Parker Ranch Visitor Center & Museum, Big Island
Founded in 1847 as a genuine working cattle ranch, Parker Ranch continues to prosper to this day. The ranch is one of the largest of its kind across the entire United States, with more than 30,000 cattle over thousands of acres of land. However, these days the business begun by John Palmer Parker, also includes estate holding, commercial leasing, and of course, visitor attractions.
One of the most popular of these attractions, and perhaps the best way to see and understand the ranch, is to take one of its famous horseback riding tours. Such tours take visitors through the majestic landscape with the imposing Mauna Kea Mountain as a backdrop. Playing the role of paniolos (Hawaiian cowboys), riders get the chance to witness the stunning vistas and varied plant life, and perhaps even catch glimpses of pheasant, Francolins, or wild pigs. The tour also takes in a visit to the Rodeo Arena and racetrack, the training ground for many a Parker Ranch thoroughbred. For those not too comfortable with the cowboy lifestyle, an all-terrain vehicle option is also available.
Sticking with the great outdoors, Parker Ranch also offers a variety of hunts. Guides, who are provided in two-hour sessions, guarantee a shot of a walking animal from within 100 yards, or at a standing animal form within 200 yards. Hunt options include big game hunts, upland bird hunts and spring turkey hunts when in season. Hunts are full or half day and include transportation, snacks and beverages and care of your harvested game.
For those feeling less adventurous, Parker Ranch also has a museum and shop allowing visitors the chance to learn more about ranch life at a more leisurely pace, and perhaps pick up a memento from their day out. The museum exhibits Parker family photos, antique clothes and weapons amongst other artifacts, whilst a small movie theater shows a short film depicting the history of the ranch and how it might look like in the future. Event space is also available for hire at both the Rodeo Arena and the Pukalani Stables, whilst filming for various forms of media is also welcome across the ranch lands. The BBC and History Channel have both taken advantage of this filming opportunity in the past.
Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
Admission:
Adults: $6.50
Seniors ages 60 and older: $5.50
Children (4-11 years): $5
Riding tours: Monday to Saturday: 8:15 am or 12:15 pm, duration 2 hours - $79.
Hunt times vary according to season. Prices range from $475 - $2250.
Parker Ranch Visitor Center & Museum Overview
- Working cattle ranch, one of the largest in the entire United States
- Learn about Hawaii's paniolos (cowboys) and ranch life
- Museum features Parker family photos, antique clothes and weapons amongst other artifacts
- Horseback riding tours and guided hunts are offered
Location: 67-1185 Mamalahoa Highway, Waimea, HI 96743
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