Waimea Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Waimea
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Waimea
Waimea
Waimea

Uncover Hawai’i’s cowboy heritage in this picturesque ranching town, featuring historic estates, cultural venues and rolling green pastures with a mountain backdrop.

Explore Hawai’i’s magnificent countryside in the rolling fields of Waimea. This inland town and wider region are home to paniolos, Hawai’’s famous cowboys. Its lush rural landscape is filled with cattle ranches, herds of horses and fascinating frontier history. Discover Waimea’s ranching heritage, stunning mountain views and green scenery on a horseback or ATV tour or simply enjoy some fine Hawai’ian fresh produce at one of the town’s restaurants.

Discover how Waimea’s paniolo and ranching culture began with an informative tour through Parker Ranch, a famous Hawai’ian landmark and one of the largest ranching estates in the United States. Paniolo heritage began with the arrival of Spanish vaqueros (cowboys), who brought their herding and ranching traditions to Hawai’i in the late 19th century. The word “paniolo” is supposedly derived from a Hawai’ian interpretation of the Spanish word “español.” Visit Kahua Ranch to experience how a working cattle and sheep ranch operates. Visit Waimea on July 4 to see the town come to life for the annual rodeo.

Enjoy an evening of culture and fine dining in Waimea town. Try delicious traditional Hawai’ian cuisine before checking out the Kahilu Theater to watch music and dance performances in this state-of-the-art venue.

Find a range of exciting destinations just outside of Waimea along the scenic Kohala Mountain Road. Head north from the town to Hawi, a pretty town filled with art galleries and Kona coffee shops. This town is also near the home of the original King Kamehameha I Statue in Kepaau. Continue east to find the magnificent Pololu Valley Lookout, a breathtaking vista featuring the lushly forested Pololu Valley and the rugged northeastern Kohala coastline.

Make Waimea a laidback and historical detour on your road trip through North Kohala. This region has enjoyable weather conditions for most of the year and offers respite break from resort-style beach tourism. Reach Waimea via car or fly in to Waimea-Kohala Airport.

Castle Waimea Country Lodge

Castle Waimea Country Lodge

2.5 out of 5
65-1210 Lindsey Rd, Kamuela, HI
Stay at this hotel in Kamuela. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (526 reviews)
"We were there for a family reunion, the location was perfect. Easy check in and out. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

Castle Waimea Country Lodge
Hilton Waikoloa Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village

4 out of 5
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI
The price is AU$644 per night from 29 July to 30 July
AU$644
29 July - 30 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Waikoloa. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,047 reviews)
"Good hotel. Very nice but the tram was always broken. It made it difficult for our older relatives to walk around."

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa

4 out of 5
69-699 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI
The price is AU$529 per night from 27 July to 28 July
AU$529
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf resort in Waikoloa. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Only reason for 4 instead of 5 was the high price of excursions unless you listen to their timeshare presentation. We booked on our own and had a fabulous time on a snorkeling tour not allied with the hotel and it was the price that they offered with the timeshare presentation discount."

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa

Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa

4 out of 5
69-1029 Nawahine Pl, Waikoloa, HI
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Waikoloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course and Hāpuna ...
9/10 Wonderful! (691 reviews)
"We booked through Expedia and didn’t know anything about the property that wasn’t listed. It exceeded our expectations and we would definitely book again! The condo was well equipped, had nice furnishings, the pool with ocean view was amazing and overall such a safe high end area. Our whole group ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Castle Hali'i Kai at Waikoloa
Mauna Lani Point

Mauna Lani Point

4 out of 5
68-1050 Mauna Lani Point Dr., Kamuela, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Kamuela. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (296 reviews)
"Great place for a family"

Reviewed on 21 May 2025

Mauna Lani Point
Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER

Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER

3 out of 5
69-200 Pohakulana, Waikoloa, HI
Stay at this 3-star golf condo in Waikoloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course and Genesis ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (486 reviews)
"This is a fantastic property where we spent a 5-day family getaway. The unit is spacious, clean, fully equipped overlooking a beautiful golf court. Shops, grocery store and restaurants are within walking distance. About 10-30 minutes to any of the well-known beaches. It will take about 2 to 2.5 hours ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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