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We spent our honeymoon on Oahu 5 years ago, having no idea that we would end up LIVING there! I have now walked up the trail to Waimea Falls many times, sometimes with a stroller, sometimes with a toddler lagging behind, and this last time with a 3 and a half year old running ahead of me. We took Brett and Christine up to see the falls while they were visiting and they loved all the beauty in the botanical garden on the way up to the falls!
<Photobomb with the stroller >
On the Waimea Valley website, they describe the mission of the place: Preserve and perpetuate the human, cultural and natural resources of Waimea for generations through education and stewardship.
Discounts for military and kama’aina! It’s *about* 1.5 miles round trip to see the falls and back. YOU MUST wear bug spray, and long sleeves don’t hurt either. We reapplied a couple times and still got a few bites between the 5 of us. There’s lots of coverage from the trees, which will protect you both from the sun and rain depending on the weather, but I would still recommend sunscreen.
About halfway up the trail there is a little water station where you can refill your water bottle or get a small paper cup of water to drink. Hopefully they have cleaned it off since my son smeared his dirty paws on the spout…
This kid has way too much energy.
There are a few picnic benches near the top and a shop where you can buy shave ice and other snacks.
We also took a photo on the exact same bridge on our honeymoon :-)
Oh and by the way, this is the place where they filmed a few scenes in LOST. So cool!
As you can see many people choose to swim in the water. There is a lifeguard with a bunch of life vests in all sizes if you would like to go for a dip.
So maybe we will be back again one day… we shall see!
** If you live on Oahu and are interested in volunteering at Waimea Valley, check out this link! **
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Those black and white shots are precious. It looks so lovely and warm there! I am already missing the warm weather!
Thanks Holly! I’m missing the warm weather in Hawaii too :(
How wonderful that you were able to share such a special place & visit again to capture the two of you there 5 years later! LOVE that!! And it looks like a gorgeous place — would love to go with my husband someday!
Oahu really is a beautiful place! I hope you can visit some day :)
Oh that’s very cool! How awesome that you were back where you went on your honeymoon – at least it’s great to relive it a little :) And it truly looks like a fabulously beautiful place! Except maybe for the bugs, but still probably worth it!
Thanks Camila! It was very special to remember how far we have come over the years since we first got married. We even stayed at Turtle Bay for the last week we were there in Hawaii, which is where we stayed for our honeymoon. Such fun memories!
I love that you spent your honeymoon and then ended up living there! What a lovely circle :)
Thanks, Amy :) It was really fun to be back!
This place is beautiful. I always want to visit as many botanical gardens as possible.
There’s another botanical garden in Honolulu and it was UH-mazing. I totally recommend it if you are ever on Oahu!