Waimea

The basics

To learn about Hawaii’s cowboy culture, opt for a horseback riding adventure, tour a working cattle ranch, or catch a rodeo or horse racing event. You’ll also find great hiking in the nearby Waipi’o and Pololu Valleys and stargazing at Mauna Kea. One of the Big Island’s most scenic drives, the Kohala Mountain Road heads out from Waimea and winds its way through rolling green pastures to the Kona Coast.

Waimea also boasts an award-winning brewery, several fine dining restaurants, and a couple of gourmet burger joints featuring locally sourced meat. Sample delicious local products and browse handmade jewelry and crafts at one of the town’s four weekly farmers markets.

Things to know before you go

• Learn about Hawaiian cowboy culture at one of Waimea’s working ranches.
• Foodies won’t want to miss Waimea’s vibrant local food scene.
• Waimea is located at a higher elevation, so expect cooler temperatures than the coast.
• Several towns in Hawaii are called Waimea, so the Big Island’s Waimea is also known as Kamuela to avoid confusion.

How to get there

Waimea is located in the northern part of the Big Island of Hawaii, about 55 miles (90 kilometers) northwest of Hilo. Waimea is most easily visited by car, but it is also accessible via the island's Hele-On Bus.

When to get there

Waimea’s mild year-round weather makes it an excellent destination in any season. Farmers markets are open year-round, and the ranches hold rodeos and horse racing events on weekends during the summer months. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit the Big Island in May or September through November.

Visiting Parker Ranch

Waimea’s Parker Ranch is one of the oldest cattle ranches in the United States. Visitors can tour the historic ranch homes and learn about Hawaii’s cowboy culture and ranch life at the Parker Ranch Headquarters. The ranch also offers guided hunts, horseback riding, and Fourth of July and Labor Day rodeo events.

What is Waimea known for?

Waimea is known for its paniolo culture, the Hawaiian cowboy culture of ranching and horses. The Parker Ranch was established here in 1815, producing grass-fed beef, and the Hawaiian cowboys arrived in the 1830s. This lush area is known to have excellent farms and food, plus a friendly, local vibe.

What activities can I do in Waimea?

There is plenty to do in Waimea, from hiking to seeing black sand beaches. Visit the farmers market to taste local food and produce, and then take a trip to the Big Island Brewhaus. Stop by Parker Ranch or Anna Ranch and learn the history of Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolos.

Where can I stay in Waimea?

There are plenty of vacation rentals in the area, plus a range of B&Bs, ranch-style accommodations, and more. With options available for any budget, you can splash out at a more luxurious ranch-style area, or spend a little less; either way, it's a peaceful, refreshing experience.

What kind of farms are in Waimea?

Waimea is home to excellent produce, grown right there. Farms produce macadamia nuts, coffee, tea, asparagus, burdock, strawberries, squash, and much more. Farms in the area promote organic permaculture, sustainable growing methods, and traditional farming techniques, too. You can find much of this produce at the Saturday market.

When is the best time to visit Waimea?

If you want to avoid peak tourism season, try to visit in the shoulder months: April, May, August, September, and October. During both the peak summer season and winter holiday period, hotel and tour rates jump. Events and festivals happen year-round—so check what’s on before you arrive.

Is Waimea town worth visiting?

Yes, Waimea is worth visiting. It’s a change from Hawaii’s more popular destinations with its rolling green hills. This is cowboy land, with ranches, farms, cattle, and horses—a different experience from snorkeling and sipping beachside mai tais. It’s also an excellent spot for stargazing.

Ways to explore

To learn about Hawaii’s cowboy culture, opt for a horseback riding adventure, tour a working cattle ranch, or catch a rodeo or horse racing event. You’ll also find great hiking in the nearby Waipi’o and Pololu Valleys and stargazing at Mauna Kea. One of the Big Island’s most scenic drives, the Kohala Mountain Road heads out from Waimea and winds its way through rolling green pastures to the Kona Coast.

Waimea also boasts an award-winning brewery, fine-dining restaurants, gourmet burger joints, and several farmers markets. In other words, there’s lots to do and many ways to visit.

Accessibility

Generally accessible with paved streets and sidewalks, though ranch activities and hiking trails will have limited accessibility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, hat, sunscreen, rain jacket (weather can change quickly), cash for farmers markets

What to wear

Layers, hiking boots if needed

Not allowed

Trespassing on ranches, littering, disruptive public behavior

Amenities

Restaurants, shopping—all the delights of a Hawaiian town

Address

Waimea is located in the upcountry of the Big Island, smack-dab between the wet Hamakua Coast and dry Kona Coast. Get there via private vehicle or on an island tour.

Driving

Waimea is south of Hawi on Kawaihae Road. It’s about 75–90 minutes from both Kailua-Kona and Hilo.

Public transportation

Hawaii’s Hele-On Bus provides public transportation service to Waimea, though service may be limited. Check the website for current schedules.

Best times to visit

Whenever you arrive is great, but early mornings offer lovely light for photography of the ranches and rolling green hills.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are better for visiting ranches and avoiding weekend crowds, but Saturdays mean farmers markets.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad season to visit, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather with fewer crowds.

Special events

Check out the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival in February and the Paniolo Parade in September.