Waimea, Trendy Hawaiian Cowboy Town

Waimea is and always has been Parker Ranch. The 150,000-acre cattle ranch, one of the largest in the nation, dominates life in the community, but Waimea certainly isn't a dusty replica of the 19th century cowboy town it once was. It's a trendy destination with a lot more to do than sit on a rail and watch a cowboy rope cattle. There are a number of visitor attractions, plenty of high-end shops and excellent restaurants. Waimea is like Aspen without the snow or Sonoma without the grapes. Centrally located in a gorgeous surround, Waimea is the place to go if you're looking for cowboy chic.

There is some confusion about what to call this town. Is it Waimea or Kamuela? There are two other towns in Hawaii called Waimea, so the postal service—and many others—call it Kamuela. Maybe it should have been called Parker after John Palmer Parker, who in the mid 1800s established Parker Ranch.

Waimea is home to some of the finest restaurants on the island. There are art galleries, boutiques, wonderful little cafes, paniolo-inspired collections, as well as some of the most beautiful homes and neighborhoods in Hawaii.

Parker Ranch Center offers a mixture of unique specialty shops, restaurants and activities on Mamalahoa Hwy. 19 in the heart of Waimea. Delve into Hawaiian history at the Parker Ranch Museum & Visitor Center, ride the range aboard a Paniolo Wagon Tour and sit a spell at the cozy Fireside Food Court.

Parker Ranch Center not only offers made-in-Hawaii products, but also gifts and souvenirs that have an upcountry, rural style. They speak of wide-open spaces, colorful cottage gardens and cool nights. Hungry? A wide variety of dining choices offers everything from hearty, local-style plate lunches to healthy, fresh vegan fare and Asian specialties to American favorites. With its convenient location, inviting, award-winning architecture and novel, native landscaping, Parker Ranch Center "rounds up the best" for visitors and residents.