Waimea is famously known as the landing site of British captain James Cook, who in 1778 became the first European explorer to report contact with the Hawaiian Islands. However, for a place of such significance, it doesn't get much traffic. "Waimea is kind of off the beaten path, so it doesn't get much tourism, but that makes it a much more livable environment," says Kelly Liberatore, a longtime resident and Realtor with Caldwell Banker Island Properties, who's been selling here since 2002. Waimea and its neighbor, Kekaha, are the last stops on Kauai's west side before reaching the U.S. Military's Pacific Missile Range Facility and the vast mountainous expanse of Waimea Canyon State Park. People here naturally become close because many work or grew up together. "Everybody takes care of each other," says Liberatore. "You'll wake up to fruit on your doorstep because everybody shares from their trees." The town's natural seclusion has allowed locals to maintain this small-town lifestyle for generations. "It's an old-fashioned way of life," says Liberatore. "You'll see families at nightly beach gatherings and even teenagers hanging out with their parents; you'd never see that on the mainland."
Whether you want to live by the sea or on a hill, Wiamea is the perfect destination.
Explore the historic Pāʻulaʻula fort in Wiamea.
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Traditional Hawaiian cottages
The streets of Waimea are adorned with traditional plantation cottages, a staple of any small Hawaiian beach town. Many were built as farm housing between the 1930s and 1950s, but now they're a signature of the simplistic island lifestyle. "They might look like shacks, but they're built more solid than any modern house," says Liberatore. "The older ones are built out of solid Hawaiian hardwood boards and fastened with carpenter's joints." The median home price is just over $800,000, typical for a two-to-three-bedroom cottage. However, simple square structures can start around $500,000. Larger, two-story cottages near the beach can cost over $1 million.
Single story and two story homes are available in Wiamea.
Enjoy condo living at Wiamea By The Sea.
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The gateway to Waimea Canyon
Waimea sits at the southern base of Kauai's most popular natural wonder, Waimea Canyon State Park. This 14-mile-long canyon, dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," is the only geological formation of its kind in all the Hawaiian Islands. Kauai's west side has an arid climate that exposes the canyon's red rock faces and towering waterfalls. Visitors usually view it by helicopter, but locals can access trails up the hill from town. The beach is walkable from many homes, so it's common to pass the time fishing or surfing. "The surf isn't that big at Waimea Bay, but there are some world-class surf breaks up the shore," says Liberatore. "But it would be going against the local surf culture to name them."
Wiamea is a splendid town on Kauai nestled between the foothills and the sea.
The overlook at Pu'u Hinahina offers a panoramic view of the canyon.
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Local grinds on Hawaii Route 50
Casual eateries and the grocery store sit along Hawaii Route 50, the main artery running through town. "Those of us who live in neighboring towns, like Kekaha, go to Waimea for more grocery shopping and restaurants because it has more than any spot on this section of the coast," says Liberatore. These spots serve local grinds — Hawaiian slang for "eats" — like lunch plates, freshly caught seafood and shave ice.
The historic Waimea Town is known for its quaint shops, local eateries, and welcoming community.
Waimea is home to many popular restaurants, such as Island Tacos.
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Waimea High earns a B-plus rating
The Hawaii Department of Education serves Kauai and the other Hawaiian Islands, and it receives an A-minus overall grade from Niche. Many students begin at Kekaha Elementary, given a C-plus, a few miles west. After fifth grade, most students can walk to intermediate and high schools in town, like B-plus-rated Waimea High.
Wiamea High School is dedicated to building responsible citizens and lifelong learners.
Build a strong foundation for lifelong learning at Kekaha Elementary School.
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An economy of military and medical employers
While travelers do pass through town on their way to Waimea Canyon State Park, Waimea is a little out of the way to be a tourist destination. The main employer here is the Pacific Missile Ranch Facility, one of the U.S. military's key testing sites, about 10 miles up the coast. Waimea and Kekaha are the closest places to live for those working at the base. In town, Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital is a prominent employer and the area's largest healthcare facility.
The Pāʻulaʻula was a former Russian fort in Wiamea.
West Kauai Medical center in Wiamea is one of the main healthcare providers on the island.
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Twenty-five miles to Lihue Airport
Kaui's mountains are almost impassable by car, so drivers rely on Hawaii Route 50 to travel along the island's coastline. It runs through Waimea and can be followed 25 miles east to Lihue, Kauai's commercial capital. Aside from taking a boat, Lihue Airport is the primary way on and off the island. The flight from Lihue to Honolulu, Hawaii's capital on the island of Oahu, takes a little less than an hour. Most everything in Waimea is within a short walk or drive of many homes, and Kauai Buses provide public transit.
Little rainfall and a possibility of brush fires
The island of Kauai has multiple microclimates. Waimea is on the arid west side, receiving only about 20 inches of rainfall annually. However, its south shore location makes it slightly less dry than mountains. This dry climate has led to brush fires on the island, although none have affected Waimea yet. Residents should stay updated on local safety precautions. The Waimea Fire Department answers to any fire issues. Crime is covered by the Kauai Police Department-Waimea Substation. However, specific crime statistics aren't available.
My love for Hawaii began the moment I stepped off the plane in 1987. The smells, the sweet rain, the soft breezes…it’s hard to put your finger on what makes this place special.
As part of one of the largest Hawaiian families on the Island, my indoctrination to the culture and lifestyle began immediately. Within days I landed a job as a counselor at Hilo High. After spending many years as an active duty Army officer, I was then recalled to duty on Oahu. During that time, I worked both on my graduate degree and obtained my Hawaii State real estate license. That was over 34 years ago and guess what? I’m still in love with my job. Each day is a challenge and offers an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. My years in the miliary taught me discipline and to take “mission orders”. I love the “easy ones” but I never one to shy from a challenge. And while I love Hawai’I, I’m still a Florida Gator thru and thru. Little did I know that my time at UF law school would be so helpful in my real estate calling.
The first year I sold real estate (1990), I found one VA transaction on the entire island! After that, I made it my mission to change this and these days, VA loans are very common. I still devote a lot of time to promoting veteran’s issues.
My first job at Hilo High was not only hugely educational but coincidentally, years later I married one of the first people I met there! I’m now helping many of my former students with their real estate needs.
My team and I average over 100 transactions a year. I think it was the year I was recognized for the most transactions in the state that I realized how hard it is to manage volume sales. I’m not even sure how I did it! My oldest daughter joined me, our admin folks followed, then stagers, photographers and two (soon to be 3) of the most fabulous buyer’s agents on the planet! The team platform allows us to focus on customer service while cross-training and assisting each other provides seamless transactions.
Beside the many Veteran’s organizations, I am also involved in Rotary, serve as one of 7 members of our County Board of Ethics and have volunteered with the East Hawaii Cultural Council, the Education Chair for our local REALTOR® organization, Hawai’i Island Chamber of Commerce and more. I believe heavily in helping move our community forward. I want to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Year after year, our team tops the production chart for our side of the island. We are 5 time recipients of the Best of East Hawaii and Best of Zillow. In 2009, I was chosen REALTOR® of they Year along with my daughter, Mealoha. In 2022 my daughter, Kealohnui Browning received this coveted award. I constantly read “all things real estate” and author a popular weekly article in the Hawaii Tribune Herald. Check out my many blog topics to learn all things real estate on Hawai’I Island.
I am deeply committed to my family, work, and community. In my precious moments away from work, I used to run the streets of Hilo. These days, I’ve transitioned to a devout gym rat and trust me, trying to keep up with 10 grandchildren is a challenge but remember, I’ve never been afraid of a challenge! Don’t feel afraid to bring me yours!
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