Waimea
A Unique Blend of Country Charm and Hawaiian Culture! Nestled in the heart of the Big Island, Waimea—also known as Kamuela—offers a refreshing change of pace with its cool climate, rolling green pastures, and stunning mountain views. Located at an elevation of nearly 2,500 feet, Waimea’s lush landscape is home to Hawaii’s famous paniolo (cowboy) culture, where historic cattle ranches like Parker Ranch, one of the largest in the U.S., continue to thrive.
Home of the Paniolo "Hawaiian cowboy"
Welcome to
Waimea-Kamuela
This vibrant town combines the rustic charm of the countryside with modern conveniences, offering boutique shops, farm-to-table dining, and an array of local markets. Waimea is also known for its strong educational and scientific presence, with top-tier schools and world-renowned observatories on Mauna Kea just a short drive away.
Since its establishment over 160 years ago, Waimea has been a hub for cattle ranching and Hawaiian cowboys. Today, Parker Ranch spans more than 250,000 acres, making it one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States. Additionally, Waimea is known as Kamuela, the Hawaiian translation of Samuel, in honor of Samuel Parker.
Waimea celebrates community through events like the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and Paniolo Parade, bringing residents and visitors together to honor its multicultural heritage. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse opportunities for recreation—including horseback riding, hiking, and stargazing—Waimea is an ideal place for those seeking a slower pace while staying connected to the pulse of island life.
Whether you’re drawn to the area for its history, breathtaking landscapes, or sense of community, Waimea offers a unique lifestyle blending old Hawaiian traditions with modern comforts.
Waimea neighborhoods
Aina Moluhi
Ahuli Park Subdivision
Kamuela Haven
Kamuela Lakeland
Kamuela Meadows
Kamuela Heights
Kinohou Subdivision
Lalamilo Houselots
Lualai
Mokuloa
Nani Waimea Subdivision
Parker Ranch
Pleasant Acres
Puu Nani Subdivision
Puukapu Homestead
Sandalwood at Waimea
Waimea Homesteads
Waimea Parkside
Waimea Village
Waimea Vacationland
Waimea Condos
Holo Holo Ku
Tamarack Pines
Waimea Town Plaza
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Overview of Waimea- Kamuela
10,422 people live in Waimea – Kamuela, where the median age is 40.1 and the average individual income is $40,382.
Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
10,422
Total Population
40.1 YEARS
Median Age
low
Population Density
40,382
Average Individual Income
What to love
- • Small town charm
- • Top rated schools
- • Weekly Farmers Markets
- • An array of shops and restaurants
- • A wealth of outdoor activities, hiking, horseback riding
- • Cool climate
- • Rolling green pastures and stunning mountain views
LOCAL LIFESTYLE - LIVING IN Waimea
Waimea is home to a diverse community that includes ranchers, farmers, resort workers from the nearby Kohala Coast, and astronomers working at the observatories atop Mauna Kea. The local paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture harmoniously coexists with Waimea’s other notable features, including its exceptional private schools, vibrant cultural programs, and farm-to-table dining options.
Waimea takes immense pride in its paniolo (cowboy) heritage and boasts a thriving farming and ranching community. Yet, there is much more to this town than its ranching roots. Living in Waimea places you within easy walking distance of all the essentials. As the largest town in North Kohala, it offers a variety of amenities, from grocery stores and health food markets to clothing boutiques and coffee cafés. Waimea also hosts the headquarters of several major employers, including the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and the Keck Observatory. With several excellent schools in the area, it’s an ideal place for families.
Situated at an elevation of 2,600 feet, Waimea enjoys a cooler climate compared to coastal regions, while remaining just a short drive from some of the island’s finest beaches. This town truly offers the best of both worlds.
Despite its peaceful and somewhat secluded location within the Big Island’s South Kohala District, Waimea is only a short drive from several major beachfront resorts. Hapuna Beach, one of the island’s most popular white sand beaches, is just 13 miles away—about a 20-minute drive—making it easy for residents and visitors to enjoy both the cool upcountry climate and the sunny shores.
DINING, ENTERTAINMENT + SHOPPING
Residents love Waimea’s small-town charm while still enjoying the convenience of amenities typically found in larger towns. The area features a variety of restaurants, two shopping centers– Waimea Center and Parker Ranch Center , Kahilu theater, museums, art galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops, ensuring there’s something for residents of all ages.
A beloved local favorite, Merriman’s Waimea offers an unforgettable farm-to-table dining experience that captures the essence of Hawaii’s culinary heritage. Founded by Chef Peter Merriman, often regarded as one of the pioneers of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, the restaurant focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms and ranches. With a menu featuring island-inspired dishes like macadamia nut-crusted fish and kiawe-grilled meats, Merriman’s blends rustic elegance with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors.
Waimea Coffee Company is a cozy, community-favorite spot where locals and visitors gather to enjoy delicious coffee and light bites. Known for its relaxed vibe and friendly service, this charming café serves locally roasted Hawaiian coffee, along with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and smoothies. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a latte or grab a quick breakfast before exploring the town. Whether you’re looking for a quiet nook to work or a lively spot to meet friends, Waimea Coffee Company offers a welcoming space for all.
There are many other excellent eateries in town, such as Hawaiian Style Café, The Fish And The Hog, Pau Pizza, Aka Sushi, Moa Kitchen, FORC Restaurant, and Dom De Luca’s Restaurant.
Things to do in Waimea
Waimea offers a wide range of activities that embrace the town’s natural beauty and ranching heritage. Horseback ridingis a popular way to experience the scenic rolling pastures and learn about the paniolo (cowboy) culture that has shaped the area for generations. For a truly authentic paniolo experience, horseback riding at Parker Ranch offers a unique way to explore Waimea’s rich ranching history and stunning landscapes. As one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the United States, Parker Ranch invites visitors to saddle up and ride across its scenic pastures, surrounded by rolling hills and panoramic views of Mauna Kea and the Kohala Mountains.
Waimea is a vibrant community known for its lively events that celebrate the town’s rich history and culture. Each February, the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival draws crowds with its stunning pink blooms, cultural performances, and local craft vendors. In the fall, the Waimea Fall Festival offers fun for all ages with live entertainment, games, and food booths. The town also spreads holiday cheer with its beloved Christmas Twilight Parade, lighting up the streets with festive floats and music.
Honoring its paniolo (cowboy) heritage, Waimea hosts the annual Paniolo Parade, where horseback riders and decorated wagons showcase the area’s ranching legacy. Another cherished tradition is the Parker Ranch Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races, where families gather to enjoy rodeo competitions, live music, and fireworks. These events, along with various community fairs and farmers’ markets throughout the year, make Waimea a place where the spirit of aloha and small-town pride shine brightly.
Travel back in time to the era of the Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy). Artifacts, photographs, and genuine Hawaiian saddles are some ways the Paniolo Heritage Center brings the paniolo’s narrative to life. Learn about the paniolo’s role in the ranching history of Hawai’i and view some of the saddles they rode in at this heritage museum.
Check out the full calendar of community events with details and dates below!
Schools
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