations while supporting Hawaiian cultural perpetuation and community programming.

  • A full refund is available with at least 24 hours’ notice of cancellation. Refunds are also issued if Waimea Valley cancels due to weather or safety conditions. Refunds are processed according to the original purchase method. No-shows are charged the full price.

  • Refunds may take some time to process after a cancellation is approved. Processing time depends on your bank or payment provider.

    If you have not received your refund after the expected processing period, please contact our guest services team with:

    • Your name

    • Order or ticket number

    • Date of purchase

    • Cancellation confirmation (if available)

    Email: info@waimeavalley.net
    Phone: (808) 638-7766

    We appreciate your patience as refunds are processed.

  • Before visiting Waimea Valley, we recommend exploring our visitor resources to help plan your experience.

    • Visitor Tips: Suggestions on what to bring, what to wear, and how to prepare for your walk in the Valley.

    • Amenities: Information on food options, restrooms, and guest services available during your visit.

    • Trails: Details on walking paths, accessibility, and distance to the waterfall.

    • Tours: Cultural, botanical, and guided experiences to enhance your visit.

    *Please remember to stay respectful during your visit, honoring the natural environment, cultural sites, and fellow visitors.

  • The waterfall is approximately ¾ mile from the entrance along a paved and accessible pathway. Most guests reach the waterfall within 20–30 minutes at a relaxed walking pace.

    Shuttle service is available for an additional fee of $10 one way per person for guests who prefer not to walk.

  • The main trail in Waimea Valley is paved and accessible for most visitors.

    Shuttle service to the waterfall is available for purchase at $10 one-way.

    Resting areas are located throughout the Valley to help guests enjoy a comfortable and relaxed walking experience.

  • Most guests spend 2–3 hours exploring the Valley, walking to the waterfall, and enjoying cultural activities.

  • Waimea Valley may temporarily close certain areas, including the waterfall or trails, due to heavy rain, high water flow, or safety conditions.

    We communicate weather-related closures as soon as possible through our website, social media, guest services, or official announcements. Visitors with tickets affected by closures may be eligible for refund options according to our cancellation policy.

    For the latest updates, please check our admission page or follow us on social media before your visit.

  • Yes. Waimea Valley hosts weddings and private events. Please visit our venues page to explore available location or contact our events team for more details.

  • Yes. Educational programs are available for schools and community groups. Learn More

  • Yes! Waimea Valley offers memberships for kamaʻāina, providing unlimited visits, discounts at our gift and snack shops, and special member-only opportunities. We also offer corporate memberships for local organizations.

    Memberships can be purchased in person only at the Visitor Center during your visit. To learn more about membership levels and benefits, please visit our Membership page.

  • For the safety of guests, wildlife, and the natural environment, pets are not permitted in Waimea Valley.

    Only ADA-certified service animals are allowed and must remain on a leash at all times while in the Valley.

  • No. Drones are not permitted in the Valley.

  • No. Waimea Valley is a smoke-free and vape-free environment.

    Designated smoking area is available outside the visitor center. Please follow posted signage and respect the natural and cultural environment of the Valley.

    Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited. Violations may result in immediate removal from the Valley and may be reported to local law enforcement.

  • Alcohol is not permitted past the ticket booth. Bar Kikoni, a full-service bar located in the Visitor Center next to the Open Kitchen snack bar, offers cocktails and refreshments for guests to enjoy before entering the Valley.

    If you bring alcohol from outside, it must be finished before entering. Mahalo for helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for all guests.

  • No. For the safety of our guests, staff, and the Valley environment, weapons and firearms of any kind are not permitted in the Valley, including those with concealed carry permits.

    Per Hawaiʻi Concealed Carry Reciprocity Gun Laws: Hawaiʻi permits open carry and concealed carry of handguns on the person with a Hawaiʻi license to carry, which is only valid in the county of issue. The minimum age is 21 years old. Carrying a loaded firearm without a license to carry, whether openly or concealed, including in a vehicle, is a class B felony. 

  • Rules and regulations at Waimea Valley are subject to change. If you have any questions or concers, Please contact Guest Services via email at info@waimeavalley.net, by phone at (808) 638-7766, or stop by the Visitor Center when you arrive.