Waimea

Waimea - Home to Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy) and sprawling Parker Ranch, this cool, inland area offers a different island experience.

Cool and pastoral at 2,500 feet, Waimea is a village of picket fences and flower gardens, private schools and eating opportunities. Situated on the slopes of the Kohala Mountains, it’s where lofty clouds roll in from the back of Waipio Valley and settle on green cindercones called puu (hills).

The star of the show is Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboys), who ride the range; all their gear, gadgets and garments are sold. Western-wear buffs can lasso a Stetson adorned with a feather lei.

The state’s largest ranch is here; in fact it’s one of the nation’s largest privately owned spreads—Parker Ranch. Parker Ranch Visitor Center tells how Big Isle ranching mixed with royalty and Hollywood. Take a wagon tour and hear about life on the range. Visit the beautifully restored Mana Hale and Puopelu.

Highway 19 cuts through Waimea’s hub, passing along “Church Row.” See the well-preserved 1857 Imiola Church with its paneled koa walls and the landmark planting of cherry trees.

Of interest to the military is the Camp Tarawa interpretive display on Highway 190 west of town (you can see it en route from Kona). It marks where 50,000 trained for the Pacific theatre in WWII.

At the junction of Highways 19 and 250, is Kamuela Museum. The private collection dates back to the days of the monarchy.

Peer into the future at the headquarters for Keck Observatory. Find a model of the telescopes stationed atop the planet’s top astronomical site—Mauna Kea. View it 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays at 65-1120 Highway 19, 885-7887.

RUSTLIN’ UP FUN

• Adasa, (808)887-0067
• Dahana Ranch, (808)885-0057
• Kamuela Museum,(808)885-4724
• Kohala Naalapa Stables, (808)889-0022
• Parker Ranch Visitor Center, (808)885-7655
• Waimea Antiques & Collectibles, (808)887-0024
• Waimea Market Place, (808)885-9551
• Yong’s Kal-Bi, (808)885-8440