Find out where Hawai’ian ranching history was made at the Parker Ranch in Waimea. Explore this historic ranch on an informative tour and learn about the Parker legacy and Hawai’i’s first cowboys. Discover the Parker estate and see the family’s collection of fascinating artifacts and artworks from a bygone era.
This historic ranch is one of the oldest and largest in the U.S., with more than 100,000 acres (40,000 hectares) of cattle-ranching land, established in 1847. The ranch is credited as the birthplace of the Hawai’ian “paniolo,” the island’s first cowboy. Join a horse-riding tour to explore the estate in true paniolo style and experience how Hawai’i’s first cowboys would have worked on the ranch, riding through the fields and checking on cattle.
Head inside the Mana Hale house to learn about the region’s heritage and the Parker family legacy. See the family’s collection of art and relics. An informative video explains the cattle ranching practices on this estate. Stop by the little house on the estate, carved from authentic koa wood. Visit the house’s fragrant rose garden and enjoy beautiful views of the estate, framed by a magnificent mountain vista.
Visit the World War II Memorial at the ranch, where a part of the estate was used as a United States Marine Corps training base. A small farmers market is located next to the ranch, offering a fine selection of regional fresh produce. The Parker Ranch Store in downtown Waimea offers a range of souvenirs, including the famous paniolo hats.
Head to the visitor center within the Parker Ranch Shopping Center to find out what events and attractions await you on the ranch. Grab a bite to eat while you collect brochures and maps for the ranch.
Parker Ranch is located on the southern border of Waimea, in central northern Big Island. Visit the ranch from Monday to Friday. Four-hour specialty Parker Ranch tours depart from downtown Waimea and include a picnic lunch.
