Waimea Botanical Garden — Attraction in Oʻahu

Please read all the way before you judge anything.

We visit every year and stay in Ko' Olina, in-laws have been living here on and off for over 20 years. They have seen the change in the economy, culture, etc. All in all, we try our best not to get caught into the entrapment of "tourist bs." Trust it is a thing! We live in a very populated state with waterfalls, nature, and unbelievable beauty. So we thought, hey, what the heck, let's give it a go. The reviews look promising, the pictures definitely look amazing. We gave in! :/ WRONG MOVE! Let's give you a big picture so you can understand where we are coming from.

It is located in the North Shore. The best surfing in the world! You cannot pass on the left side going into North Shore without seeing surfers, spectators, photographers, etc. Guess what??? It is FREE99!

Parking is free. As soon as you pull in, it looks like you are coming into the set of Jurassic Park. It is stunning. There is another botanical garden and you drive through and it is completely free. The beauty is just stunning. Nature, flowers, mountains, all breathtaking in Hawaii in general and you don't have to pay for it. Why would you?! It is everywhere!!! (It is called Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden) SOOOO WORTH IT!

Upon parking and walking to the entrance, nature is just beautiful. You got a gift shop, a "food hall" sometimes, if you're lucky, you can catch a Tahitian dance! Everything you walk up to, you have to pay for, you are not discounted because you got a ticket to walk-through or anything along those lines. (Promise it will make sense)

You walk up to the counter to walk about 3/4 of a mile to this "glorious, insane, beautiful" waterfall, where you can swim in it and such. $25/pp (adults) for entry and there is a shuttle than can take you up as well, if you'd like. Doesn't matter why you choose to, you just can. $10 ONE WAY/PP for about a 5.5 minute ride and no information about the garden, just complete silence on the way up. As a tourist or non-native, I want to know what the deal is. I came to learn!

So upon our 5 or so minute trek up the hill, not really seeing anything that we can't see driving around the island, we reach the bridge that takes us to this amazing waterfall that pictures show, people are raving about about, etc. NO NO NO!!!!! This was an absolute joke! It literally looked like a group of toddlers were standing up at the top of this rock (maybe about 75 ft up) peeing at the same time. They forgot to turn the faucet on! It was such a waste of time and money. We stayed a total of maybe 40 minutes. Grabbed a life jacket got in this icy cold water, with a rude lifeguard yelling at people to make sure the life jacket is on before entering the water. he couldn't have been older than 22 or so. That may be pushing it.

All in all, huge disappointment! We are at $90, 1000% dissatisfaction. Please do yourself a favor, DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!! This is, like a said above, a tourist trap. There's honestly nothing special about it. Stay in your car and go to the one in Honolulu, that is listed above.

If you would like to see the waterfalls, that are free, that you can walk and actually see. I am putting them...

Beautiful and inviting flora, fauna, pathways and scenery. Established in 1972, this beautiful botanical garden is a must-see, offering a blend of lush tropical flora and significant Hawaiian cultural sites.

As you wander along the shaded paths under towering banyan trees, you’ll be greeted by vibrant orchids and a diverse collection of tropical plants. This garden showcases the incredible plant life of Hawaii and beyond, making every step a visual delight.

One of Waimea Valley’s highlights is its majestic waterfall. Cascading with a powerful roar, it offers a serene spot to pause and admire the natural beauty. You can even take a refreshing swim in the pool at its base, perfect for cooling off on a warm day.

The valley is also steeped in Hawaiian culture. Explore ancient heiau (sacred temples) and altars that offer a glimpse into the spiritual traditions of Hawaii’s early inhabitants. Traditional hale (houses) display ancient crafts and customs, giving insight into the daily lives of the Hawaiian people.

For those eager to learn, the educational trails throughout the garden provide fascinating insights into the area's botanical wonders and ecological significance. Informative signs and guided tours help you understand the unique characteristics of the plants and their importance in the ecosystem.

Waimea Valley is more than just a garden; it’s a living museum where history and nature converge. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Waimea Valley offers an enriching experience that captures the essence of Hawaii’s natural and cultural splendor.

Plan your visit to Waimea Valley and immerse yourself in the serene beauty and profound history that this extraordinary destination...

The most incredible natural beauty! Literally every step along the way there were flowers, birds and lizards, oh my! A magical place with friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff who seemed to delight in sharing the history and lore of this magical place. We only had a few hours to enjoy it and we could easily have stayed the whole day. I would recommend taking at least 4-5 hours or as long as your itinerary will allow, if you want the chance to really delve into the history displays and such as well as take time to amble through the paths.

The waterfall is not only beautiful, and a perfect spot for pictures, but it is yet another spot with funny and entertaining staff who are happy to share tips and advice on what is interesting to see in the area. Life vests are required for all swimmers entering the water, and they are included with admission to the park. We are from a cooler climate and even though the path is a very easy paved route with only slight elevation changes, we were feeling toasty just from the warm weather and so happy to cool off in the water. It felt chilly at first touch but was a comfortable temperature for swimming. The overall vibe was very happy and friendly all around with the fellow swimmers. We were regaled with a story of the native hawaiian lore by one of the local hawaiian educators there that tells of this entire valley being a place with great healing energy, and while that isn't in our wheelhouse, it did feel like everyone was happy and full of joy. There was a marriage proposal and the whole crowd cheered for the happy couple. Truly, a beautiful feeling was...