We hiked early yesterday and spent most of today nursing our cuts and bruises from falling and got the team at the massage school to assist with our sore muscles. Finally got to come here hike for a little bit to see the Waimea Falls. please tip the folks who are giving out the life vest. All paved road. Unfortunately the waterfall was NOT working due to the drought! Gorgeous flowers and trees, gorgeous waterfall. Come join our Alaka'i (guides) as they take you on a historical walk through the Valley. The kids had fun swimming. Run by the stewards of Waimea Valley Hi'ipaka, the organization strives to educate and share their aloha for this historic area and valley. Really rocky maintained trail. There is a concession stand, gift shop, and restrooms on the Waimea Valley Oahu hike. Lockers to put your stuff for small fee. Get off at Waimea Falls Park and walk about 200 yards to the entrance. The Waimea Falls Hike to the waterfall is one of the easiest hikes to do in Oahu and one of the best waterfall hikes on the island. You cant monetize nature. Waimea Valley admission is $20 for adults, $16 for Seniors, $16 for students, and $12 for children ages 4-12. No one was even in the pool yet. If you still have time (and energy) to spare, explore Waimea Bay which is just opposite the botanical gardens and is known as one of the most stunning beaches on the North Shore. Its included in the admission fee. The official Waimea Canyon lookout is at the mouth of the Waimea Canyon hiking. If possible, We recommend driving there to maximize your time. Purchase your tickets to Waimea Valley today! The botanical gardens are absolutely stunning and worth exploring. 11 Tropical Flowers That Will Remind You of Hawaii, 71 Awesome Things to Do on Oahu With Your Family. For more information, please visit: https://fareharbor.com/waimeavalley/items/7943/ The falls may be dry unless there has been recent rain. If you want simple and easy this is the place for you.. The hike is relatively easy as they are paved pathways. The walk is 1.5 total miles round trip along a mostly flat, paved, meandering path. There are several off-shoots you can explore that take you through different native and exotic plants and Hawaiian Hale structures. One of the most popular and scenic trails in Waimea Canyon, the Canyon Trail branches off of the Cliff Trail and is a 3.4 mile round trip that takes two to three hours to complete and enjoy. It was a disappointment. Education portions right amount of info for casual mainland visitors Recommend as 1st stop for new visitors to Oahu so can have cultural background. A shuttle runs between the waterfall and visitor center before 2:45 pm if you don't want to walk the 2 miles round trip. The trail is paved and relatively flat, so it's perfect for people of all ages, even kids and older folks. There is no water on the waterfall, and nobody says nothing on the admission. This depends on many different factors. Waimano Falls is another great option if the waterfall is flowing. Still known as the popular Waimea Falls Park, this Oahu waterfall and the surrounding tropical grounds are now run by the stewards of Waimea Valley Hi'ipaka. Would not be going back. Then, cool off with a refreshing dip in the water. Dont waste or time or money, Would recommend another waterfall trail, this one is definitely a tourist trap. After spending some time at Waimea Falls, head back the way you came for an easy and enjoyable hike. Its the most place to watch the sun go down over the sublime Pacific Ocean. Especially if you like the idea of swimming in natural waterfalls in a relatively safe and comfortable environment, then Waimea Falls might be for you! Discover Waimea Valley's rich history, visit Kauhale our traditional Hawaiian living site, learn about Hawaiian agriculture, and more. What's the best way to see Waimea Waterfall? There is a changing area just beside the falls so no need to change before the hike. Well maintained. The 45-foot (13-meter) waterfall offers photo opportunities and the chance to cool off. We had a lovely commentary from our driver as well. The trail from the ticket office to Waimea Falls with their swimming area is about 3/4 mile long and is considered one of the best hikes in Oahu. A visit to Waimea Falls is very much a cultural experience if you take the time to relax and enjoy the surrounds. We got there around opening time (9:00 am) in February of 2022 and we were one of the first few people there. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Waimea Waterfall: Full-Day Oahu Tour by Bus (From $169.00) Private Circle Island Tour with Sunset & Free Photo Session by a Photographer (From $299.48) Private North Shore Tour with Free Photo Session by a photographer (From $249.48) They offered changing rooms but it was a hut that simply covered your head to a little below your knees, but anyone passing by could see the type of underwear your were putting on. The trail takes 25 minutes to an hour to complete and can technically not be called a hike due to the paths slight slopes, so you will certainly not get a great workout, although that might be great if you are looking for a leisurely walk. The trail is well-marked and only takes about 20-30 minutes to get to the waterfall. There are a couple different ways for you to walk, so you can choose . It's a must see place for anyone visiting Hawaii. The price was still high I thought considering this. Take exit 8 from I-H-2 N, then take HI-99 N and HI-83 E to Waimea Valley Road. This is one of the best hikes on the North Shore of Oahu and its perfect for all skill levels. Sharks Cove is one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu, so make sure to check it out while youre in the area. I have seen many disappointed tourists (including myself) state that the waterfall wasnt flowing heavily when they got there. The flowers and nature walk is nice. Description. It was a beautiful walk nonetheless. Peacock Flats and Three Corners via Mokuleia Trail and Mokuleia Access Road, Turtle Bay and Kuilima Golf Course Trails, Puaena Point to Papailoa "Police" Beach [PRIVATE PROPERTY], https://fareharbor.com/waimeavalley/items/7943/. #2 Manoa Falls Manoa Falls is not only the closest falls from Waikiki, but also one of the most stunning Oahu Waterfalls worth visiting on the island! its a short paved walk for about 20-30 minutes depends on how fast you walk. Its not very common, but it is something to be aware of before swimming in any waterfall or river on the island. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the Waimea Falls (also known as the Wailele Waterfall), which is anchored at the end of the trail. We were a little disappointed at the little things like garden hoses left out across a side path. You can hike along the narrow stream that feeds the falls. I do also see that they have a couple of lifeguards on duty in case anything happens. Delivered as promised except website awful. Check out our many venues here at Waimea! This is one of our favorite hikes on Oahu. Enjoy! Just FYI, so you dont have a poor experience like we did. The trail is paved all the way and also wheelchair accessible. To access it, you'll need to hop a small roadside barrier. Due to the wet conditions in the botanical garden, wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots or pack a pair of water shoes for the slippery waterfall area, including swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim in the beautiful waterfall pool. Manoa Falls are located within a short drive or bus ride from Waikiki and they are a great option if youre short on time. Waimea Waterfall on the island of Oahu offers hikers the unique opportunity to discover Hawaiis spectacular fauna and learn more about the countrys fascinating heritage and their traditional way of life amid a tropical paradise conserved for future generations. The 3.5-mile hike, which is mostly along flat, paved ground, is well worth doing as the path meanders through the magnificent gardens and historical sites. Just and advise that is not alowed to swin, but, actually there is no water.. Easy walk for my you see children and my older parents. 9/3/2022-We decided to try the moon walk thats scheduled monthly from May to October this year which allows people to walk through the park at night. The drive was perfect with little to no traffic as we drove along the beach and plantations. No water (no info until we visited, we called), turned back but there is something about the ambience that felt great. While the botanical garden showcases native plant species, it also features exotic plants imported from across the globe. waimea valley and waterfalls hike in oahu hawaii#waimea valley and waterfalls#waimea falls also known as wailele falls#most accessible falls in oahu#waimea v. Want to report conditions for this trail? The Waimea Falls Hike to the waterfall is one of the easiest hikes to do in Oahu and one of the best waterfall hikes on the island. Open now Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, Bodies of Water Nature & Wildlife Areas, Waimea Waterfall (Oahu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. So dont go here if you want to see a waterfall! once we got to the waterfall omg what a beautiful site. It is located within Waimea Valley, which is a unique Hawaiian botanical garden within a significant cultural and archaeological site. We thought it was worth it, kids didnt want to leave. Private Customizable Grand Circle Island Tour of Oahu, Origamitours | Oahu Customizable Luxury Anywhere Anytime Tour, Full-Day Private Pearl Harbor and North Shore tours up to 6 (Se habla Espaol), Grand Circle Island Tour Plus Hike & Swim At Waimea Waterfalls, Private Hawaii Pearl Harbor Tours and North Shore (up to 12 people ), Private Customizable Grand Circle Island Tour on Oahu. I think I am 10/10 swimmer so I was a little disappointed they didnt let me risk my own life. The trail is well-marked and only takes about 20-30 minutes to get to the waterfall. 4) Hike some of the Best Trails on the North Shore. Manage Settings ), paved, family-friendly hiking trail ends at Waimea Falls. There are not nearly enough ropes to assist. The 1.5 mile hike took well over 2 hours each way due to the insanely slippery mud and countless slip and falls. History of Waimea Valley Our favorite intermediate hike here was the Ehukai Pillbox Hike. Where is the Red Dirt waterfall in Waimea Canyon ? Could spend about a half a day here walking through the botanical gardens and jumping into the waterfall but dont think it was worth it other waterfalls you can do around here for free and that are for more adventurous people. A couple of travel dreamers who fell in love with Hawaii and want to share the beauty of the Islands! We recommend booking Waimea Waterfall tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Koko Crater Trail. It is a great way to make the most of your excursion, including the entrance fee. The place itself is so vast and beautiful that we ended up spending several hours walking around. Waimea Falls is a leisurely hike through a tropical valley, which ends at a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. There are numerous side trails that meander through the botanical gardens, representing various tropical islands. Group Rate: $16.00 (per person for groups of 10+), Duration of Hike: 45 minutes to 1 hour round trip, Highlights of the Trail: Waimea Falls and Botanical Gardens. We enjoy nature, the ocean, mountains, adventure, and all things outdoors. The trail is paved and easy to navigate, perfect for all ages and fitness levels. The Waimea Waterfall, commonly known as the Waihi Falls, is in Oahus picturesque Waimea Valley in Hawaii, a fascinating archaeological site steeped in history. You can take a stroller all the way to the water fall too. Please note that swimming conditions might change based on the weather, so check out the Waimea Valley Website for updates. While you will have to pay an entrance fee for the botanical gardens upkeep, its a great outing if you plan to spend a few hours exploring the magnificent garden or swim in the crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Choose between two amazing options: Activity Option #1: Paddleboard or Kayak in Haleiwa on the North Shore with all equipment included. Yes, the falls are now open at the writing of this post. Tourist trap. Be sure to check the Waimea Valley website for any updates on closings. Relaxing nature hike/walk at Waimea Valley in Oahu, Hawaii USA. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Please be respectful and enjoy! The paved trail is about 1 mile long that leads to the beautiful Waimea Falls. This video c. There are many things to do there such as taking a short hike to the waterfall, swimming, picnicking and more! If you're on our Shaka Guide Circle Island Driving tour, we'll guide you to Waimea Valley! Choose between two amazing options: Activity Option #1: Paddleboard or Kayak in Haleiwa on the North Shore with all equipment included. Very well organized with mandatory life jackets available and a team of staff explaining how to stay safe. Please visit theWaimea Valley websitedirectly for updated pricing. Parking is free although there is one beach parking lot that has a fee if you choose to park there. Just a waste of money & time (this was in late August). Make sure to bring your camera so that you can capture all of these beautiful memories with your friends and family. With that being said, one of the employees working around the waterfall said they havent heard of any cases of leptospirosis reported from this location. How Much Does it Cost to Visit Waimea Valley? The red dirt waterfall in Waimea Canyon is a wonderful place to step out and stretch your legs. Waimea Canyon State Park Length: 5.0 mi Est. The hike starts at the Waimea Valley entrance and follows along the Waimea River. buying tickets online was also super easy to navigate. Activity Option #2: Enjoy a guided hike to one of the region's most beautiful waterfalls, Waimea, and feel immersed in the gorgeous greenery that surrounds you. Oahu, Diamond Head State Monument, start of hiking trial to the top of Diamond Head Crater, an extinct volcano. Paying the general admission $25 and kama'aina/military $10 is not worth it for the 45ft falls and crowd. There is so much to see on this trail, so its definitely not a boring hike. Alternatively, enjoy Oahus finest snorkeling spot at Sharks Cove, and stop along the way to buy snacks for an impromptu picnic with spectacular views of the ocean. Mahalo for reading our post. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. To get to the falls, you must take a nice nature walk through beautiful gardens. To avoid this letdown, keep in mind that waterfalls are greatly affected by the weather. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. SO Much Harder that the reviews make it out to be! There's a fee to access the gardens and waterfall if you're not signed up for the lua, FYI. The Waimea Falls Hike is a popular hiking trail that refers to the paved trail that goes through the Waimea Valley nature park. You will be asked to wear a life vest if you wish to swim in the falls. Filled with lush tropical plants and a waterfall, Waimea Valley is a secluded valley turned botanical garden and cultural hub. It's an excellent hike for all ages and is mostly shaded, making it a perfect choice on a hot day. I never take pictures of plants but these were so special that I took a ton of photos. Friendly lifeguards are on duty . Waimea Falls More of a nature walk, the Waimea Valley Trail is a quick hike to a beautiful waterfall on the North Shore of Oahu. The waterfall itself was pretty but I think it depends on the time of year since I have heard that some months, the water is barely a trickle. as we were walking to the water fall we saw some workers cut down some bananas and let us try some. Swim at the Waimea Valley waterfall pool - Swimming at the waterfall pool is allowed and there are lifeguards on duty to watch over you. Until next time, aloha and happy exploring in the Waimea Valley! Waimea Valley is a destination on its own as a park with tons of plant life and botanical gardens to wander through. We learned that there was a movie being filmed at the time of our visit, but we couldn't tell. If you have kids or are just looking for a fun place to go, the Dole Plantation is a great option. Everyone can enjoy this destination provided that they're able-bodied enough to take the hike. Here you will be greeted with spectacular views of the palm-lined beachfront with luxury hotels dotted along the way. We mainly use theMoovit appfor bus schedule information while on the island. Explore different ways to experience this place. They make all swimmers use swim vests. Life jackets of all sizes are offered free of charge. The highlight for us was the walk to the falls since there are beautiful plants and flowers all along the way. Thirty minutes later, there were more people in the pool and by the time we hiked back down (around 10:30 am), we saw many people hiking up to the waterfall. Experience Hawaiis Living Culture in Waimea Valley, deeply rooted in authentic Hawaiian History, Culture, Spirituality and Tradition. . You will require to wear a safety vest if you want to swim in the fall. Photo Adventure of The North Shore, Hawaii, Private Circle Island Tour with Sunset & Free Photo Session by a Photographer, Private North Shore Tour with Free Photo Session by a photographer, Grand Circle Island Experience from Waikiki Oahu, Private North Shore Tour with Sunset & Free Photo Session by a Photographer, 8-Hour Luxury Four Door Convertible Tour of Oahu's South and North Shores, Private Circle Island Tour with Sunrise & Free Photo Session by a Photographer. 3) Visit some of the Best Beaches on the North Shore. Elevation Gain: 200ft/ 640m. You can swim in Waimea Falls depending on the conditions of the water, but swimming is not permitted at Manoa Falls. We arrived yesterday (Aug 12) at Waimea Falls about 2pm and were told the falls were closed due to an accident. Amenities to change into bathing suits and rent. If you are coming from Waikiki, the drive should take about 1 hour. Note that the below breakdown is only for general admission. The water feels incredible, and you can even take a dip in the pool below! Yes theres a golf cart. Amazing little hidden gem! They have a placard that cautions people about risk of leptospirosis but there is a rinse area and changing room anyone can use. This trail is extremely popular so if being in crowds and being more governed than the Soviet Union is your thing, go here! The experience was interesting: night was cloudy with a half moon showing but you could still see the ground/some of the surrounding area without a flashlight. Do not attempt to swim in the waterfall if you have any open wounds or cuts. The Waimea Valley waterfalls are located on the North Shore, and it's a part of the kind of commercial Waimea Valley nature park. Hotels near Oahu Circle Island Snorkeling & Tours, Hotels near University of Hawaii at Manoa, Allswell Communities Holiday Parks - parent brand in Oahu, Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Tickets & Tours, UNDER WATER MUSEUM CANCUN Snorkel in Punta Nizuc - Experience with Ticket, Bio Bay Night Kayaking | Laguna Grande, Fajardo, Fort Lauderdale 007 Millionaire Jet Ski Adventure and Exploration + Ocean Action, Boat Trip to Symi Island with swimming stop at St George Bay, New Orleans VIP Jazz Experience: Social Distancing Series, See all 20 Waimea Waterfall tours on Tripadvisor, See all Waimea Waterfall experiences on Tripadvisor, Beautiful Private Cottage/Home on 1.5 Acres of a lush, gated property. Please note that life jackets are a requirement before swimming in the falls. Lanikai Pillbox Hike. They provide the life jacket. 2. The hike to Waimea Waterfall is 3.5 miles long which takes up to an hour to complete. However, the family-friendly paved trail is primarily flat with limited slopes; thus, it cannot be considered a strenuous hike. The hiking trail is actually a wide asphalt road so falling or twisting your ankle on a stray tree root or loose rock will be the least of your worries. Your destination is the waterfalls! I wouldnt call this a trail. If youre looking for some delicious food, check out the best food trucks on the north shore. Very nice for afternoon stroll. Great rest stops along the way as well. Waimea Valley's biggest draw is Waimea Falls, a 45-foot high wailele (waterfall) located at the end of the beautiful paved trail. The time it takes to get there will vary depending on your starting point. Have you ever been to the Waimea Valley and Falls? Explore the most popular trails in my list Waimea Valley Falls with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. There are so many things to do in the area, but here are some of our favorite things to do while on the north shore of Oahu: If youre looking for some more adventure while in the area, check out Waimea Bay Rock for some cliff jumping. Most importantly, cover yourself with sunscreen and wear a cap as the shady botanical garden will not provide adequate protection on sunny days, especially if you spend countless hours in the nature reserve. It was peaceful wherever we went. **Professionally Sanitized** Pupukea Home on 1 Acre w/Mountain + Ocean Views! Guests can combine this with Manoa Falls and shopping in Haleiwa Town on Your . Whoever thought of making the life jackets required should be fired. The hike was great, beautiful scenery along the way and all paved. 6 year old enjoyed it very much.