Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley is located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii on the North Shore. It is one of the best place for plant lovers to visit on Oahu.

Waimea Valley Audubon Center is located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii on the North Shore. It is one of the best place for plant lovers to visit on Oahu, competing with Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden as the top spot. You may also see many different species of native and introduced birds at Waimea Valley. Including: Auku'u (The Black crowned Night-heron.), 'Alae 'Ula (common Moorhen) and Pikake (Common Peafowl.). While visiting Waimea Valley take the time to explore the upper trails. You will find many different areas planted with tropical vegetation, that you would otherwise miss by going along the main trail to the waterfall.

Of course the best part of Waimea Valley is its natural beauty and the Waihi Falls (Hawaiian for 'trickling falls') swimming is allowed in the pond that forms at the base of the falls. So bring your bathing suit.

After visiting Waimea Valley, why not head over to Waimea Bay for some beach time?

Waihi Falls @ Waimea Valley

Directions:

From the historic town of Haleiwa travel about 3.5 miles on Kam Highway.

Torch Ginger

Water Lily

Hibiscus

Firecracker Flowers

Waimea Valley Audubon

From the Waimea Valley Audubon center brochure , "For Plant Lovers - The world-class botanical collections at Waimea feature 35 distinct gardens representing flora from different parts of the world and different groups of plants. Stroll through the Hawaiian collection, just beyond the Visitor Center and enjoy an assortment of plants found only in Hawaii, many of them very rare."

Other botanical gardens on Oahu

Need to Know:

Cost : $8.00 General, $5.00 Kama'aina, Seniors, Military, and Children 4-12. (not current)
Open: Daily, 9:30 am to 5 pm. Closed Christmas and New Year's Day (not current)

It cost $2.00 to park charged at the entrance to the park. There is a nature store located before the entrance to the park. You may buy insect repellent here if you forgot to bring some. There is a main trail that leads directly to falls and is about 3/4 miles long. But there is a lower trails that follows the river and an upper trails that can lead you to some interesting flora. Take some time to explorer these upper trails! A bring water and good walking shoes. Insect repellent is recommend along with long pants.

Note: There are amble restrooms and drink water stations along the trails.