Waimea Valley

The Waimea Valley Audubon Center, located on the North Shore inland from Waimea Beach Park, is a botanical treasure with roots dug deep in Oahu's ancient past. Here you can stroll through acres of tropical gardens and archaeological sites and stop to relax at a towering waterfall.

Plant collections focus on native Hawaiian plants and Polynesian introductions. Working with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Audubon Society is developing studies of the archaeological and cultural resources in the valley, which is thought to be one of the richest repositories of pre-contact Hawaiian artifacts on the island.

Formerly known as Waimea Valley Adventure Park, the arboretum no longer features tram rides throughout the property. The cliff diving show is gone and visitors can no longer sign up for off-road adventures, kayak paddling or horseback rides. Instead, the Center encourages self-guided, leisurely walks through the gardens.

The Center is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hawaiian Nature Plant tours are scheduled Sunday and Thursday at 2 p.m. The waterfall is open from 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. There is a modest entry fee. For more information, call 638-9199.