Waimea Valley: Hawaiian Adventure with Kids

Waimea Valley is where Hawaii comes alive. One of the last partially intact ahupuaa on Oahu, Waimea Valley Falls consists of 1,875 acres and has been a sacred place for more than 700 years of Native Hawaiian history.

Waimea Valley, “The Valley of the Priests,” gained its title around 1090 when the ruler of Oahu awarded the land to the kähuna nui.  Descendants of the high priests lived and cared for much of the Valley until 1886. But on this rainy day in August, Waimea Valley also became a place where we learned about Hawaiian culture and the sanctity of their lands.

Miles of trails, both paved and unpaved, can be explored in Waimea Valley. They weave throughout the 150 acre valley of botanical enchantment with 5,000 kinds of tropical and subtropical plants.

Flush beyond belief, some plants have leaves as big as a child.

We explored this sacred area for hours, watching rain drops fall while we talked about what it might be like to live here many years ago. Waimea Valley is home to native and endangered birds, too.

78 ancient sites of Hawaiian archaeological interest have been identified in Waimea Valley, including religious sites and shrines, house sites, agricultural terraces and fishponds.

We love you, Waimea Valley.

Mahalo for sharing your beauty and history with us.