13 Best Things to Do in Waimea Valley in 2025
~ Updated December 7, 2024
Wondering if Waimea Valley is worth visiting?
During my 9 years living on Oahu, Waimea Valley became one of my favourite places. I especially love its gardens, but there’s so much more to it than plants!
If you’re planning to visit the island and you want to get to know it a bit like a local, plan at least a day at Waimea. From hikes to markets to movie nights, you’re going to love it.
While you’re in the area, stop in at Waimea Bay, too, just down the road. It’s an incredible beach, and in the winter, the location of some of the best big-wave surfing there is.
Let me introduce you to what I love about Waimea Valley.
What You Can Find To Do in Waimea Valley and When
Waimea Valley is very accessible on your own. Or if you decide to take a private tour like this one that you can customize for yourself, add it to your itinerary!
Special Events
1. Summer Concerts
Scheduled monthly, the summer concerts are an amazing opportunity to experience authentic Hawaiian music and dance. They’re held on the last Saturday of each summer month—June, July, and August – and they’re just beautiful to watch.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Location and Time: The concerts take place on the Main Lawn at Waimea Valley. The gates open at 11:30 am, and the concerts typically run from the early afternoon into the evening.
- Music and Dance: Each concert features Hawaiian mele (music and poetry) and hula performances. It’s your chance to experience authentic Hawaiian culture in an intoxicating outdoor setting. It always makes me feel infused with island spirit.
- Tickets: General admission to Waimea Valley isn’t included with the concert ticket, but there are food stands and a bar. This is perfect, as no outside snacks are allowed. Get tickets at their website.
These concerts have a happy, family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoying the sounds and sights of Hawaiian traditions in such stunning surroundings is an incredible way to spend a day.
2. Thursdays Hale’iwa Market
The name of this farmers market might be confusing if you’ve heard of the North Shore town called Hale’iwa. This market takes place at Waimea Valley, not in town, every Thursday at the Pikake Pavilion from 2 pm to 6 pm.
This is a great place to try delicious local food, pick up some beautiful crafts and clothing, and load up on fresh produce for your stay on Oahu.
The selection depends on the time of year, but you can find some crazy delicious and oh-so-fresh tropical fruits here.
3. Weekly Plant Sale
Every Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm. If you’re just visiting Oahu and will be flying home, buying wouldn’t be practical, but if you love plants, you’ll want to browse a bit.
4. Hula at Waimea Valley
At 11 am & 1 pm in the Upper Meadow. Every Saturday you get to watch Hawaiian dancers perform to traditional music. Hula is more than just a performance art for tourists.
Small children in Hawaii grow up learning hula. It’s just a part of island life.
If you haven’t had the chance to watch hula before, you’ll love the elegant, graceful movements. The performances are actually included in your general admission price.
5. Volunteer Days
The Hawaiians have an expression: ‘travelling pono‘. It means to offer something in return when visiting a new place. This is another fantastic way to get to know Oahu away from the typical tourist path.
The tasks you’ll learn are meant to give you a deeper connection to the land and the land (‘āina) and the plants (lā‘au). You’ll help with the gardens and general care of the area. See the volunteer page to find opportunities to travel pono.
And trust me when I tell you to wear clothes you won’t mind getting wet and/or dirty!
6. Moonwalks
From May through October, near the time of the full moon, you can walk through the valley to the waterfall in the moonlight. This is a stunning experience, and it’s one you’ll never forget. Distance is about 1.2 km (3/4 mile).
Moonwalks are a separate admission from the general daytime admission, but they’re only $10, and so worth it. They’re popular, so I recommend that you buy your ticket online ahead of time.
You can buy them at the ticket booth, too, but try to get there early – walks start at 8 pm – to be sure you get one.
7. Screen on the Green
Beginning at sundown every Thursday in July, bring your beach towels, blankets, or chairs and enjoy a free movie under the stars! This is one of my favourite things to do in the summer. Find out what’s playing.
8. Educational Programs
There are several different programs. They’re centred around teaching visitors about the land, the ancient Hawaiian culture, and the sustainability of natural resources.
One of the most enjoyable programs for me is the ‘Nā Pāʻani Kahiko‘, or Ancient Hawaiian Games. You can jump in and play games and activities that were a part of everyday life for Ancient Hawaiians.
Or join the Ke ‘Awāwa o Waimea‘, The Valley of Waimea program. This is a 3-hour cultural tour that lets you explore several sites in the area. Learn about their collection of native and rare plants. Click to choose a program and book it.
9. The Na La’au Hawaii: What’s Blooming Walking Tour
If you’re just all about the gardens, this one’s for you. The weekly tour leads you through the valley, and your guide tells you everything there is to know about the plants you see.
The tour is at 12:30 pm daily, and it’s included in your admission price.
10. Ka’apuni O Waimea
This is a daily 9 am-3 pm self-guided tour of 3 different cultural sites around the property. Once you’ve visited all 3, you’ll get a Ho‘okipa Cultural Ambassador Certificate, as well as a unique Waimea Valley collectible pin. It’s very cool!
11. The Kipahele Tour Series
This tour is for visitors who want a deeper look at the cultural history or the gardens of Waimea Valley. You get to ride a shuttle, and you’ll get an expert commentary, as well as your admission and a souvenir booklet.
Book either the cultural tour or the botanical one. The botanical tours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 am, and cultural tours Wednesdays and Saturdays at 1 pm. Scroll to the bottom of the page to book these ones. The botanical tour is a favourite of mine.
12. Waimea Falls
And of course, the main draw is the Waimea Falls. Hike through the gardens with a beautiful waterfall and a gorgeous swim at the end. The hike itself is a gentle 3/4 mile stroll that’s accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
Wander through the gardens at your own speed, and enjoy the incredible plant life that lines the path.
13. The Botanical Gardens
One of the valley’s best features, and the one I visit for the most, is its botanical gardens.
There are over 5,000 types of tropical and subtropical plants, including some rare species native to the region.
There are signs along the paths provided that identify the plants and tell you a bit about them. The path through the garden is paved and easy to navigate, too.
I took my 70-year-old mom along this path, and she had no trouble. There are benches and restrooms along the way if you need them (Tip: bring tissue and hand sanitizer for the restrooms).
Waimea Valley Festivals
➦ Kalo and Awa Festival – This festival is in September, and it celebrates the harvest of Kalo and Awa. These may be more familiar to you under the names taro and kava, respectively.
The festival is a free event that gives you the chance to get to know these 2 culturally significant crops. I haven’t attended this one myself. But, both local and visiting friends have said they loved it, especially the lovely people who hosted the event.
If you go, let me know what YOU think!
➦ Makahiki Festival – Taking place in early November, the Makahiki Festival celebrates the Hawaiian New Year!
You get live music, kids games, hula, and the Te Moana Nui Games, a traditional Polynesian sports competition. So much fun!
➦ Ka mai’a ‘Ho’olaile’a, or Banana Festival – The Banana Fest is just what it sounds like – a festival of bananas. It taught me things about bananas I never dreamed of! You’ll be surprised at how many different kinds there actually are.
Taste delicious banana concoctions, and bring a plain T-shirt or bag to decorate at their banana fibre stamping booth.
This festival takes place the same day as the Makahiki Festival at a different part of Waimea Valley.
Waimea Valley Then and Now
Known to native Hawaiians as “The Valley of the Priests,” Waimea Valley has been a sacred place for more than 700 years. It was once governed by the kahuna nui (high priests) under the stewardship of the Hawaiian gods.
More recently, the Valley was an adventure hub known as Waimea Adventure Park. They offered a range of activities like cliff-diving, kayaking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Over the years it’s become the place to go for cultural and recreational activities. Locals like to enjoy all of Waimea Valley’s events and activities – they focus on both cultural heritage and community involvement.
These days the valley organizes great stuff like moonwalks and movie nights. There are also different cultural festivals like the Makahiki and the Kalo and Awa Festivals.
There are even volunteer opportunities and educational programs that emphasize community and celebration. And even as just a temporary part of the community, you’re welcome to join in!
Summing It Up: Things to Do in Waimea Valley
There you have it. You should have no trouble finding something amazing to do at Waimea Valley. Chances are you’ll have to plan a second visit.
It’s a beautiful place just to sit and enjoy, too, maybe have a picnic, and soak up the sunshine.
I advise caution in the parking lot! My last time there a mama chicken and her brood of baby chicks had stopped for a rest in the middle of the parking lot.
I had the devil of a time convincing them to move so I, and the cars behind me, could move on.
This is just a part of the unexpected beauty of Oahu.
Hele hauʻoli! (Happy Travels!)
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