Kamuela is an upcountry town with ranching roots and mountain views
Tucked away in the heart of the Big Island’s upcountry, Kamuela — also known as Waimea — is a rural town with a cool climate, rolling green pastures and views of Mauna Kea, the island’s tallest volcano. The town’s Main Street is a lively stretch lined with local businesses, eateries and cafés, set against a backdrop of misty hills and sprawling meadows, while coastal resort communities offer beachfront property and golf courses. “Along the coast, it’s very sunny and dry. That’s where the resort communities and vacation homes are. If you head up into the town, it’s cooler and rainier, and has mostly full-time residents,” says Realtor Yvonne Kouri-Morgan, a broker at Corcoran Pacific Properties, who has lived on the Big Island for 45 years. “It’s a beautiful old town with gorgeous views of the mountains.” Kamuela is also home to Parker Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the United States at 130,000 acres.
Housing ranges from beach homes to ranches with acreage
Kamuela’s housing landscape is as diverse as its terrain. Ranch properties with acreage, beach homes overlooking the ocean, luxury estates, new contemporary builds and midcentury ranch-style homes can all be found here. “The coastal area consists mostly of second homes for people who live on the West Coast of the mainland. Further inland, there are a lot of bedroom communities for people who work at the resorts,” Kouri-Morgan says. Streetscapes vary from quiet one-lane roads with pastoral views to gated communities with manicured lawns and ocean vistas. Some neighborhoods, like those surrounding the town center, are walkable and bikeable. Lot sizes range widely, with some properties offering more than 10 acres of land, especially in areas like Waikii Ranch. Because of the wide range of housing options, prices can range from around $750,000 to as high as $5 million.
Local shops and cafés line the streets near Kawaihae Road
Downtown Kamuela boasts a selection of boutique shops, coffee houses and eateries, mostly centered around Kawaihae Road. Merriman’s is a farm-to-table restaurant known for its upscale Hawaiian cuisine, and Waimea Coffee Company serves espresso drinks and pastries. Grocery options include Waimea Town Market, a weekly farmers market, and KTA Super Stores, a local chain with fresh produce and household essentials.
Cherry blossoms and rodeos highlight Kamuela’s seasonal events
Each February, the region bursts into bloom during the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, a community event that celebrates the arrival of thousands of pink blossoms throughout town. The festival features Japanese cultural performances, food trucks, art exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages. Local businesses and community groups join in, making it a highlight of the winter season. Throughout the year, Parker Ranch hosts rodeos and traditional horse races, offering a glimpse into the region’s paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy, heritage and Big Island ranching culture.
Botanical gardens, beaches and trails offer year-round fun
Kamuela is surrounded by natural beauty and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. “People are outside all the time. Whether it's hiking, playing golf or enjoying the beaches, we have a real outdoor lifestyle here,” Kouri-Morgan says. Waimea Nature Park, also known as Ulu La‘au, is a peaceful botanical garden ideal for walking and birdwatching. Waimea Park provides sports fields and playgrounds for families, while Anna Ranch Heritage Center offers historical tours and scenic trails. For more adventurous outings, residents head to Pololu Valley for hikes or explore the slopes of Mauna Kea for stargazing and summit treks. Golfers can tee up at seaside destinations like Mauna Kea Golf Course and Francis H. I’i Brown Golf Courses.
Honoka‘a High has a strong agriculture program
Kamuela’s educational pipeline includes Waimea Elementary School, which earns a C-plus from Niche. The next step is Honoka‘a High & Intermediate School, which holds a B-minus rating. Honoka‘a High has a strong agricultural program that reflects the region’s ranching heritage, offering students experience in farming and livestock care.
Limited walkability but easy drives to coast and city
While Kamuela is not very walkable due to its rural layout, it offers easy access to coastal and inland destinations. The town is about 40 miles from Kailua-Kona, the nearest larger city. The closest hospital, Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital, is located right in Kamuela, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare. For air travel, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is about 38 miles away, connecting Kamuela to the rest of Hawaii and the mainland. Route 19 runs east-west to the coasts.
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Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
