Waimea Valley is a historical conservation land and cultural site that is steeped in Hawaiian tradition. Located on the North Shore of Oahu, it has something for everyone, from exotic plants and paved walking trails to a thundering waterfall. There is something to be gained from visiting this lush botanical garden for both tourists and locals alike, but it cannot thrive without certain conservation efforts.

Why Conservation Matters at the Waimea Valley Cultural Site

Where Culture Meets Community

At Waimea Valley, their mission is to preserve the native natural resources while protecting and honoring the site’s link to the local culture. To do this, they have started two ongoing forest restoration projects on a total of 35 acres. Each space is entirely fenced in, so the flora is protected from feral pigs, and, together, they contain more than 16,000 native plants, which have all been planted by volunteers from near and far. With the help of local, state, and federal agencies, not to mention private organizations and countless volunteers, Waimea Valley has been able to continue striving toward its mission as a valuable cultural site and national treasure.

The Native Fauna

In addition to cultivating native flora, Waimea Valley is proud to foster an environment where endangered species thrive. For example, it is home to approximately 15 Hawaiian moorhens, the  'alae 'ula. These majestic water birds are endangered, and experts estimate there are only about 500 of them left in Hawaii. Fortunately, their population size at Waimea Valley grows with each passing year.

The Mountain Region

The mission at Waimea Valley runs deeper than just the botanical garden. For example, over the past three years, volunteers have planted almost 20,000 native plants at their mountain restoration sites. This has been part of a continued effort to replace invasive weeds with local flora on Oahu.

If you want to witness all the beauty that the Waimea Valley cultural site has to offer, stop by the next time you are in Haleiwa. Visit www.waimeavalley.net to learn more about the conservation mission at this historical site. Call (808) 638-7766 to speak to someone about getting involved today.