Parker Ranch


Once the nation's largest privately owned ranch, peaking at 250,000 acres, the Parker Ranch occupies a vital space in Waimea's history and development. Today the ranch is run by a charitable trust, and visitors can poke around two historic homes (one a small 'saltbox', the other a Hawaiian spin on a Victorian manor) for free on a self-guided tour.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Anna Ranch Heritage Center

0.57 MILES

The life and times of Hawaii's 'first lady of ranching,' Anna Leialoha Lindsey Perry-Fiske, are celebrated at this lovingly restored 14-room historic…

2. Isaacs Art Center

0.63 MILES

Set in a meticulously relocated 1915 schoolhouse, this series of bright, charming galleries displays a diverse collection of local and international fine…

3. Waimea Nature Park

0.65 MILES

Not to be confused with adjacent Waimea Park, this is a 10-acre green space in the center of town with picnic tables and free wi-fi. It's also a native…

4. Rare Hawaiian Honey Company

0.77 MILES

This sales and tasting room specializes in locally produced 'white honey,' which resembles a pearlescent butter. It's not cheap (an 8oz jar costs $15 to …

5. Hawaiian Cowboy Memorial

0.93 MILES

This large bronze sculpture by Fred Fellows, a spirited symbol of paniolo (cowboy) culture, depicts Ikua Purdy, the Parker Ranch cowboy who won the World…

6. WM Keck Observatory Office

1.11 MILES

The lobby of this working office is open to the public. See models of the twin 10m (33ft) Keck telescopes, fascinating photos and a telescope trained on…

7. Church Row

1.23 MILES

Home to Christians, Buddhists and Mormons, Church Row is a living history of religious life on the island. There are several noteworthy, if humble,…

8. Ke Ola Mau Loa Church

1.27 MILES

A much-photographed, historic Hawaiian church with an eye-catching green steeple. There are no set times when the church is open, although Sunday mornings…