Waimea Valley
Oahu Waimea Falls
Waimea Falls, also known as Waihi Falls, is one of the most accessible waterfalls on Oahu. It sits inside Waimea Valley, a 1,875-acre Hawaiian botanical garden and ancestral cultural site on the North Shore. The trail is a paved 3/4-mile path through gardens and archaeological sites, ending at a 45-foot waterfall with a swimming pool at the base. Lifeguards are on duty and free life vests are provided. Admission is $26 for adults with significant discounts for Hawaii residents — see the fee badge above the page, or confirm current rates at waimeavalley.net.
What does "Waimea" mean?
Waimea means "reddish water" in Hawaiian — wai (water) + mea (reddish-brown). It refers to the iron-rich red soil that washes into the streams during heavy rain, staining the water. Several places across Hawaii share the name for the same reason: Waimea Bay (just down the road), Waimea Canyon (Kauai), and Waimea town (Big Island) are all named for the same red-water signature.
The trail to the falls is about 3/4 of a mile each way (roughly 1.5 miles round-trip), mostly flat and paved, passing collections of native and Polynesian-introduced plants and the foundations of Hawaiian temples and house platforms. An optional shuttle service is available for visitors with mobility limitations. Plan an hour or two — the valley is more than a waterfall trail; it's a working cultural preservation site managed by Hiʻipaka LLC, a Native Hawaiian non-profit.
The 45 foot (13.7m) waterfall is part of Kamanui Stream that flows from the north end of the Koolau Mountains on Windward side Oahu all the way through Waimea Valley to join the Waimea River to the ocean.
The area used to be an adventure park where you could see cliff-diving shows, ride ATVs and trams and go kayaking. It was shut down and turned over to the Audubon Society in 2003, and turned it into a botanical garden. Now it is managed by Hi'ipaka LLC - a nonprofit organization with much more of a focus on cultural and botanical preservation.
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Waimea Falls, located in Waimea Valley on Oahu, is a perfect photo opportunity.
There is a changing room located near the falls and a lifeguard who loans required life vests (free). There are often bugs so spray is recommended.
The stream water is apparently bacteria-free and regularly monitored, but as with all freshwater streams in Hawaii, Leptospirosis bacteria may be present at any time. Caution should be taken to not drink the water, and if you have any small cuts or open wounds it is recommended to stay out of the water altogether.
The waterfall is open to visitors to swim and cool off during opening hours of the Waimea Valley site, which are 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week, unless the pool is closed due to unsafe conditions. The park is closed Christmas and New Year's Day.
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