$1,383,557Average Value$1,181Average Price per Sq Ft97Homes For Sale
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.
Kamuela covers a vast stretch of land from the ocean to the upcountry hills of the Big Island.
Support sustainable farming by buying directly from local farmers and producers.
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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.
Homes on Makaiwa Bay offer incredible views.
Homes are built on extinct lava flows near the ocean.
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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.
Waimea Center is home to several stores and cafes.
The mid-week farmers market in Waimea features locally made goods.
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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.
A well-maintained walking path leads visitors to the beach.
Enjoy walking along the rocky shore at Holoholokai Beach Park.
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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.
Waimea Elementary School serves students from pre-K-5.
Honoka'a High and Intermediate School aims to cultivates a supportive learning atmosphere.
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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.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Video By
Tyler Hall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Craig Alvarado,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Kamuela, HI sell after 107 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Kamuela, HI over the last 12 months is $1,599,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Puako Mauka home with tons of possibilities! Two stories, could possibly be a hosted vacation rental~ steps to the beach access, furnished and an above ground Swim Pool!Peak of ocean view from large upstairs covered lanai~
Located within the prestigious Mauna Kea Resort, Residence B33 at Hapuna Beach Residences offers a rare opportunity to own a direct oceanfront 1-bedroom studio overlooking the iconic Hapuna Beach. This residence enjoys breathtaking panoramic views and immediate access to one of Hawaii’s most celebrated white sand beaches, delivering refined resort living in an intimate and highly desirable
This 3+ acre lot in Kohala Ranch offers a great value. Don't let the low price fool you. In addition to boasting big ocean views, its offers postcard-quality pictures of Haleakala on the Island of Maui. You'll own the whole corner of Ka Nani Drive and Ka Nani Place, all the way to the cul-de-sac.
This lot is a short drive (approximately 15 minutes) to the world class resorts of the Kohala Coast and the best beaches on Hawaii Island.Adjacent to two 10-acre parcels that are located in the lower part of the Summit section of Kohala Ranch, this jewel of a parcel sits at the mauka gateway to Meadows I. Very little excavation work will be required to groom the already-graded driveway
ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE OCEAN. CLEARED LOT, COMPLETED PLANS AVAILABLE. READY TO BUILD YOUR NEW HOME? Exceptional opportunity to build your family beach home in an area of world class diving, snorkeling and swimming on the Kohala Coast. Rare Puako lot is close to the Mauna Kea and Mauna Lani Resort areas with fine dining, world class golfing and many beach activities. Leave your home turn right
Resort-style living in this beautifully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome with a transferable short-term vacation rental permit, located in the gated Fairways at Mauna Lani Resort. This two-story end unit offers privacy, natural light, and all-day sunshine.With 1,289 sq ft of interior space, the home features cathedral ceilings, clerestory windows, and tasteful island décor. The open
This easy-to-build, 5-acre parcel is located at the corner of two cul-de-sac streets. In Meadows II, near the northwest corner of Kohala Ranch, this lot provides a ton of privacy. At the same time, it is reasonably close to towns, resort areas and beaches. Kohala Ranch lots have all-underground utilities to each lot, including crisp, fresh water from the natural aquafer that private water company
Set within the prestigious Summit section of Kohala Ranch, this exceptional offering includes two separate large parcels being sold together totaling 25+ acres. Epic sweeping unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, the Kohala coastline, the majestic summits of Hualālai, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Haleakala, Maui. A true gem blending luxury and elegance, eco-conscious design in harmony with the
Renee H. Kraft
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Island Lifestyle
Stunning views capture your attention as you enter this open concept 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home. Nestled at the edge of Waimea in the coveted subdivision of Lualai at Parker Ranch this 2 story will steal your heart. Great counterspace in the kitchen, large bonus room upstairs, large primary suite and ample storage. The partially fenced back yard also boasts beautiful views of the hills near by.
Centrally located in Waimea, this ground-floor 2-room, 1-bath residence and /or commercially zoned unit offers comfortable, well-designed living space within a convenient village setting. The interior features updated wood-look flooring, clean finishes, and a light, open feel. The living area flows easily into the kitchen and dining space, creating a functional layout for everyday living. Large
Puako Mauka home with tons of possibilities! Two stories, could possibly be a hosted vacation rental~ steps to the beach access, furnished and an above ground Swim Pool!Peak of ocean view from large upstairs covered lanai~
Build your dream home in the highly desirable Waiki‘i Ranch, a private gated equestrian community on Hawai‘i Island. This exceptional 10-acre parcel offers sweeping mountain views, distant ocean vistas, cool Waimea breezes, and the perfect balance of privacy, open space, and natural beauty. What truly sets this property apart is that it includes fully completed architectural and engineering plans
Cul de sac within the Heathers. Near the ocean with open coastline and sunset views. Gently sloping lot with a natural building area that offers privacy and protection from wind. No through traffic. Private setting.
Perched just below Hōkūʻula—the iconic puʻu rising at the heart of Waimea—this exceptional in-town parcel offers a rare blend of convenience, elevation, and sweeping natural beauty. Situated in the sought-after Waimea Homesteads neighborhood, the property holds a premier position with breathtaking, unobstructed vistas stretching across Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualālai, and Kohala, offering
Property Id: 1500016Modern plantation home in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Wonderful, quiet neighborhood. There are three bedrooms, two baths, open concept Kitchen and living area. Fully furnished. Great for traveling nurses/doctors or small families.
Property Id: 2435547Welcome to your new home at 64-1061 Mamalahoa Hwy in Kamuela, HI! This stunning 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment is available starting April 5th, 2026. 2nd floor, vaulted ceilings. Recently renovated. Queen size bed in bedroom, full kitchen. Finish table and pune’e in the living area. Fully furnished, ready to move in! Rent includes electricity, garbage, sewage, water,
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