As the highlight of Waimea Valley, the 45-foot tall Waimea Falls offers the amazing experience of swimming at a Hawaiian waterfall. Mountain waters rumble down a rocky cliff into a cool pond where you can escape the hot Hawaiian sun. A short hike through lush Hawaiian rainforest will have you seeing native plants and flowers, native sites, and much more! Snap amazing photos of plants you can only find in Hawaii, and learn about the wealth of cultural history that can be found on the way to the breathtaking Waimea Falls.
2 million years of wind and rain helped carve out Waimea Valley where the majestic Waimea Falls sits. Ancient Hawaiians grew crops in the fertile soils of the valley, and ancient temples, or Heiaus, were first introduced in this area around the 12th century. The area of Waimea on Oahu was once a very spiritual place to ancient Hawaiians, and is one of the few places where you can experience Hawaii’s rich cultural past! Ancient Hawaiians used Waimea Falls for ancient games of skill by climbing the slippery rocks of the falls and for breath-holding contests!