Address: 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Waimea Valley/Falls is located on the North side of the Island of Oahu. The place is open 7 days a week from 9 am- 5 pm. Waimea Valley is known for its spiritual significance to Ancient Hawaiians. The Valley was awarded to the Kahuna Nui (high priests) in the early days. The Waimea Falls also known as Wailele Falls is a natural rain-fed 45-foot waterfall that is 30 feet deep and located within the Waimea Valley. Visitors/locals can swim and get closer to the waterfalls but it is dependent on the daily waterfall conditions. The 2 main attractions in the Valley are the lush green Botanical Garden and the Waimea waterfall.
We drove for about 1 hour and 15 minutes (38 miles) from our Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel to Waimea Valley/Falls via HI- 99 North. Our drive to Waimea Valley was very scenic, and fun, as we passed through the Dole Plantation, Haleiwa Town famous for Matsumoto Shave Ice/Giovanni Shrimp Truck, and Laniakea Beach where you get to see turtles on the beach. We arrived in Waimea Valley at around 2 pm and the free parking lot was almost full. We drove slowly as the free parking is made up of gravel and sand. There is also another beach parking lot at the entrance but charges a parking fee. The main entrance to the Waimea Valley has signage and is right across the Waimea Bay Beach.
We had to pass through the Waimea Valley Visitor Center, Cafe, and gift shop before we finally reached the main entrance to the Valley. At the entrance booth, we paid $25 for adults ages 13 and up and $14 for kids ages 4-12 years old. It took us about 30 minutes to walk from the main entrance to the Waimea waterfalls. It was a fun walk as we had to go through lush-greenery Botanical Gardens, had to cross a few bridges, and saw a wide variety of beautiful, exotic, tropical plants and fruits along the way. The distance to the waterfalls is about 3/4 miles one way and 1 1/2 miles roundtrip. We learned a lot about the Hawaiian culture in the early days as we explored the historical botanical garden. There was signage everywhere that explains the history of each area we visited and the path to the Waimea/Wailele waterfall.
We knew that we were close to the waterfalls once we saw the Wailele snack bar and the last bridge where we saw the 450 ft waterfalls from afar. There was a public restroom and a changing room before and after the last bridge. We were so excited when we heard the gushing sound of the waterfall and were in awe as we saw the beautiful, picturesque Waimea waterfall. There were friendly lifeguards who handed us a complimentary, required lifevest before we swam in the waterfalls. There were a lot of rocks during our descent to the water. The aqua socks that we were wearing helped prevent us from slipping through the slippery rocks in the water. The water was cold at first but we got acclimated to it and the water was warmer as we got closer to the waterfall. The best part was when we reached the bottom of the waterfall and felt the mist and the gush of the waterfall closer to our heads. My daughter and I felt the water trickle into our heads and enjoyed every moment of it. It was a very exciting, fun experience to be able to swim and get closer to a waterfall. I brought my non-waterproof cell phone (wouldn’t recommend doing it, just in case you drop it into the water) in the water and took lots of videos/pictures near the waterfall. Be careful as the lifeguards had to call out on people who were swimming towards the corner where rocks may fall on you. The lifeguard called on everyone as they close the area at 5 pm.
Overall it was a great memorable experience for us to be able to swim underneath a waterfall. It is my daughter’s first experience swimming in a waterfall. I would highly recommend this place when you visit the Island of Oahu. We also learned a few things about the history of the early Hawaiian culture and lifestyle as we navigated through the lush greenery botanical garden in the Valley.
Tips: Ensure that you pack bottled water to stay hydrated, and wear aqua socks especially when you want to get closer to the bottom of the waterfalls to prevent slips and falls from the rocks. There is a lifeguard on site who will also provide a complimentary lifevest to each person that will swim on the waterfalls. Stay away from the side of the waterfalls as rocks may fall on you. Bring a towel to dry yourself and there is a changing room near the bridge and an outdoor shower to wash. There were benches for people who doesn’t want to swim and a small gift shop to buy water gear. Always remember safety first and don’t do anything unsafe or beyond your comfort level. We even pack a first aid kit just in case of an emergency. They also have a Luau at one of their restaurant onsite. The shuttle that will take you from and to the waterfall wasn’t running or available during our visit. ATM is located inside the gift shop.
Let me know if you have any questions, comments or what you think about Waimea Valley/Falls after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.
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