The Waimea Valley Audubon Center, located on the North Shore inland from Waimea Beach Park, is a botanical treasure with roots dug deep in O'ahu'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.

Visitors are encourages to take self-guided, leisurely walks through the arboretum. The Center is open daily, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.audubon.org/local/sanctuary/Brochures/Waimea.html