With 135.000 acres, the Parker Ranch is now one of the biggest cattle ranches in the United states. Waimea Canyon State Park encompasses 1,866 acres (7.5 km 2) and is a popular tourist attraction on the island. Paniolo’s are the Hawaiian cowboys, and Waimea is a great place to saddle up and explore the rolling hills or rugged coastline on horseback or with hiking boots! There lingers still a strong ranch-town atmosphere in Waimea. Waimea is located on the northern end of the Big Island, just south of the oldest volcano on the island, Kohala, and at the base of Mauna Kea, the highest volcano on the Big Island. The island of Molokai remains true to its island roots. Hawaii Island’s Waimea—also called Kamuela to distinguish it from the places on Oahu and Kauai with the same name—is big sky country, where electric green pasture lands surrounded by cactus-lined fences enclose herds of grazing cattle. The road continues into the mountains and ends at Kokee State Park. Erosion and rainfall are among the factors that continue to chisel away at this mountainous beauty. You can find information at that page on the average temperature, the hours of sunshine, the number of cloudy days, and precipitation. If you want to explore more local cowboy culture on your way from Waimea to Hawi, make a stop at Kahua Ranch, a working sheep and cattle ranch that allows you to learn about the paniolo lifestyle. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Waimea, Hawaii on Tripadvisor: See 22,800 traveler reviews and photos of Waimea tourist attractions. Waimea is still the official name of the town, and if you speak to locals or read the road signs, Waimea is all you will see or hear. The site is within short distance to shopping complexes, banks and community services. Big Island authorities are seeking public assistance in a cattle rustling incident in Waimea. Waimea, or “reddish water,” is the first place on O’ahu where contact was made between foreigners and Hawaiians. It provides a wilderness area with numerous hiking trails. Here are the 11 REASONS Waimea Bay is our favorite beach on Oahu. Our guide to Waimea is structured as follows: Waimea is Paniolo country, and home to some of the most stunning hikes on the Big Island. See also: 1: An Overview of Maui 2: An Overview of Kauai 3: An overview of Lānaʻi 4: An overview of Molokaʻi 5: An Overview of O‘ahu, Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter Read our Blog. Millions of years ago, volcanic activity as well as the Waimea River, helped carve out this mini canyon. This was a watershed area surrounded by large forests of sandalwood trees. Waimea is a town on the Big Island in Hawaii, a state of the United States of America. Waimea Gardens 65-1632 Kawaihae Rd Waimea, HI 96743 (808) 885-8550. But there is more to Waimea than just paniolo. Waimea, also called Kamuela, village, Hawaii county, north-central Hawaii island, Hawaii, U.S. Waimea Canyon is not the kind of landscape most people associate with the islands of Hawaii. The small town of Waimea is famous because it is located at the foot of Waimea Canyon. If you want to see what the weather in Waimea means for your visit to Hawaii, check out the monthly average weather for Waimea. By the time the first Europeans arrived in Hawaii, the population had decreased to fewer than 2,000. Looking back on our time spent on Oahu, it became clear to us that so many of our favorite memories were at the beautiful Waimea Bay. The weather in Waimea town is a good example of the diversity that Hawaii Island is known for. Waimea is located in the northern part of the island of Hawaii at 20°1′26″N 155°38′50″W / 20.02389°N 155.64722°W (20.023926, -155.647357), at an elevation of 2,676 feet (816 m) above sea level. In the 1790s the English navigator George Vancouver presented a gift of five cattle to King Kamehameha I. This small Census designated village toward the north end of the big Island is nestled at the base of Kohala and the Pu’u O Umi Natural Area Reserve. Both Hawaii Route 19 and Hawaii Route 190 connect Waimea to the rest of the island, making it easy to reach the town from anywhere. There are numerous trails to traverse for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. For the current weather conditions and weather forecast for Waimea, have a look at the NAOO forecast. One Waimea is located on the Island of Kauai. There are three farmers markets in Waimea where you can buy delicious fresh local products and a good breakfast. Average monthly cloud frequency, rainfall and temperature for Waimea (Kamuela) on the Big Island of Hawaii. Primarily, however, Waimea is known for its excellent horseback riding opportunities, rodeos, and cowboys. The “Heart of Hawaii” is home to Honolulu and much more. At Merriman’s Restaurant, owner Peter Merriman is three-time finalist in the prestigious James Beard Awards for Best Chef and  one of the founding members of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Most visitors miss this beautiful drive, but it’s a scenic way to get from Waimea to Hawi and the stunning Pololu Valley Lookout, which showcases breathtaking coastal views of the Hamakua Coast. Why is this? Known as paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country this historic area full of rolling, green pastures is still home to cattle, cowboys and ranches. Finally, The Waimea you are reading about now is located on the Big Island. Quaint towns, farms and beautiful beaches await on the “Valley Isle.”. Play some of the state’s most famous courses. The spirit of islands infuses arts and crafts on Hawaii. Market days are Saturday and Wednesday. Waimea (also know as Kamuela, find out why) is the biggest town on the North side of the Big Island. Because this is confusing a naming committee was formed to choose another name for Waimea. Distinct instruments and sounds define music in Hawaii. The crisp, clean skies at night also make Waimea a great place to turn your eyes up for stargazing. Plan your big day, or get away afterward. As human traffic spreads to still-pristine Pacific habitats it is important to protect what remains. One Waimea is located on the Island of Kauai. To the west of Mount Waialeale is Waimea Canyon—Hawaii’s “Little Grand Canyon,” or the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The focus of a nearly 1,900-acre (750-hectare) state park, Waimea Canyon is some 16 miles (26 km) long and 1 to 2 miles (1.6 to 3.2 km) wide and … Here you can explore the scenic landscapes of Waimea by horseback or ATV. You can also find the Kahilu Theatre here, a 490-seat cultural mecca on the island of Hawaii featuring performances by renowned musicians, dancers and artists. Waimea, also known as Kamuela, Hawaii Island. Waimea Canyon, located on the island of Kauai, is the largest canyon in the Pacific at 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, and over 3,500-foot-deep. Exploring Waimea Canyon in Kauai While the garden island of Kauai is certainly a lush green tropical paradise, it also boasts a massive red & orange canyon called Waimea — the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It is believed that in ancient times many thousands of Hawaiians lived in the area now known as Waimea. Home to the Hawaiian Cowboys, Waimea is the center for ranching activities and paniolo culture (The Hawaiian cowboy). Use our site to plan your own vacation in a sustainable way with minimum impact on the local environment. We recognize the proper use of the Hawaiian language including the ‘okina [‘], a consonant, and the kahakō [ō] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai‘i such as Lāna‘i). You can sample it in the many restaurants, gift shops and cowboy clothing stores that thrive in this community. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii's fourth largest island is called the “Garden Island.”. It is located in the interior of the Big Island in the Kohala District at an elevation of 2,670 feet (814 m). Find out more about our data sources. Waimea Canyon on Kauai is a geographic marvel. You can find more information on Waimea’s farmers markets here. The name is used to distinguish this Big Island town from Kauai and Oahu towns that are also named Waimea. Guaranteed 100% Original Content from the Big Island of Hawai'i, go, explore the rolling hills or rugged coastline on horseback. Samuel Parker (1853 – 1920) has a 3/4 native Hawaiian heritage and played a large role in Hawaiian politics during the assimilation of Hawaii into the United States. Learn about Hawaii’s customs and traditions. It is located about 20 miles northeast of the Waikoloa Resort area, 13 miles west of Honokaʻa, 22 miles west of Waipiʻo Valley and 18 miles south of Kapaʻau. As you drive up the Kawaihae road after a hot day at the beach, just follow the rainbows to cool Waimea town. Waimea is yet another face of the Big Island, and often reminds us of the Scottish highlands. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. One of the finest B&Bs on the Big Island, Waimea Gardens is a beautiful, natural retreat from the bustling tourist areas of the island’s western coast. All units come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, shower and bath. So what is it that makes this bay a year-round go-to spot on the North Shore of Oahu? The 1964 film Ride the Wild Surf and the Jan and Dean song "Ride the Wild Surf", which played at the end of the film and became a Top 20 National hit, made Waimea Bay famous. When Hawaii became a United States territory at the turn of the century, “Waimea” referred to both the upland community and the slice of our island, an ahupua’a, stretching from today’s Lakeland to the sea, 10-20 miles long and four to nine miles wide. Finally, The Waimea you are reading about now is located on the Big Island. It sits at the southern foot of Kohala, the oldest volcano on the island, and it is near the northwestern base of Mauna Kea, the highest volcano. The main road, Waimea Canyon Drive, leads you to a lower lookout point and the main Waimea Canyon Overlook, offering views of Kauai's dramatic interior. This area is now home to a thriving community filled with delicious food and local culture. Click any icon to find more information about that local activity, shop, or hotel/vacation rental. The climate here at 2500+ ft sometimes reminds of the Scottish highlands, with temperatures on average a bit cooler compared to the rest of the Island, and low clouds often obscuring the rolling lush pastures. A rodeo arena sits just south of town and a red-barn theme extends to even buildings housing chain stores. “The Waimea 400 Master Plan is a master plan for the overall development of the specific site,” Hull said in an email. Waimea Bay (the world-famous surf spot) is located on the Island of O’ahu. Aside from all of our Hawaiian gardens, four other collections at Waimea Valley focus on Pacific plants from Fiji, Guam, Lord Howe Island and the Ogasawara Islands. We have reviews of the best places to see in Waimea. Luxury and rugged nature blend on this enticing island. Waimea is located in south Kohala and can be reached with a short drive from Kailua-Kona or by public transport with the hele-on bus. Within just a few miles you can go from dry desert land to lush green pastures, and what lies in between is usually a big bright rainbow. Then visit An Evening at Kahua Ranch to fully experience the best of Waimea’s cowboy country. Known as paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country this historic area full of rolling, green pastures is still home to cattle, cowboys and ranches. It is situated on the Mauna Kea –Kohala Saddle (2,669 feet [814 metres]), northeast of Kailua-Kona. At an elevation of 2,669 feet above sea level, Waimea … It can be accessed from Waimea on Hawaiʻi state road 550, which is 18 miles long and leads up to Kōkeʻe State Park. The youngest island is the largest and full of adventure. Are you looking for the map of another part of the Big Island? They decided to honor the Parker Family, who owns much of the land around Wiamea and has played a big part in Hawaiian history. At an elevation of nearly 3000 feet, Hawaiʻi Islandʻs Waimea (also known as Kamuela) is famous for its paniolo (cowboy) culture, rodeos, and rolling green hills. Waimea Bay (the world-famous surf spot) is located on the Island of O’ahu. Belle Vue Waimea (Big Island) B&B has garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Waimea, a 9-minute walk from Waimea Park. Experience a true Hawaiian feast during your visit. The town of Waimea is located in the South Kohala District of Hawaii's Big Island. This is the Big Island Waimea, not Waimea town in Kauai, not Waimea Valley or the famous Waimea Bay on Oahu. Hilo  (56 miles, 1 hr 20 min), Kona (40 miles, 1 hr 10 minutes), and Volcano Village (85 miles, 2 hr 10 min) are all within easy reach with a car. There are 3 different Waimea’s in the state of Hawaii. “Kamuela” is the Hawaiian equivalent of “Samuel”. But before you go, spend a day or two experiencing the great shopping, culture and activities of Waimea. Waimea Falls, Oahu. This part of the island is made out of the oldest of five volcanoes that make up the Big Island: Kohala. Travel east, inland from the volcanic Kohala Coast to discover Waimea (also called Kamuela), which is unlike any other place on the island of Hawaii. To explore the road less traveled, the Kohala Mountain Road (Highway 250) leads north from Waimea to the charming town of Hawi. The only time that you will need to use ‘Kamuela’ Is when you will be sending letter by mail, or are researching information on Waimea online! Waimea is also where some of the island's top Hawaii regional-cuisine chefs practice their art using local ingredients, which makes it an ideal place to find yourself at dinnertime. JUMPING OFF THE ROCK AT WAIMEA BAY Waimea Elderly Housing is an elderly independent living complex conveniently located in the town of Waimea next to the fire and police stations. Scattered with orchards, coffee plantations and other cultivated land, the southwest of Kauai Island is a little-visited area, yet it offers interesting sights worth visiting during a stay on the island. Explore an essential element of Hawaiian culture. Waimea (Kamuela), Big Island Waimea is also known as Kamuela. Travel east, inland from the volcanic Kohala Coast to discover Waimea (also called Kamuela), which is unlike any other place on the island of Hawaii. Photo: Len Yokoyama. 1. There are several “Waimea’s” on the Hawaiian Islands. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this glorious gulch contains 3,000-foot tall cliffs with lush green foliage amidst red pops of color, sprinkled with waterfalls. We have added what we think are the most important stops and activities in and around Waimea on an interactive map. Welcome to Waimea. Waimea is the largest town in the interior of the Big Island. This map lists our highlights for the town of Waimea. Please note: We apologize for any inconvenience, but our enewsletter signup is in English only. After Captain Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay on February 14, 1779, his two ships, the Discovery and the Resolution, anchored at Waimea for water on their way to Kaua’i. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. The town of Waimea on the island of Hawaii is known for many different things, from its gorgeous white sandy beaches to its close location to the Waipi’o Valley to its clear skies, crisp nights, rolling hills, and more. Fortunately, like the Big Island with many names, Waimea has two names, the other is Kamuela. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, here you will enjoy the sight of red cliffsides, lush green vegetation, mesmerizing waterfalls, rainbows, and much more. This waterfall (see more photos, view panorama) is located in Waimea Valley on Oahu’s North Shore, within a park that offers a variety of visitor attractions and activities, such as hula and other cultural demonstrations, musical performances, etc.So to access Waimea Falls, one has to pay an admission fee to get into the park. One valley on O’ahu, one village on Kauai, and Waimea on the Big Island. Waimea can be found at an elevation of nearly 3000 ft. in the north of the Big Island close to some great beaches on the Kohala coast and spectacular hikes in and around Waipi’o valley. We also have interactive maps of: New: the Love Oʻahu website with 40+ pages of planning tips. Breathtaking natural wonders, landmarks and more. We are a Big Island (Island of Hawaiʻi) travel guide written by people with a passion for Hawaiʻi. 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