Waimea Valley is a botanical garden where you can experience Hawaiian history and the culture of its native people.
Located on the North Shore, an area renowned for its magnificent nature, the valley is popular for its easy trekking trails where you can casually stroll and see wild birds and natural scenery.
It has also been the filming location for numerous movies and TV shows, including “Lost,” and is surrounded by breathtaking, expansive nature.
As a nature park with a great number of endemic species of Hawaiian trees and birds, it is also famous as a spiritual “power spot.”
By the way, nearby is the famous Waimea Beach, where you can enjoy crystal-clear water in the summer and giant waves in the winter, so be sure to check it out too!
Waimea Valley is a Paradise for Wild Birds
In addition to its magnificent nature, Waimea Valley is characterized by its large population of wild birds!
You can see most of the birds found in Hawaii here, so when you visit, try counting how many different species you can spot.
The most popular, of course, are the peacocks, which show off their brilliant feathers.
You have a very high chance of seeing them near the entrance parking lot or in the stair area next to the restrooms.
But in fact, there are over 20 species of birds confirmed in Waimea Valley, including endangered species like the Hawaiian Moorhen.
Commonly seen birds include the Junglefowl, Cattle Egrets, Zebra Doves, Red-Crested Cardinals (with only a red head), and Northern Cardinals (all red with a black mask around the beak).
Waimea Valley is a World-Class Botanical Garden
The valley is a healing place where about 5,000 types of trees and flowers warmly welcome visitors along with the Hawaiian breeze.
Also known as the “Valley of the Priests,” it is dotted with heiau (places of worship, religious sites) where gods were enshrined.
Each tree has a sign with its name and a description. A “green sign” indicates a common plant, while a “red sign” marks a plant that is very rare or endangered.
Additionally, Waimea Valley was originally a Hawaiian village, and you’ll find recreations of buildings from that time nestled in nature, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Today, a non-profit organization manages and preserves the valley, presenting the life of the native people as it was, making it a valuable place for conveying Hawaiian history and culture.
It’s not only a place to learn about Hawaiian history and culture but also a top-tier botanical garden, making it a fantastic tourist destination.
The Highlight of Waimea Valley is the Waterfall
After about a 30-minute walk (approximately 0.75 miles or 1.2 km) along the path inside the park, you will reach Waimea Falls.
It’s a very pleasant place with a refreshing atmosphere filled with cool mist.
The waterfall pool was used for filming in various movies and TV shows, including the popular American TV drama “Lost,” so you might be able to soak in that same atmosphere.
Swimming in the waterfall pool is also a popular activity, and when the water level is sufficient, many people enjoy a leisurely swim.
On the North Shore, there are days in the winter when the waves are too big to swim in the ocean, so on such days, swimming in the Waimea Valley waterfall pool can be a great alternative.
Scenic Views & Sightseeing in Waimea Valley
The walk through Waimea Valley is about a 30-minute one-way trail that follows the river to the waterfall pool.
The surrounding area has no cell phone reception, so it’s definitely in the more rural part of Hawaii!
You can enjoy stunning scenery throughout the entire walk.
On the other hand, the path is well-paved and easy to walk, with very little incline, making it an excellent tourist spot.
The facilities are also well-equipped, with a food court, a gift shop, and a shuttle service within the park.
The round trip takes about an hour, but we recommend taking about two hours to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
The Popular North Shore Farmers Market
Every Thursday from 2 p.m., a farmers market featuring local vendors is held.
Since the North Shore is a rural area with many farms, the farmers market has a great local feel.
You’re sure to enjoy the organic vegetables, fruits, honey, and handmade goods, as well as the many delicious food stalls!
If you have the chance, why not plan your visit for a Thursday?
With its stunning nature, filming locations for movies and TV shows, abundant birdlife, and rich Hawaiian culture and history, this spot has many charms. Be sure to take a relaxing stroll and let yourself be healed by the surroundings.
Basic Information about Waimea Valley
| Name | Waimea Valley |
| Address | 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Winter Season) 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Summer Season) |
| Admission | Adults (13-61): $25 Seniors (62+) or Students: $18 Children (4-12): $14 Infants (3 and under): Free |
| Closed | None |
| Estimated Time | Approx. 1 hour or more |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
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