ALOHA!
Waimea Valley is probably one of the top paid attractions on Oahu.
And Waimea Valley is also home to one of the popular waterfalls on Oahu.
That would be Waimea Falls, and people like to hike the trail to these waterfalls on the North Shore.
Here are things to do at Waimea Valley.
If you’re staying in Waikiki, Waimea Valley on the North Shore of Oahu can feel a little (a lot) far away.
And it kind of is.
Driving by car, it can take around an hour to get to Waimea Valley.
And by bus?
Well, from Waikiki to Waimea Valley can take a good 2 hours to 2.5 hours.
Still interested in taking the bus to the North Shore?! 😉
Well, here’s some more information on how to get there!
Bus directions to Waimea Valley
So, in taking the bus anywhere on Oahu, Google Maps can be a pretty reliable way to do so. So make sure you have that app on your phone!
For directions from Waikiki to Waimea Valley, have a look here.
Make sure the departure time is set to some time in the morning, or a realistic time when you will be leaving Waikiki for Waimea Valley.
Also input where you’re staying in Waikiki as your starting point, if you know.
These things will allow you to have the best idea for the bus routes available.
It’s probably also best to do your trip to Waimea Valley by bus during the week when there are likely to be more buses compared to the weekend.
Waikiki Travel Guide:
- 2 mile walk on Waikiki Beach
- Best snorkeling spot in Waikiki
- Best hike near Waikiki
- Bike rental in Waikiki
- Free hula show in Waikiki
- Getting around by bus from Waikiki
what to pack for hiking in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – best shoes for hiking
things to do on the north shore
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
The walk to Waimea Valley from the bus stop
There is a bus stop located pretty close to Waimea Valley. You’ll be able to find it because of the recognizable sign out front.
From there, you’ll walk down the path to get to the main entry point. You’ll pass some stones which represent a part of Hawaiian culture.
Some people also use the parking lot at Waimea Valley when the Waimea Bay parking lot across the street is full.
The people you see walking in the picture above are walking towards the Waimea Valley parking lot after coming back from the beach at Waimea Bay.
Is it worth it to go to Waimea Valley by bus?
So the ultimate question! 😉
Is it worth spending all that time on the bus and waiting for the bus to go to Waimea Valley?
Well, that ultimately depends on what it is you’re looking for in your Hawaii vacation!
Here are some of the things you will find at Waimea Valley
Waimea Falls
The waterfalls are probably what brings a lot of people out to Waimea Valley.
There’s a paved trail that will take you to the back of the park where you will find Waimea Falls.
You can swim here, as long as you wear a life jacket which is provided.
Waimea Valley Botanical Garden
This is another top attraction that gets people out here.
There are over 40 themed gardens with over 5,000 different types of plants at Waimea Valley.
This means that if you are a botanical garden enthusiast, there will be tons for you to explore from different regions of the world.
Have a look here for more on all of the plant variety that you can see at Waimea Valley.
Exploring Hawaiian culture at Waimea Valley
There is an entire section of Waimea Valley dedicated to learning more about the native Hawaiian way of living.
If you have no plans to see any other Hawaiian cultural sites on Oahu, then this can be worth spending your time walking through.
There is also the Hale O Lono Heiau that you can find before entry into the paid portion of the park.
A heiau is an ancient Hawaiian temple, and this heiau is believed to have been made some time between the years 1470 and 1700.
More nature trails on Oahu
Best short hikes with scenic views on Oahu
- Diamond Head Hike
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Manoa Falls Trail
- Koko Head Hike
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike
- Puu Maelieli Trail
- Ehukai Pillbox Hike << This hike is on the North Shore
HAPPY WAIMEA VALLEY PLANNING!
things to know about taking the bus on oahu
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
more things to do on oahu | map >> more things to do on the north shore
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling