If you head north on Hawaii Island (the Big Island), you’ll reach Waimea. This rural area is scenic and charming. And for many, it’s a can’t miss stop when adventuring in Hawaii. But the Waimea elevation brings you away from the ocean, and it’s a bit of a drive to reach. Is it worth it? We say definitely!
Waimea, Hawaii: Rural Beauty at a High Elevation
Surveying the scene at about the 3,000 ft elevation in North Hawaii on the Big Island, you realize that you’ve entered Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy) country. This is the land of vast cattle ranches, organic farms and rolling green hills (also known as puus).
Merriman’s Restaurant Big Island
If you are a first-time visitor to the Big Island, you may first hear about Waimea as a destination when you ask about “not-to-be-missed” North Hawaii restaurants.
Many residents and returning visitors will say that a Big Island vacation is just not complete without at least one dinner at Merriman’s Big Island Restaurant. Located in Waimea’s Opelo Plaza, the restaurant is both rustic and sleek, delicious and homey. Chef/restaurateur Peter Merriman is known as a “pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine,” and that spirit shines through as you dine at Waimea’s high elevation.
More Fun in Waimea
Here is a possible day-trip itinerary for anyone who wants to get to know Waimea and North Hawaii Island at higher elevations a little better:
Anna Ranch Heritage Center
For a taste of “old Hawaii,” visit Anna Ranch Heritage Center, where you can learn about the fascinating life of Anna Leialoha Lindsey Perry-Fiske (1900-1995), the “First Lady of Ranching” in Hawaii.
Tours are $20 per person and worth every penny. The koa furniture in the main house and the beautifully landscaped grounds are amazing!
Waimea Elevation Ranch Adventures
Drive up Kohala Mountain Road and visit one of the North Kohala ranches that offer ATV rides, horseback riding, or guided hikes.
Kahua Ranch, home of Na’alapa Stables, is one working ranch that welcomes visitors. The views from the highest elevations of Kahua (4,000+ ft above sea level) are simply stunning and reach higher than Waimea.
The Ranch’s Paniolo BBQ Dinner is awesome – it’s more than a meal. There’s line dancing, a campfire with smores, live music, and roping demonstrations.
Waimea Coffee
At some point during your day, visit Waimea Coffee Company in Parker Square, where you’re likely to find yourself in the company of Big Island ranchers and cowboys stopping in to enjoy their locally grown coffee before heading back to work.
What is the Waimea Elevation
So when you visit Waimea, how high will you be? The elevation in Waimea is 2,670 feet above sea level. It’s nestled on the base of Kohala, the oldest of the five volcanoes that make up Hawaii Island.
To give you an idea of Waimea’s elevation: The Mauna Kea summit is about 14,000 feet above sea level. Cookbooks consider 3,000 feet above sea level as high-altitude (though you likely won’t be baking while you’re in Waimea). And Denver (the Mile-High City) is exactly twice as high as Waimea at 5,280 feet.
Does that mean that Waimea can call itself the Half-Mile-High City? You can decide for yourself after you visit the “city” in person.
Waimea: Paniolo Country
I’ve lived on the Big Island for 6 years now, and the Waimea-Kohala area is by far my favorite place on the island. Welcome to true Hawaiian country!
Contact Hawaii Aloha Travel for help booking activities in Waimea and throughout the Big Island.
