This special ranch is located about an hour from Kona International Airport and just 15 minutes from the Waikoloa resorts at the 12,500-foot level of the Kohala Mountains. The ranch is situated in the midst of the small ranching town of Waimea where horses, cowboys and saddles don’t afford a second look. The ranch is over 100 years old and the historical value continues today in the preservation of the area’s history, artifacts and collections that are unique to Hawaii. The ranch has a wonderful gift shop filled with unique and special gifts. Tours are scheduled daily for those who want to be introduced to a special part of Hawaii’s history and culture.
A black sand beach in the town of Waimea, 49 Black Sand Beach is a great place to relax and unwind while on the island. The beach is isolated and seldom packed with people, which makes it great spot spread out a sheet and bask in the warm sun and gentle breeze or take a healthy walk along the stretch of sand. Gentle waves and consistent winds also make it a center for surfing and parasailing, while the coarse black sand is a perfect volleyball pitch.
Tour the jungles, valleys and verdant hillsides of the North Shore on horseback. This is a remote area, untouched by commercialization for the most part and the scenery is unbelievable. Waterfalls splash down into secluded jungle pools. Green pastures are bordered by majestic mountains. It is a rider's dream come true. Groups are welcome, with a maximum of eight people allowed on a tour. Reservations must be made in advance. Children must be more than age 8. Call to know the open hours.
Located along the main highway that connects Kawaihae to Hawi in North Kohala, Lapakahi State Historical Park is off the beaten path. Quiet and pristine, this park offers an opportunity for visitors to learn more about life in pre-contact Hawaii. The native Hawaiian fishing village has been preserved in this arid area of the island. A self-guided tour will take you through some of the experiences of islanders and their lifestyle in this coastal settlement. The area encompasses over 2,560 acres (1,036 hectares) of land and includes restored remains of shelters, fishing ponds, and much more. There is a visitors kiosk with interpretive displays, and restrooms are also available.
It’s perhaps one of the best kept secrets along the Hamakua Coast, located far off the beaten path amidst the pasture land and eucalyptus forests of Paauilo Mauka. The farm is the only vanilla farm in the United States, and a visit means more than just a simple stroll through the farm learning about farming vanilla for profit. The best part about a day spent at this charming farm is the lunch or tea in the wonderful farmhouse dining room. Huge windows let in the light and allow visitors to rest their eyes on an incomparable view. This is the perfect spot for relaxing with all kinds of vanilla treats.
This Waimea landmark is at the very heart of the ranching and equestrian community of North Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii. The area is the site for several rodeo events that begin in late spring and continue until Labor Day. The most popular events are the Independence Day and Labor Day events. The rodeo events showcase a group of island ranchers who compete in bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing and more. The arena has a large and comfortable grandstand, a racetrack, lots of parking space and beautiful views of Mauna Kea and the Kohala Mountains.