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The sun sparkles between openings in the dense trees. The sky is a vibrant blue. Small cloud puffs float lazily across the sky. The vibrant green, Waimea Valley, rises up on all sides.
We set out on the main path, our first goal, visit Waimea Valley’s most touristic feature, the waterfall.
Reading reviews pre-trip, I am torn about visiting Waimea Valley. It’s a top tourist activity on the island of Oahu. It’s visited by North Shore day-trippers like us, and is a must-stop for bus tours. Many reviews flag it as a skip. The top complaints are that it is crowded and underwhelming, still, I’m Obligatory Traveler, and this is an obligatory, Hawaii, attraction.
Swimming under a waterfall is on many a bucket-list. Though we aren’t opposed to swimming under a waterfall, this doesn’t feel like the day to check this off our list. We are always enthused to view a waterfall, so the moment we enter Waimea Valley, we speed walk along the main path, until we reach the waterfall area. The plan, get to the waterfall as early as possible, before the tour busses arrive.
The Waterfall
It’s our first full day in Hawaii. We learn that Hawaii is suffering a drought. The drought is impacting waterfalls across the Islands. During our trip the falls are still flowing, but are a bit anemic.
If you are here to swim in the waterfall, Waimea Valley offers a well-organized, experience. Restrooms and changing rooms are located in this area. If you didn’t prepare, but decide at the last minute, you’d like to take a waterfall dip, there is a shop that sells swimsuits and water shoes.
Even if you are an Olympic level swimmer, Waimea Valley’s rule is that swimmers must wear lifejackets. There is a stand, with a multitude of lifejackets to borrow.
There is also a lifeguard on duty.
Arriving at the waterfall, it is clear most visitors at Waimea Valley, are here for the water.
It’s early morning, so the amount of people is manageable. It is still possible to get into the water and float around in people-free areas. Everyone is smiling. It looks like they are having fun.
There is a large seating area, for non-swimmers. We lounge here, people-watch, and observe the waterfall.
If your bucket list dream, is to swim in the waterfall at Waimea Valley, go for it, just manage
expectations. Issues like falling rocks, strong storms, or flooding, can make swimming too dangerous. The swimming area can close for the day.
The waterfall is on the smaller side. Like our visit, if there is a drought, the amount of water can be medium to minimal. I’ve seen pictures, where there is no water at all.
Main Walking Path
The main path in Waimea Valley is paved, well-maintained, and easy to traverse.
The width is enough to handle the masses, as they meander the shady lane, lined with interesting trees, plants, and lovely tropical flowers.
It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk from the entrance, to the waterfall. On a time-line, most visitors hustle down the path to the waterfall, have their swim, and then hustle the 30 minutes back to the entrance/exit.
If you aren’t on a strict schedule, there are other things to explore in this nature and cultural conservation area.
Side Walking Paths and Other Activities
Though most known for a waterfall, Waimea Valley is also an impressive botanical gardens.
Off of the main path, smaller paths wind through lush forest. This is our favorite part of this tourist attraction. We have most paths to ourselves. They are calm, quiet, and provide moments of contemplation.
There are several cultural sites along the paths that teach visitors about ancient, Hawaiian history. You can also encounter a local artisan area.
To experience Waimea Valley, without the walking, the site offers a guided tour that travels using an electric cart.
Food
Did you even visit Hawaii if you didn’t attend a Luau? Chances to participate in a luau, in Hawaii, are plentiful. If you plan on spending an entire day at Waimea Valley, their Toa Luau, offers a lunchtime luau or a dinnertime luau. Compared to some of the massive, flashy, luaus, Toa is small. Per visitor reviews, it is more personal, cultural focused, and authentic.
Waimea Valley has a coffee shop, two snack bars (one at the entrance and one at the waterfall), and a restaurant. With only one day to explore the North Shore, we have our heart set on eating lunch at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, but having a bite in the Valley, looked like a nice, relaxing, activity.
Conclusion
In reviews, visitors felt Waimea Valley is a skip. People thought it is crowded and touristy. I think this is the case if your only goal is to swim in a waterfall. The waterfall area is congested. In the other nature conservation areas, visitors are nicely dispersed. We greatly enjoyed strolling the main path, and roaming the side paths. Though the waterfall, wasn’t as spectacular as others we view in Hawaii, the gardens and nature, are delightful, and for us, Waimea Valley, is time, well spent.
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