Waimea Falls requires a paid admission ticket and opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. General entry costs $26 for adults, while Hawaii residents and military personnel pay $10.
Waimea Valley opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though operating hours shift slightly with the seasons. Arrive right at 9:00 AM to hear the daily lifeguard safety call for waterfall swimming. Hale Kope Coffee House starts serving at 8:00 AM for early arrivals.
| Day | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday–Friday | 09:00–17:00 | Free botanical tours start at 12:30 |
| Saturday | 09:00–17:00 | Plant nursery open 08:00–12:00 |
The gates lock completely on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Heavy winter rains can force sudden swimming closures if mountain runoff causes the waterfall to surge dangerously. Call the visitor center at (808) 638-7766 after 9:00 AM to confirm water conditions before your trip.
General admission to Waimea Falls costs $26 for adults. Hawaii residents and military personnel receive steep discounts, dropping the adult rate to $10. Tickets are available online or at the Visitor Center, and guests attending the Toa Lūʻau receive valley access at no extra charge.
| Category | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| General Adult | $26 | |
| General Senior (62+) & Student | $20 | Student ID required |
| General Child (4-12) | $18 | |
| Kamaʻāina / Military Adult | $10 | Valid Hawaii or Military ID required |
| Children 3 and under | Free | |
| Optional Shuttle Service | $10 - $20 | $10 one-way, $20 round-trip |
Hawaii residents with a valid state ID receive completely free entry on King Kalākaua’s Birthday and half-price admission on Sovereignty Restoration Day.
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View All ToursArrive right when the gates open at 9:00 AM for the quietest walk through the gardens and an uncrowded swim. Midday brings heavy crowds to the 0.75-mile trail and the waterfall pool. Summer months between June and August offer the best swimming conditions, as winter rains frequently force lifeguards to close the water due to dangerous currents.
| Period | Crowd Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning (09:00–11:00) | Low | Arriving at opening provides first access to the waterfall pool and a quiet walk on the main trail before shuttle buses arrive. |
| Midday (11:00–13:00) | High | The valley reaches peak capacity, making this a practical time to skip the crowded pool and join the free 12:30 PM botanical tour. |
| Early Afternoon (13:00–15:00) | High | Expect congested swimming conditions, high noise levels, and limited locker availability near the falls. |
| Late Afternoon (15:00–17:00) | Moderate | Day-trippers leave as the 5:00 PM closure approaches, leaving the paths quieter but the water colder as shadows cover the valley. |
Allocate 1 to 2 hours for a basic walk to the 45-foot waterfall and a swim in the natural pool. The self-guided Kaʻapuni o Waimea cultural journey extends this to 2.5 hours. Heavy winter rains cause dangerous current surges. When this happens, lifeguards close the water to swimmers. Visitors attending the evening Toa Lūʻau should plan for a full day.
Call the visitor center at (808) 638-7766 after 9:00 AM to confirm the pool is open. Heavy mountain rain can swell the 45-foot waterfall instantly, forcing lifeguards to ban swimming. Arrive right at the 9:00 AM opening to beat midday crowds.
Jagged, slippery rocks line the bottom of the natural pool. Wear reef walkers to protect your feet while wading. Lockers and changing areas sit near the waterfall, letting you safely stash electronics before putting on the mandatory, free life jacket.
June through August delivers warmer weather and a more comfortable swim. Winter storms often trigger strong currents that shut down pool access entirely. Expect much colder water if you visit in December.
Stay out of the water completely if you have open wounds. Hawaii's freshwater streams can carry Leptospirosis bacteria, which enters through cuts or ingestion. Use the provided 70% rubbing alcohol spray on your shoes before hiking to prevent spreading Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death fungus.
Hawaii residents and military members drop the $26 adult admission down to $10. Kamaʻāina get 50% off on Sovereignty Restoration Day and enter free on King Kalākaua’s Birthday. Buy standard entry online or at the Visitor Center, but book Toa Lūʻau packages in advance.
General admission costs $26 for adults. Seniors aged 62 and older, alongside students with ID, pay $20, while tickets for children aged 4 to 12 cost $18. Kids 3 and under enter free.
Kamaʻāina and military adults pay a reduced rate of $10. Seniors and students enter for $8, and children aged 4 to 12 cost $6. Residents with a valid state ID receive free entry on King Kalākaua’s Birthday.
The valley opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Arriving right at 9:00 AM helps avoid midday crowds on the trail. The park closes entirely on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
General admission tickets require no advance purchase and sell at the Visitor Center or online. Guests attending the Toa Lūʻau must book ahead. Lūʻau tickets include complimentary access to the entire valley.
An optional shuttle runs the 0.75-mile paved route to the falls. Rides cost $10 one-way or $20 round-trip per person. Mobility scooters are also available to rent near the entrance.
Walking the trail and seeing the waterfall takes 1 to 2 hours. Adding the self-guided Kaʻapuni o Waimea cultural journey extends the trip to 2.5 hours. Visitors attending the Toa Lūʻau should plan for a full-day experience.
Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards declare the water safe at 9:00 AM. Heavy mountain rain can cause dangerous currents, forcing sudden closures. Swimmers must wear provided life jackets and should bring water shoes to navigate jagged rocks.
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