Oahu Circle Island Tour With Waimea Falls: Complete Guide

Our full-day Oahu circle island tour doesn't stop at Waimea Falls. The falls are inside Waimea Valley on the North Shore, across Kamehameha Highway from Waimea Bay, and our route passes the bay as it follows the coast. The valley charges admission, is closed on Mondays and deserves more than a quick stop, so most visitors see it on a separate day. Groups of 10 or more can also ask about a private charter.

This guide covers where the falls are, what the visit involves, and how to fit it around a day on the loop.

Where is Waimea Falls?

Waimea Falls is at the head of Waimea Valley on Oahu's North Shore, a short drive from the surf town of Haleiwa. The valley entrance is on the inland side of Kamehameha Highway, opposite Waimea Bay. From the entrance, you walk up through the valley to the waterfall.

Don't confuse it with Waimea Canyon, which is on Kauai: a different island and a different trip.

What makes Waimea Valley special

Waimea Valley is more than a waterfall. The valley describes its main trail as paved, running through 60 themed botanical gardens and past cultural sites, and ending at Waimea Falls, where lifeguards are on duty. The walk is half the point: you pass tropical plants and learn some of the valley's history before you reach the water.

The falls change with the weather. They run strongest after rain and are gentler in dry spells.

Can you swim at Waimea Falls?

Often, but not always. Waimea Valley says lifeguards are on duty at the falls. Swimming depends on the day's water conditions, and staff decide whether the pool is open. Bring a swimsuit if you'd like the option, and get in only when staff say swimming is open.

How hard is the walk to Waimea Falls?

Because the trail is paved, this is one of the most accessible waterfalls on Oahu. It's still a walk in heat and humidity, though, and surfaces near the water can be wet and slippery. Wear shoes with good grip, carry water, and take the shuttle if walking is difficult for you.

How long does a visit take?

Allow time for:

• the walk in
• time at the falls, plus a swim if the pool is open
• the walk back

Add the drive from Waikiki to the North Shore and back, and a visit easily fills half a day. That's why it's hard to squeeze into a day that already covers the whole island.

Why our tour doesn't stop at Waimea Falls

Our loop is built around nine stops in about 9.5 hours, with 220 minutes of timed stops plus lunch. The North Shore already gets the biggest share of that time: lunch at Tanaka's Kahuku Shrimp, 75 minutes at Turtle Beach, and a stop at the fruit stands.

Adding the valley would mean one of two things:

• cutting most of the beach time
• making a long day much longer

It wouldn't work at all on a Monday, when the valley is closed.

We chose ocean time. If the waterfall is a must for you, give it its own morning.

Waimea Bay and Waimea Valley are different places

• Waimea Bay is the beach beside the highway, famous for its big winter surf. In summer the water is usually calmer, but check Hawaii Beach Safety before you swim.
• Waimea Valley is inland, across the road, with the gardens, the paved trail and the falls.

Our tour drives past the bay as it follows the North Shore, but it doesn't stop at either.

How to see Waimea Falls and the rest of the island

1. The loop one day, and the valley another. This is our pick. Pair the valley with lunch in Haleiwa for an easy North Shore morning. Without a car, you can reach the North Shore on TheBus; check current routes on thebus.org. Remember that the valley is closed on Mondays.

2. A private charter for 10 to 29 people. Private charters follow an itinerary agreed with your group. If Waimea Valley matters to your group, ask us whether it can be added and how admission would work.

3. A tour that includes it. Some circle island tours stop at Waimea Valley. If you choose one, check:

• that the itinerary names the valley as a planned stop
• whether admission is included
• how long you get there
• what happens on Mondays

Other waterfalls on Oahu

Waimea Valley is the managed option, with a paved path, facilities and lifeguards. Oahu's other waterfalls are reached on hiking trails with fewer facilities, where conditions change quickly. Before you set out:

• Check the trail. Look up its current status on the state's Nā Ala Hele trails site, and stay off closed trails and private land.
• Watch the weather. Don't hike to a waterfall in heavy rain, because streams can flash-flood with little warning.
• Know the risks of fresh water. Read the Hawaii Department of Health's guidance on leptospirosis before swimming in streams or pools.

What to bring and wear

• Shoes with good grip, or secure sandals
• Water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
• A swimsuit under your clothes, and a small towel
• A waterproof pouch for your phone
• A light rain layer
• Insect repellent

Keep your bag small, because you'll carry it the whole way.

Is Waimea Falls good for families and older travelers?

Usually, yes. The paved path makes the walk manageable for most ages, and the shuttle helps anyone who'd rather not walk. Keep children close near the water, and follow the lifeguards' instructions. If anyone in your group has limited mobility, contact Waimea Valley about current access before you go.

FAQ

Does your circle island tour stop at Waimea Falls?

No. Our full-day tour passes Waimea Bay as it follows the North Shore, but it doesn't stop at Waimea Valley, where the falls are. Most visitors see the valley on a separate morning.

Can you swim at Waimea Falls?

Often, when conditions allow. Waimea Valley says lifeguards are on duty at the falls, and staff decide each day whether swimming is open.

Is Waimea Valley open every day?

No. It's open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Mondays, and hours vary by season. Check the official admission page before you go.

How much does it cost to see Waimea Falls?

General admission is $26 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $18 for children aged 4 to 12, with lower rates for kamaʻāina and military. Prices can change, so check the official site.

How hard is the walk to Waimea Falls?

The main trail is paved, so it's one of the easier waterfall walks on Oahu. Expect heat, humidity and wet surfaces near the water, and take the paid shuttle if walking is hard for you.

Can a private tour include Waimea Valley?

Our private charters for groups of 10 to 29 follow an itinerary agreed with the group. Ask us whether Waimea Valley can be added when you plan your charter.

Two North Shore days, done right

The circle island tour gives you the North Shore's beaches, turtles, shrimp and fruit in one day. Waimea Valley gives you gardens and a waterfall swim. Both are better when neither is rushed.

More planning guides: Oahu Circle Island Tour With Byodo-In Temple and Oahu Circle Island Tour With Pearl Harbor