Waimea Valley Waterfall Hike for Families | An Easy Jungle Trek

Winter in Hawaii

I’ll admit it, March isn’t my favorite month on Oahu. There’s a little more rain, a little more gloom and it’s pretty much sock weather all month long. But even in the rain, there is fun to be had and better yet, there are whales! They’re particularly abundant on Maui, but you can see whales on Oahu from shore or on a boat trip. We were on the north shore one particularly gloomy day in March because we had scheduled a whale-watch tour out of Haleiwa. Big surf canceled our plans so we scrambled for a backup plan. On a whim, we decided to explore Waimea Valley.

The Unique Beauty of Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley, located on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii, is a place of unparalleled natural beauty and cultural significance. The botanical show starts with your drive into the valley where towering trees dripping with vines line the road.

Once inside, the magic continues with tropical flowers and plants of every shape and size. Plantings are grouped by region, use, or family and there is a traditional Hawaiian living site under towering monkeypods. That was our favorite section and I recommend spending some time here. They often have cultural demonstrations too.

Waimea Valley terminates in the popular, Waimea Falls. The falls cascade into a cool, refreshing pool where you can take a plunge and swim under the falls – appealing after a hot walk! There are lifeguards on hand who will fit you with a mandatory life jacket so it’s an organized affair. FYI -If conditions are too rough, they close swimming access.

Over the years, the garden has expanded its offerings and you can add on a spectacular, hands-on luau, take a walk under the full moon, eat your way through a farmer’s market or listen to a concert. Check for an activity timeline at the entrance.

Planning your Visit to Waimea Valley Botanical Garden

Waimea Valley is located on the north shore of Oahu, a little over an hours drive from Waikiki. It’s closed on Mondays but otherwise open from 9am – 4pm with ample parking. The entrance fee is $25 for adults and $14 for kids, but every Thursday, before the Haleiwa farmers market begins, there is is free admission for kamaaina.

The entire park is easily accessed so you can push a stroller or wheelchair where you need to explore. The falls are a paved 3/4 of a mile from the entrance with short gravel trails off the main path to explore further. Mila walked for about a minute until requesting her carrier, but Micah happily skipped along searching for birds and investigating interestingly shaped seeds and flowers. If you prefer, there are shuttles ($10 one way) to take you back and forth to the waterfall.

Family-friendly activities to try after your visit to Waimea Valley

Tasty eats near Waimea Valley

Kahuku Farms. A true farm-to-table restaurant, where the produce used is grown on their 100-year-old family farm that begins mere steps from the front door. After your meal, explore the beautiful gardens on your own or take a guided tour. Don’t forget to visit the shop for some liliko’i (passion fruit) syrup to take a taste of one of the best North Shore restaurants home with you.

Seven Brothers. A family-owned restaurant with four locations on the North Shore.They’re known for their juicy burgers, swoon-worthy coconut chocolate chip banana bread, and friendly customer service.

Wicked HI cafe is a little out of the way, but my family loves this spot so much! They serve fresh, oven baked pizza (goat cheese, honey, arugula is amazing!) and must-try local slushies. The combo is so good after a beach day. Bonus, they’re next door to Paala kai bakery so you can take home so famous snow puffies for later.

Fun beaches near Waimea Valley to cool off

Waimea Beach Park. A stunning blue bay hugged by a rim of golden sand. In the summer it’s placid, snorkeling perfection. In the winter, surf rages through the bay in a dramatic thunder. Jumping of the rock is always fun.

Sharks Cove. A snorkeling delight and mellow space for kids to play and explore on the north shore.

Ke iki Beach. A wide stretch of beach next to a dramatic rocky outcropping. The surf can get rough but at low tide there’s a fun little tidal shelf to explore.

Great hikes near Waimea Valley if you still have energy

Ehukai pillbox trail. An uphill scramble through dense vegetation (mmm, guava!) to a colorful pillbox and big views of the north shore.

Kaena point. An exposed coastal trek to a wild part of the island with unrivaled nature – whales, seals, albatross and more!

Other family-friendly activities near Waimea Valley to try

Surf school. There are many options but I recommend North Shore Surf Girls started with the goal of providing an inclusive, fun, and safe experience for people of all ages, from all over the world, to learn how to surf.

Family photos! Let me plan a fun morning for your family so you can take home great memories and beautiful images. You can see favorite family photo sessions near Waimea Valley here, here and here.