Top Things to do in Waimea
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Top 10 Things to do in Waimea, United States
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. Evening at Kahua Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 322 reviews
Reviewed By terry v - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Enjoyed learning ranching Hawaiian style. Would have like to have seen more of the ranch operations. If you are only going for a meal , don't go. The meal is an average buffet, but coupled with the views from the ranch and learning of the ranching on the island, it makes the evening a great evening. The only downside was the bus ride. We had the shortest of the group, but bus driver made the trip seem long. The driver had some information on the history of ranching, but seemed to be more focused on making jokes about his wife and family. A good bus driver/tour guide would have made the evening perfect.
2. Dahana Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
A working cattle ranch that allows tourists to drive cattle.
Reviewed By Janie M - Volcano, Hawaii
Had a wonderful time today with the well-behaved, wonderful horses, my husband and 9-year-old twins (their birthday). Wrangler Felicia did a fab job letting us feel free and learn to manage our horses, while staying safe and feeling comfortable that we knew what we needed to (because she coached us really well throughout). Beautiful scenery, rain had stopped, will go back. I highly recommend the 1.5-hour ride for all ages and abilities.
3. Spencer Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By jgluv2travel - Regina,Sask.
Samuel Spencer Beach Park is a well-developed park located south of Kawaihae. There is a sandy beach, paved walkways and plenty of paved parking. We stopped on a Sunday afternoon and easily found a parking spot. There were some tents and campers set up on paved areas and also tents in the shade under trees. There are bbq grills and picnic tables, some of which are in the shade. The fine sand and the shallow water makes this a fun place for kids. The water is calm enough that you can swim and snorkel.
4. Parker Ranch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 130 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 Tony E
We had heard about the Parker Ranch, as being the largest in the Hawaiian Islands. We visited the historic homes, and expected rather more. It appeared that we were just tolerated rather than welcomed in the main house. The exhibits did have historical interest, but it all seemed rather dated - particularly the video from the 1990’s. The Ranch could have presented itself more effectively to interested tourists.
5. Waimea Homestead Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Mary M - Portland, Oregon
So many good vendors have left this market and moved to other farmers markets in Waimea...the best being the Waimea town farmers market at Parker school... The food vendors at the Parker School market are fantastic...great fresh produce, and very affordable prices..
You won't want to miss the fresh bakery products..breakfast frittatas, Lilikoi butters, honey..berry tarts and pies...on and on...
Fun place to go with family and friends...
Enjoy!!
6. Mahukona Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Miriahm D - Boulder, Colorado
This is THE place to snorkel and scuba, one that has easy access, but do watch the ocean, in the winter, it can suddenly become rough and difficult to exit. Beautiful, colorful fish abound(usually). Bring what you need, there are no shops or stands. This is a rocky beach, not a sandy beach, water entry from a concrete wall.
7. Waipio Na'alapa Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Granduelle - London, United Kingdom
The black sand beach is beautiful from atop but totally average when you're actually there. Steep walk down (or 4WD), all the 4WD trucks parked between the trees on the beach border, the beach itself is quite narrow and nothing particular.
If you want to keep hiking up the other side you need to cross the river, be prepared to get wet to your thighs/hips in fairly strong current.
8. Isaacs Art Center Museum and Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 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 Miriahm D - Boulder, Colorado
If you've always wanted to see some of Madge Tennet's really large and beautiful paintings, this is indeed the place to come. There are other artists who show here also, and crafts, exquisite Niihau seed leis, hand turned wooden bowls, and a few artifacts from earlier times. This is worth your time for a visit.
9. Anna Ranch Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Come visit the Anna Ranch Heritage Center which offers insight to the rich history of ranching and the paniolo on the Big Island.The lush green hills of Waimea offer a beautiful back drop to the unique story of Anna Leialoha Lindsey Perry-Fiske who was known as the “First Lady of Ranching“ in Hawaii. As one of Hawaii’s finest Pa’u riders, an award winning jockey and one who could throw amazing social events to raise funds for the community, Anna’s story will leave you amazed and inspired. Born in 1900 and living to the age of 95, Anna lived a long exciting life. Prior to her death she placed her ranch in a trust so that the history of ranching in Hawaii would be shared with future generations.Listed on both the National and State registers of historic places, the ranch is a one of a kind attraction. Visitors may tour the spectacular and expansive gardens as well as the fourteen room historic ranch house with a treasure trove of Hawaiian koa furnishings, artifacts and fine millinery.
Reviewed By Sherri456 - Seattle, Washington
I was here for a conference. Right out side the windows were steep hills, remnants of cinder cones. Not to forget the babbling brook. Sheep grazing in the hills were a nice touch!
10. Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By cammer10 - White Rock
We have ben to the Big Island many times but had never come to this beach park. We found it to be frequented by a lot of families as it has a lot of places for large groups to set up and enjoy a day at the beach with lots of shade. In addition the entry into the water is gentle and this beach is a great place for snorkelling and for novice snorkelers as you can enter the water in a calm bay and without drastic drop offs.
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