ALOHA!
So you’ve decided to spend a part of your day on the North Shore at Waimea Valley.
Whether it’s for Waimea Falls, the botanical garden, or the ancient Hawaiian living site, there are plenty of things to do at Waimea Valley!
How to get to Waimea Valley?
There are 2 main ways that you might consider in order to get to Waimea Valley.
One is the long slow way.
That’s getting to Waimea Valley by bus.
The more convenient way would be if you have a rental car for at least a part of your time on Oahu.
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!
How long does it take to get to Waimea Valley from Waikiki?
The North Shore is pretty much on the other side of the island from Waikiki and Honolulu.
It will depend on where exactly in Waikiki or Honolulu you’re coming from, but you can expect it to take around an hour to reach by car.
If you encounter traffic, it could add on an extra 30 minutes.
To get a better idea of time and directions from Waikiki to Waimea Valley, take a look at this map here.
If you know where you’re staying, go ahead and change the starting location for better planning.
You may want to play around with the start time as well.
Driving to Waimea Valley and the North Shore means that you’ll be passing through central Oahu.
Here are things to do in central Oahu.
What’s the parking like at Waimea Valley?
There is a parking lot at Waimea Valley on-site, not far from where you’ll buy your tickets for admission.
How much does parking cost at Waimea Valley?
Parking at Waimea Valley is free!
But fees are subject to change, so see here for updated prices.
BRING WATER!
Hawaii can get hot.
A walk to Waimea Falls means that you’ll be sweating.
Maybe a lot.
For any walk in Hawaii, even if it’s going to be less than an hour, it’s always a very good idea to take water to make sure you stay well-hydrated and SAFE!
And for Waimea Valley, you will likely be out and about around the park for more than an hour, so this means that you should really consider bringing along water!
This is a popular water bottle in Hawaii. It is a bit heavy (and expensive) but it keeps cold drinks cold!
Here are some travel-friendly water bottles.
And here are some small backpacks to take a look at so you can pack along those extra snacks. Because snacks are also a very good idea when you’re out and being active in Hawaii.
more: what to wear hiking
More things to do near Waimea Valley
If you’re looking for more to do when you’re in the area, here are more things to do on the North Shore.
If you spend your afternoon at Waimea Valley, after that can be a good time to go to Turtle Beach for a chance to spot some turtles! Around sunset can be one of the best times to try your luck to see turtles on the beach.
HAPPY WAIMEA VALLEY PLANNING!
what to pack for hawaii >> what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling – what to wear to a luau
things to do in oahu | map >> north shore – central oahu – east oahu – waikiki
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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
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