KIPAHELE TOUR SERIES

Book your EXCLUSIVE pass to the unseen world of Waimea Valley

Experience the Waimea Valley Kipahele Tour, an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey through this culturally significant ahupua‘a (land division). This intimate guided tour aboard an eco-friendly electric shuttle with limited seating offers a unique perspective on the valley's history, cultural significance, and botanical wonders.

Led by a knowledgeable specialist, the tour explores the historic sites of the valley through a cultural lens while showcasing highlights of the 150-acre botanical gardens, home to plants nurtured for over 50 years.

FAQ

  • Each guided tour is 75 minutes long once you board the electric shuttle with your tour guide.

  • The tour ends at the waterfall turnaround. You have the option to ride back down with the tour guide on the shuttle or explore the waterfall. Your wristband is your ticket for a ride back on the regular shuttle. Please show your wristband to the driver. Seat availability is first come first serve. Please wait in the shuttle stop seating area. The drop area is located at Hale Hoʻike near the ticket booth.

  • We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time. The tour schedules are:

    9:45 am pm Check in at the Visitor Center front desk

    Kipahele Tour begins

    11:15 am Arrival at the waterfall turnaround

    (option to ride back with the tour guide driver or use the tour wristband to take a later shuttle )

  • The tour check in time is 9:45 am.

  • Once you arrive please check in with your entire group on the reservation at the Visitor Center front desk.

  • We will have your reservation information at the check-in location but it doesn’t hurt to have it on your phone or a print out.

  • No - this tour is inside Waimea Valley only. You will drive to Waimea Valley on your own, use the regular visitor parking in the valley and proceed to the Visitor Center for check-in.

  • You can park at any of Waimea Valley’s parking lots. Parking for Waimea Valley guests is free.

  • Yes, your tour reservation includes admission into the Valley.

  • There will a few stops on the tour to get a close up look at sites and plants. You are welcome to join us or stay on the shuttle.

  • We kindly ask that you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can email info@waimeavalley.net or call 808-638-7766 to cancel. Please make sure to have the name on the reservation available on time of cancelation.

  • You can check in at the Visitor Center front desk staff member. They will be able to coordinate for you and your group with a tour reservation to meet the rest of the group.

  • The Valley opens to the public at 9 am. A staff member will be available to check you in at the Visitor Center front desk starting at 9 am. You are welcome to enter the Valley through the ticket booth entrance once you are checked in. We ask that you please arrive at the tour shuttle pick-up area 15 minutes before your tour starts.

    Hale Kope Coffee located in the Visitor Center area is open at 8 am where you can enjoy caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks and fresh baked goods. The Wahi ʻĀina Grill serving hot and cold dishes opens at 10 am.