Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens + Waterfall Swim

Waimea Valley is a botanical garden and cultural center located in a lush, narrow valley. Most people come here because it is home to Oʻahu’s only life-guarded, swim-safe waterfall (life jackets required and provided, see below). We definitely recommend the experience, especially for families with children, who will appreciate the presence of the lifeguards and the mandatory lifejacket requirement.

Blinded by the swimmable waterfall, most people walk right through the botanical gardens without giving it much of a second thought.

You could be different, however.  Sure, check out the waterfall, but don’t miss the bigger picture. Waimea Valley is huge, with many walking paths to explore, and the experience is akin to exploring a natural valley, so much so that if it weren’t for the paved walking path and the small signs, you might forget you’re in a botanical garden altogether. It sprawls nearly a mile back into the valley and features 52 themed outdoor gardens and more than 5,000 types of native Hawaiian and globally endangered plants.

About the waterfall swim

The natural rain-fed 45-foot waterfall cascades into the 30-foot deep pond. Swimming at the waterfall is allowed but the status of swimming changes throughout the day depending on the weather. There are three waterfall conditions: regular swim, limited swimming, and no swimming. Be sure to check on the waterfall swimming status before your visit by calling (808) 638-7766. Swimming status is made available by 9 am.

If the status of the waterfall is no swimming on the day of your visit we offer guests free admission into the Valley within 10 days of your admission receipt to enjoy the waterfall. Changing rooms are available near the falls.

The lifeguarded waterfalls are a 45 minute stroll from the main entrance. Photo by Mari Sparacino on Unsplash

Getting to the waterfall

To get to the waterfall you need to take a shaded walk (1.5-miles roundtrip) to a 45-foot waterfall. Shuttle rides are also available and run from Hale Hoʻike to the waterfall turnaround area. They start at 9:45 am and are $10 each way per person.

Life vests, changing rooms, and showers

All guests who would like to experience a swim at the falls are required to wear a life vest. Life vests are provided by our lifeguards at the waterfall and the price of the life vest is included in your admission fee.

Changing rooms and showers are available near the falls.

Please note that this is a natural waterfall pool and we do recommend reef walkers or river shoes for jagged and slippery rocks. There is no handicap access to the waterfall pool. For your safety there here is no jumping off rocks or climbing of rocks.

We are affiliate partners with Waimea Valley and any booking on this page you make is made directly with Waimea Valley. We receive a percentage from the activity provider for each successful booking made through our website but this happens without any additional charge to you. (read more on the use of those links on our website here).

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