Plan Your Visit to Waimea Valley in 2026

Planning a visit to Waimea Valley on Oʻahu? Find information about Waimea Valley hours, admission prices, parking, directions, waterfall swimming, transportation, amenities, botanical gardens, cultural sites, tours, and what to bring.

What days is Waimea Valley open?

Waimea Valley is open seasonally throughout the year, with hours varying by time of year.

2026 Seasonal Hours

• January–February: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 AM–4 PM; closed Mondays

• Spring Break, March 1–31: Open daily, 9 AM–4 PM

• April: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 AM–4 PM; closed Mondays

• Late Spring, May 1–24: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 AM–4 PM; closed Mondays

• Summer, May 25–September 7: Open daily, 9 AM–5 PM

• Late Summer, September 8–30: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 AM–4 PM; closed Mondays

• October–November: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 AM–4 PM; closed Mondays

• December 1–30: Open daily, 9 AM–4 PM

Where Is Waimea Valley?

Waimea Valley is located at 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Hawaiʻi 96712, on Oʻahu's North Shore.

Waimea Valley is located across from Waimea Bay Beach Park.

How Far Is Waimea Valley From Waikīkī?

Waimea Valley is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from Waikīkī by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Travel time may be longer during weekends, holidays, and peak travel periods.

Is There Parking at Waimea Valley?

Yes. Paid parking is available at Waimea Valley.

Parking rates are:

• $2 for 1 hour

• $5 for up to 4 hours

• Free after 5 PM

• Hawaiʻi residents may receive free parking after registration

Parking is for Waimea Valley visitors. Visitors going to Waimea Bay Beach Park should use the designated beach parking area.

How Much Does Waimea Valley Admission Cost?

Waimea Valley admission provides access to the Valley, botanical gardens, cultural sites, walking paths, waterfall area, and included experiences.

General admission:

• Adults: $26

• Seniors 62+: $20

• Students: $20 with valid student ID

• Children ages 4–12: $18

Kamaʻāina and Military admission:

• Adults: $10

• Seniors 62+: $8

• Students: $8 with valid student ID

• Children ages 4–12: $6

Valid identification is required for Kamaʻāina and Military rates.

What Is Included With Waimea Valley Admission?

Admission includes access to:

• Botanical gardens

• Native Hawaiian plants and botanical collections

• Cultural and archaeological sites

• Walking trails

• Wailele Waterfall swimming area

• Included cultural experiences

• Complimentary botanical tour

The Valley is more than a waterfall hike. Visitors can explore botanical, cultural, historical, and educational experiences throughout the property.

Does Waimea Valley Have Native Hawaiian Plants?

Yes. Waimea Valley's botanical collection includes native Hawaiian plants, along with rare and endangered plants and plants from around the world.

The Valley supports botanical conservation and stewardship efforts.

Does Waimea Valley Offer Tours?

Yes. Waimea Valley offers guided tours and self-guided experiences. Some experiences require an additional fee, while others are included with Waimea Valley admission.

Guided Tours at Waimea Valley

Kipahele Tour

• Guided Hawaiian cultural tour

• Approximately 75 minutes

• Focuses on Hawaiian history, culture, conservation, cultural sites, and botanical collections

• Includes admission and shuttle service to the waterfall turnaround

Sunrise Tour

• Guided early-morning experience

• Approximately 1.5 hours

• Focuses on Hawaiian culture, native plants, cultural sites, conservation, and Waimea Falls

• Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 AM–9:00 AM. Saturdays are also available starting October 1st, 2026

• Includes admission and shuttle service to the waterfall turnaround

Na Laʻau Hawaiʻi: What’s Blooming Botanical Walking Tour

• Complimentary botanical tour

• Approximately 45 minutes

• Offered daily at 12:30 PM

• Included with Waimea Valley admission

• Begins near the ticket booth

• Highlights seasonal and rare plants from Hawaiʻi and around the world, including native Hawaiian plants

Self-Guided Experiences at Waimea Valley

Kaʻapuni O Waimea

• Self-guided cultural experience

• Explores Hawaiian language, traditions, history, and cultural sites throughout the Valley

• Included with admission

Aliʻi Atlas

• Self-guided cultural experience

• Explores the history of Hawaiʻi’s aliʻi

• Included with admission

What Cultural Sites Can You See at Waimea Valley?

Visitors can explore historic, cultural, and archaeological sites throughout Waimea Valley that reflect the Valley's rich Hawaiian history and heritage.

Waimea Valley was historically an important place for Native Hawaiian communities and continues to be cared for as a place of cultural significance.

How Long Should You Spend at Waimea Valley?

Plan to spend approximately 2.5–4 hours at Waimea Valley to allow enough time to explore the gardens, cultural sites, waterfall, and other experiences.

Visitors who want to swim, take a tour, dine, or explore at a slower pace may want to allow additional time.

Can You Swim at Waimea Valley Waterfall?

Swimming at Waimea Valley's waterfall is weather and conditions dependent.

Swimming conditions are assessed daily, and lifeguards determine whether swimming is permitted.

When swimming is open:

• Life jackets are required.

• Life jackets are provided free of charge.

• Guests must follow lifeguard instructions.

• Water conditions can change quickly.

For current swimming conditions, call (808) 638-7766.

Is There a Shuttle to the Waterfall?

Yes. Waimea Valley offers shuttle transportation between the Visitor Center area and the waterfall.

• First shuttle: 9:45 AM

• Shuttle ticket sales end: 2 PM

• Shuttle price: $10 one way per person

Shuttle tickets can be purchased online, at the ticket booth, or when boarding the shuttle.

Is Waimea Valley Accessible?

Waimea Valley offers amenities and facilities designed to support visitors with different needs, including accessible restrooms.

Visitors should be aware that the Valley includes outdoor paths, natural terrain, and areas with uneven surfaces.

What Should I Bring to Waimea Valley?

Recommended items include:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Refillable water bottle

• Sunscreen

• Hat or sun protection

• Swimsuit and towel if swimming

• Water shoes

• Light rain protection

• Camera or phone

Are There Restrooms at Waimea Valley?

Yes. Restrooms are available near the Visitor Center and near the waterfall area.

Accessible restrooms are available at both locations.

Can I Get Food at Waimea Valley?

Yes. Food and beverages are available at several locations throughout the Valley:

• Hale Kope – Fresh baked goods, coffee, and drinks (view menu)

• Wahi ʻᾹina – Lunch plates, sandwiches, burgers, and refreshments (view menu)

• Kikoni Bar – Alcoholic beverages (must be finished before entering the Valley) (view menu)

• Wailele Snack Bar – Located near the waterfall, ideal for a quick lunch or refreshment after a hike (view menu)

Dining availability may vary by day and season, See hours

Can I Bring Food Into Waimea Valley?

Visitors may bring outside food and coolers. Alcohol is not permitted in the Valley.

Is Waimea Valley Good for Families?

Waimea Valley offers botanical gardens, cultural sites, walking paths, educational experiences, and a waterfall area, making it a destination for visitors of different ages.

Families should consider the walking distance, weather conditions, and current waterfall conditions when planning their visit.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Waimea Valley?

Visitors looking for a quieter experience may prefer arriving earlier in the day before 11am. The Valley can become more crowded after 12pm, particularly during busy travel periods, weekends, and holidays.

How Do I Get to Waimea Valley Without a Car?

Waimea Valley can be reached by public transportation from Honolulu and Waikīkī, although travel by bus generally takes longer than driving.

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft may also be available, but availability can be more limited on the North Shore.

What Experiences Are Available at Waimea Valley?

Depending on the date and schedule, visitors can experience:

• Botanical gardens

• Complimentary Botanical Tour

• Cultural and archaeological sites

• Kaʻapuni O Waimea

• Kipahele Tour

• Sunrise Tour

• Waterfall and swimming area

• Dining and refreshments

• Shopping and visitor services

Quick Facts

Location: 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Hawaiʻi 96712
Island: Oʻahu
Region: North Shore
Admission Prices: General admission is $26 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $18 for children ages 4–12; Kamaʻāina and Military rates are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $6 for children ages 4–12.
Botanical Tour: Daily at 12:30 PM, included with admission
Waterfall swimming: Conditions dependent
Life jackets: Required for swimming and provided free
Waterfall shuttle: $10 one way per person
Recommended visit length: 2.5–4 hours
Parking: Available on-site
Parking Fee: $2 for 1 hour or $5 for up to 4 hours

We look forward to welcoming you to Waimea Valley in 2026. A hui hou!