Top Things to do in Waimea
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10 Things to do in Waimea That You Shouldn't Miss
The Kamuela area of the Big Island has been inhabited for tens of thousands of years. Now known for opulent resorts, luxurious spas, dramatic golf courses, historic former cattle farms and breathtaking nature reserves, Kamuela is a largely unspoiled gem. Mauna Kea Resort Golf Course is the top choice for going green. Other relaxing activities include checking into Spa Without Walls and Mauna Lani Spa, or stretching out on Hapuna Beach. A rental car is the best way to explore Kamuela's many attractions.
Restaurants in Waimea
1. Kamuela Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Located in beautiful Waimea town open Saturdays from 7 to noon. offering the big islands best produce and tasty treats along side live local music. Go on and giddy up to the Kamuela Farmers Market!
Reviewed By Amanda_B109 - Edmonton, Canada
Really enjoyed driving up here on Saturday morning. The market is quite small, but has a cool selection of coffee, fresh cheese, handmade bags and food. We had a delicious crepe with shrimp, avocado and artichokes. Yum! Also drove up into the beautiful hills, and walked around the cute town. Hit this on our way to the Wailaia Lookout, which was awesome.
2. Dahana Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
A working cattle ranch that allows tourists to drive cattle.
Reviewed By Porcupine-415 - San Francisco, United States
My family of 4 (2 adults, 17yo, 14yo) went on the Ranch Ride (1.5 hours) at Dahana Ranch. We horseride occasionally so are probably in the beginner with some experience category. LOCATION: in the highlands east of Waimea. Much cooler and with more mist than along the coast (this was a positive as we would have been uncomfortably hot at sea level). HORSES: Born and raised on the island and sure footed among the rocks. Horses all were well trained although some required more prompting to gallop. GUIDE: we had a very experienced guide, Kiyo, who gave us tips and tried to teach us in how to lead the horse. She would have us go in "Z" patterns and practice turning the horses around and coming to a stop. We were also accompanied by 4 ranch dogs during the entire route. ROUTE: we rode along the hills east of the ranch for a solid 1.5 hours OVERALL: 1) My whole family enjoyed the ride due to the countryside, the guide, and the horses. 2) Easy to fit in the schedule: the ride duration of 1.5 hours + 30 minutes check-in worked great for us and is shorter than most other rides (they also offer a 2 hour advanced ride and a 2.5 hour range station ride where you actually herd cattle). 3) Excellent value: this was one of the least expensive horseback riding options we found on the Big Island.
3. Parker Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
The Parker Ranch Family Estate (also known as the Historic Homes & Gardens) was home to the Parker family from 1879 to 1992. From these homes the Parker's ran a cattle empire that survives to this day and at its height spanned half of the Big Island. Open Monday through Friday, from 8:00am until 4:00pm for free self-guided tours which includes a 20 minute video on the history of the Ranch.
Reviewed By Takethesideroad - Eureka, United States
I come from a cattle ranch in Canada and was very impressed with the way the Parker Foundation has maintained a working ranch with historical significance and access for the public. As Contractors we were in awe of the Koa wood in the old ranch house and the architectural details in the "new" ranch house. The size and scope of this ranch were amazing.
4. Mahukona Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By ColleenC974
My husband found this place while doing some research on this part of the island, as we hadn't been to this part before. Even though it's not your typical "beach" per se, this is 100% my new favorite snorkeling spot on the island! The water is crystal clear, and even if the surf is high, it is still is so calm here! There is a ladder to get in the water if you prefer that way, or you can jump right in. This is probably the first place I actually saw schools of fish (big enough that you can spot them from above the water), which was really cool. In addition, the history of the place just adds to the experience. In addition, it is a great place to whale watch (one of the days we were there, we saw about five or six breaches), dolphins, and we were even entertained by what we think is the local barracuda hopping through the water after a bunch of smaller fish. So happy we found this place!
5. Evening at Kahua Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Reviewed By swt17 - Davis, United States
Good tim. Country western music preceded by a buffet dinner of tasty shredded beef and perfectly prepared juicy chicken, beans, corn, salad and more, and macadamia pie to to it off. Music, dancing top off a lovely evening on this mountain ranch.
6. Waialea Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
Reviewed By LLMoves
I don't know where to start. The experience was Amazing. I'm not going to lie, I went there about 5 times and every time I liked it every time. The snorkeling is one of the best on the island. There is a turtle that hangs out there and is very gentle but big. Make sure not to touch the turtles because it is illegal and it can hurt them. Most of the time the water is clear and calm and you can see a lot. Other times though it can be rough. There is plenty of shade and many places to hang out. When you get into the water it is very rocky until you go out to a point that is not. My favorite activity is the big rope-swing. The rope-swing is really fun but if you don't know how it can be kind of hard to climb the tree. If you don't feel comfortable then I recommend you don't try it because it can hurt if you fall. When you swing perfectly it's so satisfying and addicting. There are also many climbing trees. A lot out of land and a lot in the water. At beach 69 (the name the locals call it because of the number on a utility pole) there is something for everyone!
7. Waimea Homestead Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By SeattleTraveler2019n
We had a lot of fun browsing the fruit/vegs, food, crafts and musicians. It was fairly busy, most people had masks on.
8. Mau'umae Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By 628kendrab
Pictures don’t do this beach justice. It’s perfect. The guard only gives out a certain amount of passes to this beach each day,which makes it feel like it’s your own private beach. No crowds, easy parking along the road and a pretty stroll down to the beach. What more could you want!
9. Waimea Town Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By CaptainNalga - Sandy, United States
My wife love’s to go to Farmer’s Markets and I find a vast majority of them to be so-so. Primarily because I find them to be littered with vendors selling cheap souvenirs and very little in the way of locally grown produce and fruit. This farmer’s market was a pleasant surprise for several reasons. A good mixture of locally grown food and unique goods produced and made locally. The vendors aren’t packed in like sardines and there is a nice feel to the market with plenty of room to take in the surroundings and talk with others without feeling like you’re obstructing traffic. There was a real good vibe as vendors were friendly and welcoming. We didn’t feel pressed for time and yet easily wandered by all the vendors in an hour - maybe less, and that was taking time to make a few nice purchases. I really liked this place.
10. Spencer Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By lisagX488ND - Bellingham, United States
Picnic tables, bathrooms with showers, protected beach, some snorkeling, shade trees, basketball court and covered picnic areas. Spent about 2 hours at this lovely spot
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