Waimea (Kamuela)

Waimea, also called Kamuela, is Big Island paniolo country, known for Parker Ranch, cool upland weather, rolling pastureland, farmers markets and Mauna Kea views.

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Waimea (Kamuela)

Waimea (Kamuela), Big Island

Waimea is also known as Kamuela. The name is used to distinguish this Big Island town from Kauai and Oahu towns that are also named Waimea. It is located in the interior of the Big Island in the Kohala District at an elevation of 2,670 feet (814 m). Because of this, the air is nice and crisp here, unlike in other areas that are at sea level.

Though a small town, Waimea has many modern amenities and historical places. It offers numerous restaurants, a large shopping center, theater, museums, art galleries, boutiques and shops. There's also the historic, New-England style Imioloa Church. Built in 1857, the church features a memorial dedicated to Lorenzo Lyons, the priest who translated English hymns into Hawaiian and Hawaiian songs into English. If you're interested in more history of the town, drop by Parker Ranch Museum, the Thelma Parker Theater, or the Parker Ranch Historic Homes and Garden.

Kamuela is the Hawaiian name for Samuel. It is not clear whether the town was named after the postmaster named Samuel Spencer or after Samuel Parker, the son of John Parker Palmer who founded Parker Ranch. Parker Ranch played a very important role in the economic development and even cultural evolution of the town. During its prime, Parker Ranch helped Waimea (Kamuela) become the center of cattle rearing in the entire state of Hawaii. Cattle ranching also influenced the development of the town’s distinctive paniolo (or Hawaiian cowboy) personality. Today, Waimea remains the home of many paniolo cowboys as well as newcomers.

Key Features

Upland South Kohala town also known as Kamuela
Heart of Big Island paniolo and ranch country
Parker Ranch is one of the town's best-known attractions
Cooler weather than the nearby Kohala shore
Rolling pastureland, green hills and Mauna Kea views shape the setting
Farmers markets, local restaurants, shops and schools serve the wider region
Road junction for Kawaihae, North Kohala, Hamakua and Mauna Kea drives
Inland from Hapuna Beach Park, Mauna Kea Beach and the Kohala resort areas
Different climate zones meet near town, with dry and green sides close together
Population: 9,904 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96743

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Waimea also called Kamuela?

Kamuela is the Hawaiian form of Samuel, tied to Samuel Parker of Parker Ranch. The name helps distinguish this Waimea from other places in Hawaii with the same name.

Why is Waimea known as paniolo country?

Waimea has deep ranching roots, especially through Parker Ranch and the Hawaiian cowboy tradition. Pastures, rodeo events, cattle history and ranch families remain central to the town's identity.

Why is Waimea cooler than the Kohala shore?

Waimea is inland and higher in elevation, so temperatures are usually cooler than at the beaches below. Mist, wind and quick weather changes are common, especially on the greener side of town.

How is Waimea different from Waikoloa?

Waimea is an upland ranch town with pastureland, local schools, markets and mountain views. Waikoloa and the resort areas closer to the shore are drier, sunnier and more focused on beaches and vacation rentals.

What makes Waimea a good crossroads town?

Roads from Waimea lead toward Kawaihae, North Kohala, Honoka'a, Mauna Kea and the Kohala Coast beaches. This makes the town a natural pause between very different Big Island landscapes.