Overview
Waimea is a town on the Big Island in Hawaii, a state of the United States of America.
2 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Waimea
Parker Ranch Museum and Visitor Center
Self guided tours, horseback, pony and wagon rides, ranch store. This 150,000 acre ranch, one of the largest in the U.S., preserves everything about the Hawaiian Cowboy – the "paniolo". This is the prime ranch country th…
Puuopelu Gardens
Waipo Valley hike
You can hike to the edge of one valleys that form the Waimea canyon. It takes about 4 hours to get there and back, But is a relatively safe and easy hike. There are two routes both of which start near the town of Waimea.…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan, May–Jun, Sep. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 64°F. Wettest: Nov and Mar. (climate data from nearby Hilo)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MUE Waimea Kohala Airport, Waimea (Kamuela) — 1 mi away. Directions
- KOA Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, Kailua-Kona — 31 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Parker Ranch Museum and Visitor Center, Puuopelu Gardens
- Lunch Blue Dragon Tavern & Cosmic Musiquarium
- Afternoon Waipo Valley hike
- Evening Big Island Brewhaus
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Despite its small size, Waimea has most of the amenities you would expect to find in a small town. Many of these are located in the Parker ranch Food court. You'll find the usual establishments such as a Starbucks, and McDonald's, as well as some smaller chains.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
See
See Parker Ranch Museum and Visitor Center
Self guided tours, horseback, pony and wagon rides, ranch store. This 150,000 acre ranch, one of the largest in the U.S., preserves everything about the Hawaiian Cowboy – the "paniolo". This is the prime ranch country that spreads across the highlands. Learn the story of the Parker family, as their choices and character shaped history for Waimea and the Big Island, and left a Trust that works for good in the community.
See Puuopelu Gardens
Do
Do Waipo Valley hike
You can hike to the edge of one valleys that form the Waimea canyon. It takes about 4 hours to get there and back, But is a relatively safe and easy hike. There are two routes both of which start near the town of Waimea. One of the routes that starts very near the town center was documented by a hiker in 2011.
Eat
Despite its small size, Waimea has most of the amenities you would expect to find in a small town. Many of these are located in the Parker ranch Food court. You'll find the usual establishments such as a Starbucks, and McDonald's, as well as some smaller chains.
Eat Blue Dragon Tavern & Cosmic Musiquarium
Restaurant, tavern, and live music venue with dancing. Intimate setting showcasing local bands. Mondays are closed except on the first Monday of each month.
Drink
Drink Big Island Brewhaus
Craft beer and Mexican cuisine.
Nearby
Waikoloa
City / town · 8 listings · 10 mi away
Kohala
Rural area · 5 listings · 11 mi away
Honokaa
City / town · 16 listings · 14 mi away
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Park · 33 mi away
Kailua-Kona
City / town · 50 listings · 33 mi away
Captain Cook
City / town · 8 listings · 39 mi away
Hilo
City / town · 70 listings · 43 mi away
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Park · 5 listings · 44 mi away
My experience
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