Keiki and dad at the waterfall.

Keiki Wednesdays


Every Wednesday

Kamaʻāina and children of military under 12 receive FREE admission to Waimea Valley.

Bring the little ones for a day outside, exploring nature, and learning about Hawaiian culture and history. Take a ʻukulele class, or stamp mulberry paper with our resident artisans. Make a lei, or learn about medicinal plants with our cultural staff. Swim in the waterfall, and enjoy a shave ice at the Wailele Snack Bar.

*Must present proof of Hawaiian residency or military ID

Keiki ACTIVITIES

Kaʻapuni o Waimea (Journey through waimea)

Become a Hoʻokipa Ambassador by completing this self-guided tour through 3 key cultural sites of Waimea Valley: Hale Hoʻike, Kauhale, and Kahua Pāʻani. At each site, interact with a member of our cultural staff to learn a related Hawaiian cultural value. Earn stickers to mark your progress. Earn all three stickers, and receive the official Hoʻokipa Ambassador pin and certificate.

Cultural Artisans

Find Hawaiian artisans at different sites throughout the Valley and participate in hands-on activities with them. We have ukulele instructors, lauhala weavers, weapons-makers, kapa pounders, and more! Learn more about our cultural artisans here.

Kahua Pāʻani: The Hawaiian Game Site

Located at the back of Upper Meadow, near the agricultural terraces, our Hawaiian Game Site is the perfect place to bring the keiki! Participate in different traditional Hawaiian games, such as ʻUlu maika, a sort of lawn bowling that was used to build warriors’ hand-eye coordination for combat, or Kōnane, Hawaiian checkers.

Botanical Tours

For the plant-loving keiki, meet at the ticket booth at 12:30 for a botanical tour with one of our expert staff. This is the perfect opportunity to get a closer look at some of the most fascinating plants growing in the lower gardens.