Once past the magnificent Kohala coastline and away from the massive black lava fields, Hawaii Island offers many unique adventures for visitors. One such experience is found in and around the quaint town of Waimea.
This vibrant community is set in the green, rolling hills of the Island and is the home of paniolos (Hawaiian cowboys), astronomers, farmers, business and medical professionals, educators, country stores and restaurants, schools, and Parker Ranch.
Founded in 1847 by John Palmer Parker, the ranch comprises about 250,000 acres, making it one of the oldest and largest spreads in the United States. Because Parker rid the Island of wild cattle that were troublesome to the native population and destroyed their crops in the early 1800s, King Kamehameha I granted to him land that would become Parker Ranch.
The last owner of the massive property was actor and sixth generation heir Richard Smart, who died in 1992. The ranch was then placed in the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust, which, today, oversees the large-scale cattle and farm operations.
Parker Ranch on Hawaii Island is one of the oldest and largest spreads in the U.S. Rodeos and wrangling contests are often held at the ranch.
Two of the ranch’s historic homes are open for self-guided and private tours, featuring family heirlooms, antiques, artwork, and everyday ranch life artifacts. There is also a visitor center in Waimea that presents information on the early days of the community.
Horseback riding and game-managed hunting excursions are also offered year-round on the ranch. And there is an arena, where Hawaii Island paniolos often compete to demonstrate their horsemanship and cattle roping abilities. Every 4th of July and Labor Day, the ranch hosts its own rodeo that draws thousands of visitors and participants.
The Activities Center at the Royal Kona Resort can guide you to this interesting part of Hawaii Island, where you can find unusual beauty in the windswept grasslands and an entirely new perspective of Hawaiian life here.