A botanical garden and Hawaiian cultural site on Oʻahu's North Shore, with a paved ¾-mile path to Waimea Falls. Swimming at the falls depends on the weather and is decided by lifeguards each morning, with life jackets required. Open 9 am to 4 pm, closed Mondays through November 2026 and open every day Dec 1 to 30 2026.
Know before you go. Waimea Valley doesn't list sensory hours, a quiet room or sensory kits. Here's what it does say about the walk, the waterfall, the crowds and the rules.
Hours
Through November 2026: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm; closed Mondays. Dec 1 to 30 2026: open every day, 9 am to 4 pm. Hours vary seasonally. Thanksgiving Eve (Wed Nov 25 2026), Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve: 9 am to 3 pm; closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; holiday hours may vary. The gift shop is open Tuesday to Sunday until 5 pm. The waterfall shuttle starts at 9:45 am, and shuttle ticket sales end at 2 pm, so buy before 2 pm.
59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleʻiwa, HI 96712 (across from Waimea Bay Beach Park)
“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.” waimeavalley.net (Plan Your Visit to Waimea Valley in 2026)
“The waterfall is approximately ¾ mile from the entrance along a paved and accessible pathway. Most guests reach the waterfall within 20–30 minutes at a relaxed walking pace.”
“Resting areas are located throughout the Valley to help guests enjoy a comfortable and relaxed walking experience.”
“Most trails are paved, but some have gravel or stairs. They can be slippery after rain.” waimeavalley.net (Trails)
“Waimea Valley may temporarily close certain areas, including the waterfall or trails, due to heavy rain, high water flow, or safety conditions.”
“Cell service is limited in the Valley, but Wi-Fi is available with no password required.” waimeavalley.net (Amenities)
Pick one goal for the day: the waterfall at the end of the paved main path. Use the restrooms by the Visitor Center snack shop before the ticket booth, then turn around at any bench if the walk gets long. The shuttle back is there for tired legs, and the side trails can wait for another visit.
Swimming is the part most likely to change at the last minute, because it depends on rain and water flow and is set each morning. Telling your kid ahead of time that the falls may be closed to swimming, and what you'll do instead, can make a closed day much easier.
The waterfall is about ¾ mile from the entrance on a paved, accessible path; most people walk it in 20 to 30 minutes. A shuttle runs from Hale Hōʻike to the waterfall for $10 one way per person ($20 round trip), from 9:45 am, with ticket sales ending at 2 pm, so buy before 2 pm.
Swimming is weather-dependent and decided each day by lifeguards at 9 am; call (808) 638-7766 for the status. Swimmers check in with the lifeguard first, and life jackets are required for every swimmer (free, in all sizes). Lockers near the waterfall are $10 or $15 with no time limit, and two private changing stalls are free.
General admission is $26 adults, $20 seniors 62 and up and students with ID, $18 children 4 to 12. Kamaʻāina and military: $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $6 children 4 to 12, with a valid ID shown at admission. A full refund needs at least 24 hours' notice; no-shows pay full price.
Free and half-price days (kamaʻāina and military, with proof of Hawaiʻi residency or military ID): Keiki Wednesdays every Wednesday, free admission for kamaʻāina and U.S. military keiki under 12 (the valley's Keiki Wednesdays page says under 12; its events page says 12 and under, so ask if your kid is 12); Lā ʻOhana every 3rd Sunday, 50% off the kamaʻāina rate. With a valid State ID at the ticket booth, kamaʻāina get free admission on King Kalākaua's Birthday (Sun Nov 15 2026) and Lā Kūʻokoʻa (Sat Nov 28 2026), and 50% off on Prince Lot Kapuāiwa's Birthday (Fri Dec 11 2026) and Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop's Birthday (Sat Dec 19 2026). Toa Lūʻau tickets include admission. A group rate is $22 per adult (10 adults; $8 kamaʻāina and military). Pricing is subject to change without notice.
Memberships for kamaʻāina and military: Family Annual Pass $100 (2 adults and up to 6 children under 18), Individual Annual Pass $50, Individual Lifetime Pass $1,000, with a Black Friday Lifetime Pass for $300 on Fri Nov 27 2026 only.
Parking: $2 for 1 hour, $5 flat rate for up to 4 hours, free after 5 pm. Kamaʻāina (Hawaiʻi residents) park free after registration. The lots are for Waimea Valley guests only; beach parking isn't allowed and violators are towed. Parking may be limited during peak seasons, holidays and special events, so the valley suggests arriving early. From Waikīkī it's about 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
Quieter times: the valley suggests arriving before 11 am for a quieter visit; it can get more crowded after 12 pm, especially in busy travel periods, on weekends and on holidays.
Closures: the valley may temporarily close the waterfall or trails for heavy rain, high water flow or safety conditions, and refunds are issued if the valley cancels for weather or safety. Swimming may also close for strong currents, water quality, drought or lightning.
Food: outside food and coolers are welcome; alcohol isn't allowed in the Valley. Snack bars (Wahi ʻĀina, Hale Kope coffee house, and Wailele by the waterfall) are open Tuesday to Sunday, though dining availability may vary by day and season, and water refill stations are throughout the valley.
Shuttle and mobility: collapsible strollers can ride the shuttle if there's room; collapsible wheelchairs can't go on the shuttle, but wheelchairs are available at the waterfall to use. Paved trails are wheelchair accessible, and some outdoor paths have natural terrain and uneven surfaces.
Tours and hula: a 45-minute botanical walking tour, included with admission, leaves from the ticket booth daily at 12:30 pm. Kaʻaha Hula I Waimea performances are at the Amphitheater at 11 am and 1 pm on Wed Nov 18, Sat Nov 21, Sat Nov 28, Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6, Sat Dec 12, Wed Dec 16, Sat Dec 19 and Sun Dec 20 2026. Kaʻapuni o Waimea is a self-guided cultural walk, included with admission, that starts with check-in at the red table at Hale Hōʻike and ends with a free pin.
Rules: no pets (ADA service animals on a leash are welcome, and can ride the shuttle), no drones, no smoking or vaping inside the valley (a smoking area is outside the visitor center), and stay on marked paths.
