Right now
Right now as of Oct 27, 2026
- Permit Ticket required ($26 adult admission).
Status note (Oct 27, 2026): Open Tue to Sun 9am to 4pm; closed Mondays through November (Waimea Valley, as listed Oct 2026). Swimming depends on each day's 9am lifeguard call. What the status labels mean
Waimea Falls is a 40-foot waterfall in Waimea Valley on Oahu's North Shore, near Haleiwa. You reach it on a paved, accessible path about 3/4 mile each way, and admission is required: $26 for adults in 2026. In October and November 2026, the valley is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm. Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards approve it, everyone in the water must wear a life jacket, and diving is banned.
About Waimea Falls
Waimea Falls, also called Waihī Falls, drops about 40 feet into a pool at the end of the garden path in Waimea Valley. The valley sits across Kamehameha Highway from Waimea Bay Beach Park.
Hi'ipaka LLC, a non-profit created by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, runs the valley. Wikipedia says it has managed Waimea Valley since 2008, and that the botanical garden holds 35 collections of about 5,000 taxa.
Waimea Falls is a ticketed attraction, and lifeguards decide each day whether the pool is open for swimming. For a free trail hike on the same island, see Mānoa Falls in Honolulu.
Visiting more than one island? On Hawaii Island, Rainbow Falls in Hilo is an 80-foot falls seen from a viewing area a short walk from its parking lot.
Toa Lūʻau in the valley
Toa Lūʻau operates inside Waimea Valley, and its site says every luau package includes valley admission. On Mondays when the valley is closed, the luau still runs, with gates opening at 4:30pm.
Getting there and parking
Waimea Valley is at 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, across from Waimea Bay Beach Park. TheBus routes 52 and 60 stop at the entrance.
Coming by bus from Waikīkī, the valley says to take route 20, 23 or 60, then transfer to route 52 or 60.
The on-site lot is for valley guests only, and beach-goers who park there are towed. Non-residents pay $2 for the first hour or $5 flat for up to 4 hours. Parking is free after 5pm, and Hawaii residents park free after registering.
Hours change with the season. In October and November 2026, the valley is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm, and closed Mondays. From December 1 to 30, it's open daily from 9am to 4pm.
Summer hours (May 25 to September 7) were 9am to 5pm daily. The valley is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. On Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, it's open 9am to 3pm.
We found no reservation requirement on the valley's site for general admission. Tickets are listed on the official admission page.
Map and nearby falls
Map loads as you scroll. Open in OpenStreetMap
OpenPartly open / seasonalUnconfirmedClosedLarger map
The hike
The path to Waimea Falls is paved and accessible, about 3/4 mile each way from the entrance. It winds through the valley's botanical gardens. The valley's FAQ estimates 20 to 30 minutes each way.
Most guests spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the valley, according to the official FAQ. That leaves time for the gardens and, if the pool is open, a swim.
Shuttle option
If you'd rather ride, a shuttle to the falls costs $10 one way or $20 round trip per person.
Wheelchairs are available at the waterfall, but collapsible wheelchairs can't go on the shuttle. Pets aren't allowed. Only ADA service animals on a leash may enter.
When to visit
The valley is open year-round on seasonal hours. Lifeguards make the swim call at 9:00am each day. Call (808) 638-7766 to hear that day's status before you drive out.
Swimming closes for heavy rain, strong currents, water quality concerns, drought or lightning. So both a rainy spell and a dry spell can close the pool.
If swimming is the main reason for your trip, call after the 9am swim call so you know before you leave. We found no official guidance on crowd timing.
Older articles list lower admission prices, so use the official admission page for current rates.
| Height | 40 ftNote: about 40 ft, per Waimea Valley |
|---|---|
| Trail | About 3/4 mi each way (1.5 mi round trip) on a paved, accessible garden path |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Time needed | 20-30 minutes each way (Waimea Valley) |
| Entry fee | Admission (2026): adult $26, senior 62+ $20, student $20, child 4-12 $18. Kamaaina/military adult $10. |
| Permit / reservation | Admission ticket required (Waimea Valley) |
| Parking | On-site lot; non-residents $2 first hour or $5 up to 4 hours |
| Hours / season | Oct-Nov 2026: Tue-Sun 9am-4pm (closed Mon); Dec 1-30, 2026: daily 9am-4pm; summer 2026 (May 25-Sep 7) was daily 9am-5pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. |
| Dogs | No pets; ADA service animals only, on a leash |
| Swimming | Only when lifeguards approve (daily call at 9am); life jackets required and provided free; no diving or climbing on waterfall rocks |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Paved, accessible path; wheelchairs available at the waterfall (collapsible wheelchairs not allowed on the shuttle) |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Managed by | Waimea Valley (Hi'ipaka LLC, a non-profit created by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs) |
Safety and swimming
Swim only when lifeguards say conditions are safe, and check in with the lifeguard before you get in. Life jackets are required for all swimmers, and the valley provides them free of charge.
Cliff jumping and diving
The valley's posted rules ban diving and climbing on the waterfall rocks. They don't mention jumping by name. Don't jump.
Soaps and oils aren't allowed in the water.
Leptospirosis and water quality
Even with lifeguards on duty, the pool at Waimea Falls is fresh water. The Hawaii Department of Health's general advice is not to swim or wade in Hawaii's freshwater streams and ponds, especially with cuts or open sores, because of leptospirosis.
The valley lists water quality concerns as one reason it closes swimming. We found no published details on how or how often it checks the water. Decide with that in mind.
DLNR's older Na Ala Hele hiking-safety sheet notes that rain on the ridges can raise a stream suddenly, even when it looks dry where you are. If lifeguards close swimming, stay out of the water.
Conditions change: confirm with Waimea Valley before you go. Our waterfall safety guide has more tips.
Where to stay near Waimea Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Haleiwa.
See places to stay nearbyAffiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Partners do not see or change our waterfall facts. Disclosure.
Photos
-104A4155.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
Waimea Falls FAQ
How much does it cost to visit Waimea Falls?
In 2026, general admission is $26 per adult, $20 for seniors 62+ and students, and $18 for children 4-12. Hawaii residents and military pay $10 per adult with ID. The shuttle to the falls is $10 one way or $20 round trip.
Do you need a reservation for Waimea Falls?
Not that we found. Waimea Valley's site lists no reservation requirement for general admission. Check the official admission page for current tickets and hours before you go.
Can you swim at Waimea Falls?
Yes, when lifeguards approve it. They decide at 9am each day based on conditions. Life jackets are required and provided free. Call (808) 638-7766 for that day's swim status.
Can you cliff jump at Waimea Falls?
Don't. The valley's posted rules ban diving and climbing on the waterfall rocks. They don't mention jumping by name.
Does Waimea Falls have leptospirosis?
No test results are published that we could find. Waimea Valley closes swimming for water quality concerns, and the Hawaii Department of Health advises against swimming in freshwater, especially with cuts, because of leptospirosis.
How long is the walk to Waimea Falls?
About 3/4 mile each way on a paved path through the gardens, roughly 20 to 30 minutes, according to Waimea Valley. Most guests spend 2 to 3 hours in the valley.
What are Waimea Valley's hours?
In October and November 2026, Waimea Valley is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am-4pm, and closed Mondays. It's open daily 9am-4pm December 1-30, and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Is there parking at Waimea Falls?
Yes, an on-site lot for valley guests. Non-residents pay $2 for the first hour or $5 for up to 4 hours; Hawaii residents park free after registering. Beach-goers who park there are towed.
Nearby waterfalls
Waimano Falls16 mi straight-lineUnconfirmed
Lulumahu Falls26 mi straight-lineOpen50FT
Mānoa Falls26 mi straight-lineOpen150FT
Maunawili Falls27 mi straight-linePartly open20FT
On these lists: Easy waterfall hikes · Waterfalls you can swim in
Sources
- Waimea Valley: Admission & hours
- Waimea Valley: Waimea Falls (waterfall rules)
- Waimea Valley: FAQ
- Waimea Valley: Directions & Parking
- Toa Lūʻau: home page (admission included; Monday gate times)
- Hawaii DOH: Leptospirosis
- DLNR Na Ala Hele: Hiking safety
- Wikipedia: Waimea Valley
Last verified Oct 27, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Waimea Valley (Hi'ipaka LLC, a non-profit created by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.