Top Things to do in Waimea
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Waimea, Hawaii (HI)
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. Wishard Gallery
2. 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.
3. Firehouse Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 502danielk - Waimea, United States
The fire engine has been replaced with a wide range of art by local artists. The exhibits change periodically and the current show is based on the theme "Island Flora and Fauna." There are wonderful photos, watercolors and oil paintings of the natural beauty of the Big Island. Visitors can choose from a myriad of wall art, matted prints, greeting cards, and even hand made copper jewelry all made by the art members who also volunteer time to docent this fine gallery near the post office and Parker Center across from the Bank of Hawaii in beautiful Waimea/Kamuela. Prices are very reasonable and you are sure to find some Original Island art to treasure.
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. 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!
6. 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.
7. Isaacs Art Center Museum and Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
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.
Reviewed By BrooklynTravelersPPS - Brooklyn, United States
Some of the best artists and artisans from Hawaii Island are on display here. There is a gallery of works by Madge Tennent which is worth going out of your way to see. There are special art and artisan shows and exhibits thoughout the year that are always worthwile seeing for the creativity and workmanship. in the retail gallery there are both new and old works to see. Visiting just to look is always welcome.
8. Paniolo Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 99MD2015 - San Francisco, United States
Everything, including the surrounding is well maintained, with emphasis being on conservation. It has a small museum with interesting bios of erstwhile ranchers who were responsble in establishing it. The highlight is the bi-weekly farmers market, which is well attended.
9. 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!
10. Waimea Midweek Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By 456jeffn
Great selection of food and craft items - especially Akaka Falls Farm Fruit preserves and gourmet specialty butters which are OUT OF THIS WORLD. Had some great food trucks including Thai food and Red Barn too. Get there early - it’s runs Wednesdays until 3:00 but especially during the heavy tourist season - things can sell out (cups of honey coffee and even the Red Barn truck ran out of food- which are great “problems” for the vendors but we wanted our Red Barn grilled cheese! It’s held on the grounds of the PARKER Ranch so it’s a cool setting. Check it out. Quick trip from our hotel up to Waimea. Such a great way to get amazing foods and crafts while supporting local businesses
