Is Waimea Worth Visiting on the Big Island? 13 Unique Things to Do
Is Waimea worth visiting on the Big Island? Absolutely!
Waimea is a proud paniolo (Hawaii cowboy) town and has a completely different vibe from the rest of the island with its cooler climate and extensive ranchland.
This charming upcountry town is a bustling scene but with local farmers and families going about their lives rather than being a hot tourist town. You’ll find more chain stores and restaurants than cute boutiques and coffee spots like you might expect elsewhere on the island.
My favorite thing to do is visit the Waimea farmers markets, especially at Parker Ranch Pukalani Stables.
Check out all the things that make Waimea unique and worth a visit!
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1. Farmers Market
The absolute bestest thing to do in Waimea is attend their farmers markets. They are the best on the island, in my opinion!
- Waimea Mid-Week Market (Parker Ranch Pukalani Stables) – Wednesdays 9am-2pm
- Kamuela Farmers Market (Parker Ranch Pukalani Stables) – Saturdays 7:30am-1pm
- Waimea Town Market (Parker School) – Saturdays 7:30am-12pm
Waimea Mid-Week Market & Kamuela Farmers Market at Parker Ranch Pukalani Stables
The setting at Parker Ranch Pukalani Stables is unbeatable. Tables and tents are set up all around the historic stables for an intimate shopping experience while live music drifts through the air.
Browse vendors under trees, beneath awnings, or step inside for some shade. In the back, food trucks serve up an eclectic mix of Greek, Egyptian, Chinese, and more.
I discovered the best chocolate bar I’ve ever had at Makai Chocolate—a 70% dark chocolate bar from the Hamakua Coast that was fruity and bright while still deeply rich and chocolatey.
Inside the stables, a free mini-museum offers a glimpse into the world of paniolo and pā‘ū riders. Photographs, informational plaques, and historical artifacts bring to life what it was like to be a Hawaiian cowboy and horse rider in Waimea’s past.
Kamuela Farmers Market
The Waimea Town Market on the Parker School campus is impressively expansive, winding around the corners of the school property with vendor after vendor.
Strolling along the grassy paths, you’ll find a diverse mix of creative and artsy vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to fresh local produce.
2. Horseback Riding
You can’t visit cowboy country without becoming a cowboy yourself for the day!
Horseback riding tours in Waimea take you through the rolling green pastures of ranch country, offering epic views of Mauna Kea and the Kohala Coast. This is a fun way of getting a taste of Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy) culture while exploring the island’s scenic upcountry terrain.
3. Paniolo BBQ Dinner
Looking for a luau alternative? Check out the Paniolo BBQ Dinner!
Every Wednesday evening, Kahua Ranch hosts this unique experience on their property. Take in romantic sunset views over rolling, pu‘u-dotted fields, play beanbag toss and horseshoes, and even try your hand at lassoing.
Before dinner, gather around the firepit for a brief history of the paniolo and their legacy on the islands.
Then, enjoy a hearty buffet featuring BBQ meats, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, baked beans, and more. Dessert was a bit underwhelming, with a choice between a brownie or mac nut pie, but the overall meal was satisfying.
Live music entertains as you dine and meet new friends at your table.
To wrap up the evening, join in on some line dancing, roast marshmallows over the fire, and take home a branded wood souvenir as a keepsake.
It was a fun and relaxing night—so much so that even before it ended, my parents were already making plans to bring my aunt later in the year!
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4. Big Island Bike Tours
Trade in a horse saddle for a bike saddle! Big Island Bike Tours are led by passionate bikers who love sharing the island’s stunning landscapes and fascinating history as you pedal through it all.
Choose between a full-suspension traditional or e-mountain bike (perfect for those lacking biking muscles).
Each tour includes:
- Bike
- Helmet
- Water
- Food
- Rain gear (if needed)
Anna Ranch & Waterfall (3-4hrs) – Take a guided mountain bike tour through Anna Ranch, a National Historic Site, where you’ll ride through rolling hills and rich history. Climb 1,200 feet through former training grounds of King Kamehameha’s warriors, enjoy panoramic views of volcanoes, and ending with a refreshing dip below a waterfall. BOOK DIRECTLY HERE! >>
Mana Road Adventure (3.5hrs) – Take a scenic guided ride along Mana Road following a historic paniolo route through rolling green hills, breathtaking ridgelines, and wide-open landscapes deep in the heart of old Hawaii. BOOK DIRECTLY HERE! >>
5. Parker Ranch
Parker Ranch is one of the largest and oldest cattle ranches in the United States.
It was founded in 1847 by John Palmer Parker, an American who married the granddaughter of King Kamehameha I, and established a ranching legacy that continues today.
Parker Ranch spans over 135,000 acres, where they raise grass-fed beef (mostly an Angus breed they’ve customized the genetics on) and is also the 6th largest calf producer in the US.
While some parts of the ranch are closed to the public, visitors can explore Parker Ranch Historic Homes, which offer a glimpse into the history of the Parker family and Hawaiian ranching culture.
You can book a self-guided tour on the ranch to walk through its two historic homes:
- Mana Hale – a two-story, New England style “saltbox” koa-wood house
- Puuopelu – a Victorian-style manor surrounded by flower gardens and filled an extensive art collection
6. Anna Ranch Heritage Center
The Anna Ranch Heritage Center is a historic ranch showcasing the legacy of Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske, known as Hawaii’s First Lady of Ranching.
The ranch dates back to the early 1900s and was home to generations of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys). Anna, one of Hawaii’s most skilled pā‘ū riders, was a trailblazer in the ranching industry by introducing new cattle breeds and implementing innovative ranching techniques.
The ranch offers guided tours of the 14-room historic home, beautifully preserved with period furnishings, family heirlooms, and artifacts that highlight Waimea’s rich paniolo culture.
You can also explore the lush gardens and grounds and browse their gifts shop selling items from local artists.
7. Coffee
Coffee must always be on my “things to do list”. Unfortunately, I do find Waimea lacking a little in the Big Island coffee department.
However, here are a few coffee shops to note:
- Waimea Coffee Company – a cozy local’s hangout serving a variety of Big Island coffee roasts.
- Surf Camp Coffee – their espresso roast may not be Big Island coffee (you can order it drip though), but they have unique flavors on their menu like a Black Sesame Latte that was surprisingly good.
- Country Grounds – drive-thru coffee shack serving locally roasted beans (note: not necessarily locally grown) and Hawaii-grown matcha and teas
I’ve also seen coffee vendors at the farmers markets like Ka’u coffee from Boar Coffee.
8. Scenic Lookout
Kohala Mountain Road has several scenic lookouts, but my favorite is an unmarked pullout that’s not officially listed on Google Maps (but I’ve labeled it on my Big Island Travel Map).
On a clear day, you can see Mauna Kea in the distance with its telescopes dotting the summit, Waimea valley below pockmarked with pu’us (volcanic mounds), and of course “see the line where the sky meets the sea“.
9. Restaurants
Waimea offers a variety of dining options, blending local flavors with international influences.
Here are a few popular spots to try out:
- Big Island Brewhaus – choose from over a dozen house brewed beers to pair with your burger, sandwich, and other pub foods
- Merriman’s – everyone’s favorite fancy meal serving creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Fish and the Hog – a casual eatery in a rustic, historic building offering a mix of fresh seafood and smokey barbecue
10. Shopping
If you were expecting some good shopping in Waimea, I think you’ll be a little disappointed.
There are some random clothes shops in Parker Ranch Center (including a custom cowboy hat shop at The Uhiha Hat Bar!), a gift shop or two, a couple of art galleries, and secondhand stores.
But nothing too exciting.
I do like Calabash Collectibles, which is in Waimea’s oldest building, the historic Spencer House from the 1840s. It’s fun to explore the rooms filled with collectible antique knickknacks.
11. Historic Church Row Park
Historic Church Row Park is a quaint park with manicured lawns, charming historic churches, and around 75 cherry trees, making it the site of the annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival.
Stroll through the grounds and cemetery of Imiola Congregational Church, built from koa wood in 1855, then check out Ke Ola Mau Loa Church (1931) and Kamuela Hongwanji Mission (1954), all still active and hosting services throughout the week.
12. Hunting on Parker Ranch
Go wild game hunting at Parker Ranch on their 130,000 acres of diverse terrain , from the coastline to 8,000 feet up the slopes of Mauna Kea.
You’ll have the opportunity to hunt:
- Mouflon Sheep
- Mouflon Hybrid Sheep
- Pigs
- Goats
- Rio Grande Turkey (Mar-Apr)
The hunting fee covers all three big game species. Trophy fees for rams and billy goats and/or harvesting fees are an additional fee.
Firearms and ammunition are included, while archery hunters will need to bring their own equipment.
Your hunt also includes lunch, drinks, and snacks.
Per Hawaii law, you’ll need a valid Hawaii Hunting License to participate.
13. Events
Waimea hosts several major public events throughout the year.
Some of the most notable events include:
- Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival (February) – a celebration of the local blooming cherry trees, featuring cultural performances, food vendors, and local crafts
- Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo & Horse Races (July) – One of the island’s biggest rodeo events, featuring traditional paniolo competitions, horse races, and family-friendly activities.
- Paniolo Festival (September) – a lively parade with horseback riders, carnival fair, and rodeo honoring Waimea’s paniolo heritage.
- Christmas Twilight Parade (December) – A festive holiday parade featuring Christmaslight-decorated floats, marching bands, and paniolo on horseback.
Is Waimea Worth Visiting on the Big Island?
In conclusion, I do believe that Waimea is worth visiting and makes a good stop on your way from Kona to Hilo.
The farmers markets are worth it alone, not to mention the scenic lookout views, Paniolo BBQ dinner, and historical paniolo ranches.
Waimea offers a special slice of the Big Island with its paniolo countryside that shouldn’t be missed.
Since you’re in the area, you might want to pop up to Hawi for epic valley views and adrenaline activities!
Join thousands of other visitors and locals to discover the best things to do on the Big Island!
🌺 New activities posted daily
🌺 Upcoming events not to miss
🌺 Ask questions about your trip
