Once at the falls, the plunge pool was flanked by a change room as well as a lifeguard. We had seen numerous families partake in this walk, and we agree that it would probably be a great place to take the kids and teach them about Nature while having a fun and relaxing time in this serene place.

Interestingly, Waimea Falls has many names. "Waimea" means "reddish water" in Hawaiian, a reference to the underlying reddish volcanic soil. During times of heavy rain, the swollen Kamananui Stream scours the reddish volcanic soil from the stream banks and colors the falls red.

Waimea Falls is also known as Waihi Falls. Waihi means "trickling water" or "clinging water." And I'm betting it got this name when the waterfall slows to a trickle during unusually dry winters and towards the end of summer. I also saw that Waimea Falls has also been called Waihe'e Falls. Waihe'e is Hawaiian for "water slide," though this is certainly not a waterfall to be sliding down!

It's hard to believe that prior to this being a botanical garden, this place used to be the Waimea Valley Adventure Park, which featured cliff diving exhibitions, kayaking, and even ATV touring! Needless to say, our visit was much more low key than the adrenaline rush this place once offered.