Waimea

Waimea Valley, Bay and Beach

Waimea Valley is home to the Waimea Valley and Adventure Park. This is an 1800 acre historic nature park and features Waimea Falls. The valley offers spectacular sites and gives visitors the opportunity to explore a valley rich with unspoiled beauty, tropical splendor, and the history of old Hawai’i. The Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden features 36 gardens and includes over 6000 species of rare and beautiful plant life.

Visitors can enjoy an authentic Hawaiian experience. You can play ancient Hawaiian games or learn the evolution of the hula. You’re given the chance to interact with native Hawaiian’s while they recreate the daily activities that would have taken place during the 1700s. There’s also an ancient Hawaiian burial site located within the park.

Visitors seeking some adventure can also take in the parks newest attraction, Waimea Adventure Tours. This is a series of activities taking you to the “never seen before” areas of the valley. Some of the activities are horse back riding, downhill mountain bikes, 10 miles of wilderness trails by all-terrain vehicles, or kayak rides along the Waimea River out into Waimea Bay.

And, of course, the main attraction is the 45-foot waterfall. You can get there by riding a tram or by a leisurely walk through one of the worlds largest collections of tropical plants and flowers. At the water fall, you’ll be entertained by a breathtaking acrobatic cliff diving show.

Waimea Bay Beach and Pu’u o Mahuka (hill escape) Heiau. Waimea Bay Beach is a very nice beach during the summer months offering a nice calm swimming area. However, beware during the winter months as the waves and undertow are something only the very experienced swimmer/surfer should try to tackle. Pu’u o Mahuka (hill escape) Heiau is a state park on the ridge above the beach. It is said that this heiau was built by Menehune, and it is associated with the Kahuna nui (the high priest) Ka’opulupulu and the Mō’i (king) Kahahana.

Beyond Waimea

This was our look at the Waimea Area.  Next down the road, we’ll explore some more places of interest like The Polynesian Culture Center.