Information
City: WaimeaCountry: USA Hawaii
Continent: North America
Waimea, USA Hawaii, North America
Overview
Waimea-locals call it Kamuela-is a historic, scenic town on Hawai‘i’s Big Island, where cool breezes drift down from the nearby pastures.Tucked away in the island’s green heart, Waimea brims with paniolo spirit, a rich ranching past, and wide-open views of Mauna Kea and the rugged Kohala Mountains.It mixes Hawaiian traditions with the easy charm of the countryside and the clean lines of modern style.Waimea sits in the island’s northern uplands, nestled between the Kohala and Hamakua coasts on the Big Island.At about 2,500 feet above sea level, Waimea stays cooler than the coast, with gentle breezes and frequent rain on its lush, green eastern slopes; its roots reach back to the days of ancient Hawaiian chiefs and thriving fields of taro.Farmers once worked the region’s rich, dark soil to grow taro and other crops, while the nearby Kohala Mountains-steeped in legend-hold sacred places like Pu‘ukoholā Heiau, the stone temple King Kamehameha I built; Waimea, meanwhile, gave rise to Hawaiian ranching and the paniolo tradition.In the 1790s, Captain George Vancouver brought cattle to the Big Island, and by 1847 Parker Ranch had grown into one of the nation’s largest, weaving Waimea’s identity around its paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy, heritage; today, while ranching still matters, the town also hums with classrooms, telescope domes gleaming on nearby Mauna Kea, and kitchens turning out dishes as fresh as the morning’s farmers’ market haul.Travelers are asked to honor local traditions, choose eco-friendly shops and cafés, and leave only footprints on the dusty paths.Waimea stands apart, weaving its rich history, vibrant culture, and sweeping ocean views into one unforgettable place.Rooted in its paniolo heritage yet buzzing with modern attractions, this charming town has a little of everything-from saddle-worn trails to lively street markets.You might wander through ancient heiau, trek along trails shaded by ferns, or linger over fresh farm-to-table dishes-whatever you choose, Waimea leaves you with memories you won’t forget on Hawai‘i’s Big Island.
Landmarks in waimea
