6 Museums in Waimea That You Shouldn't Miss

Founded in 1974 and granted 501(c)3 nonprofit status in 1978, the Waimea Arts Council is the oldest arts organization in north Hawaii. Located in Waimea on the island of Hawaii, the organization has been housed in the old firehouse and firemen's bunkhouse buildings in the Waimea Historic Corner Park since 1980. The Waimea Arts Council is an entirely volunteer organization, supported by dues and contributions from artists who sell their artwork, as well as donations from the general public.

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.

Isaacs Art Center is at once a lens into the past and a commitment to the future. Situated adjacently to Hawaii Preparatory Academy's Village Campus, the gallery presents a rich history of Hawaii’s allure through the artists it has inspired over two centuries. All proceeds benefit the academy's scholarship fund, ensuring its continued accessibility to promising students within Hawaii and around the world.The 5,580 square-foot building, which opened as Waimea's Elementary and Intermediate School in 1915, was saved from demolition in 2002; a meticulous, 20-month campaign restored the schoolhouse to its former glory, garnering the Historic Hawaii Foundation’s Preservation Honor Award and recognition on the State Register of Historic Places.In 2005, the center became custodian to over 100 paintings, drawings, and watercolors by Madge Tennent, one of Hawaii's most iconic and beloved artists. There, fine works by D. Howard Hitchcock, Lionel Walden, and Jean Charlot complement her legacy.

The Paniolo Heritage Center at Historic Pukalani Stables is the birthplace of the Hawaiian cowboy (the paniolo) on Parker Ranch, Big Island, Hawaii. Pukalani Stables is now home to Paniolo Preservation Society (PPS), which was formed in 1998 as a non-profit 501-c-3 to help preserve the cowboy heritage of Hawaii. In cooperation with Parker Ranch, PPS has restored the century-old Pukalani Stables as Waimea's first Paniolo Heritage Center, which includes a Paniolo Hall of Fame and a Hawaiian Saddle exhibit. Admission is free to the public, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9:00am to 2:00pm. The Paniolo Heritage Center has two farmers markets each week featuring the best in local produce, craft vendors, meals and snacks, and live music too! The Paniolo Heritage Museum and Saddle Shop are open during market hours. Market time is a great time to visit the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables! The Waimea Midweek Farmers Market is every Wednesday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The Kamuela Farmers Market is every Saturday from 7:00am to Noon. Established in 1998, Paniolo Preservation Society was founded in 1998 as a 501(c)3 to increase public awareness of the historical, present-day and future significance of Hawai'i's ranching industry with emphasis on the roles, traditions and contributions of the paniolo. PPS is dedicated to preserving the paniolo tradition as a profound part of the history of Hawai'i and the American West. PPS is committed to perpetuating Hawaiian ranching as a proud and living heritage and contributor to the economic and cultural vitality and diversity of Hawai'i. Organizational Goals: * Educate for increased public awareness of the significance of Hawai'i's ranching history and technological innovations. * Collect, preserve and interpret artifacts and documentation that represent paniolo heritage. Collect, preserve and interpret the living heritage of the paniolo. * Provide financial resources to achieve the mission and goals via membership and fundraising.

Lahaina Galleries is located in the Shops at Mauna Lani near the Tommy Bahamas Restaurant on the Kohala Coast. Please come in and say aloha and view some of the most beautiful artwork from artists local to all over the world. The Shops at Mana Lani are always filled with free activities like lei making, Polynesian shows, ukelele playing and culinary lessons so please visit their website for events! Lahaina Galleries was established in 1976 on Front Street, Maui by Jim & Nancy Killett, who never meant to be art dealers. They now run Hawaii's largest art gallery and most well known in America. Please come in and say aloha! :) Are other locations include: Lahaina, HI | Wailea, HI | Newport Beach, CA