Top Things to do in Waimea
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Waimea That You Shouldn't Miss
The Kamuela area of the Big Island has been inhabited for tens of thousands of years. Now known for opulent resorts, luxurious spas, dramatic golf courses, historic former cattle farms and breathtaking nature reserves, Kamuela is a largely unspoiled gem. Mauna Kea Resort Golf Course is the top choice for going green. Other relaxing activities include checking into Spa Without Walls and Mauna Lani Spa, or stretching out on Hapuna Beach. A rental car is the best way to explore Kamuela's many attractions.
Restaurants in Waimea
1. Hawaiian Sails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 70 reviews
2 hour tours along the beautiful coast of the Big Island of Hawaii on a 35 foot replica of an ancient Hawaiian sailing canoe. The tour includes historic information of the Hawaiian people, snorkeling, fishing and we always hope to see whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays.
2. Makana Charters and Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,579 reviews
Native-Hawaiian owned and family operated tours of Kauai's most famous Coastline the "Na Pali Coast. We use spacious catamarans that are large enough to walk around and be stable in the ocean, yet small enough to fit in the many sea caves along the coastline (weather permitting). Price includes homemade deli-style lunch and snorkeling time along the coast.
3. Na'alapa Stables - Kahua Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 462 reviews
Open range riding along the hills and pastures of Kahua Ranch
Reviewed By christysP476OIP
My husband and i made a weekend away trip to Big Island during this stifling pandemic season. This fun, refreshing and healing time of horseback riding on vast green pasture overlooking the Pacific ocean was way beyond our expectaction and it made our trip so worthwhile and memorable! Jackie's safe guide and her joyful spirit doubled our satisfaction! Thanks Na'alapa Stables!
4. Hawaii Adventures Now
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
In our brand new Mercedes Sprinter Passenger van, we’ll drive over Saddle Road (2033 m. in elevation) through Parker Ranch, between the largest volcanoes in the road (Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa), and make a brief stop at Mauna Kea State Park for a light lunch. From there, we’ll continue along the Saddle and drop down into the historic town of Hilo. The first stop in Hilo is Rainbow Falls! Experien
5. Dahana Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
A working cattle ranch that allows tourists to drive cattle.
Reviewed By Porcupine-415 - San Francisco, United States
My family of 4 (2 adults, 17yo, 14yo) went on the Ranch Ride (1.5 hours) at Dahana Ranch. We horseride occasionally so are probably in the beginner with some experience category. LOCATION: in the highlands east of Waimea. Much cooler and with more mist than along the coast (this was a positive as we would have been uncomfortably hot at sea level). HORSES: Born and raised on the island and sure footed among the rocks. Horses all were well trained although some required more prompting to gallop. GUIDE: we had a very experienced guide, Kiyo, who gave us tips and tried to teach us in how to lead the horse. She would have us go in "Z" patterns and practice turning the horses around and coming to a stop. We were also accompanied by 4 ranch dogs during the entire route. ROUTE: we rode along the hills east of the ranch for a solid 1.5 hours OVERALL: 1) My whole family enjoyed the ride due to the countryside, the guide, and the horses. 2) Easy to fit in the schedule: the ride duration of 1.5 hours + 30 minutes check-in worked great for us and is shorter than most other rides (they also offer a 2 hour advanced ride and a 2.5 hour range station ride where you actually herd cattle). 3) Excellent value: this was one of the least expensive horseback riding options we found on the Big Island.
6. Kahilu Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By activetravelfun
Fun, local feel. Last night we saw a great Irish band. Last week we saw a bluegrass/rock band. The week before there was a wonderful, local slack key artist. Make a night of it, come for early dinner at Merrimans, Pau Pizza, Big Island Brewhaus, Moa Kitchen, Red Rock Cafe. See a great show. Then drive back down to Kohala, kona or Hawi.
7. Evening at Kahua Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Reviewed By swt17 - Davis, United States
Good tim. Country western music preceded by a buffet dinner of tasty shredded beef and perfectly prepared juicy chicken, beans, corn, salad and more, and macadamia pie to to it off. Music, dancing top off a lovely evening on this mountain ranch.
8. Sunshine Helicopters Big Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
In an industry that demands the best Sunshine Helicopters delivers! On the Big Island we only fly the New WhisperSTAR, by far the most advanced technological sightseeing helicopter ever built! All forward facing seats, More interior room, Large windows, pilot-to-pax intercom and a 3-Camera Sky-Cam Video System recording your Actual Flight. Sunshine customized the standard factory interior with business and first class seating to further enhance passenger comfort and visibility. Two wonderful tour options to choose:Kohala/ Hamakua 30 minute flight. Explore the steep ocean cliffs and hidden valleys of Waimanu, Pololu and Waipio, alive with dozens of roaring waterfalls. This area of the Big Island is rich in history and holds some of the most spectacular vistas in Hawaii.For the adventure seekers wanting to see a Live Volcano. Our 1 hour 45 minute flight covers it all, including the sights of the Kohala/ Hamakua tour with added scenery of the Volcanic Landscape of Kilauea Volcano
9. Waialea Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
Reviewed By LLMoves
I don't know where to start. The experience was Amazing. I'm not going to lie, I went there about 5 times and every time I liked it every time. The snorkeling is one of the best on the island. There is a turtle that hangs out there and is very gentle but big. Make sure not to touch the turtles because it is illegal and it can hurt them. Most of the time the water is clear and calm and you can see a lot. Other times though it can be rough. There is plenty of shade and many places to hang out. When you get into the water it is very rocky until you go out to a point that is not. My favorite activity is the big rope-swing. The rope-swing is really fun but if you don't know how it can be kind of hard to climb the tree. If you don't feel comfortable then I recommend you don't try it because it can hurt if you fall. When you swing perfectly it's so satisfying and addicting. There are also many climbing trees. A lot out of land and a lot in the water. At beach 69 (the name the locals call it because of the number on a utility pole) there is something for everyone!
10. Waimea Midweek Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By 456jeffn
Great selection of food and craft items - especially Akaka Falls Farm Fruit preserves and gourmet specialty butters which are OUT OF THIS WORLD. Had some great food trucks including Thai food and Red Barn too. Get there early - it’s runs Wednesdays until 3:00 but especially during the heavy tourist season - things can sell out (cups of honey coffee and even the Red Barn truck ran out of food- which are great “problems” for the vendors but we wanted our Red Barn grilled cheese! It’s held on the grounds of the PARKER Ranch so it’s a cool setting. Check it out. Quick trip from our hotel up to Waimea. Such a great way to get amazing foods and crafts while supporting local businesses
