Waimea (also known as Kamuela - which is the postal service name) is centrally on the Big Island in  the cooler mountainous area.   At 2,500 feet above sea level, Waimea is the Up-country are of the Big Island of Hawaii with fenced pastures, clear skies, cool air, grazing cattle and horses, but just minutes from the Kohala Coast resort areas and magnificent beaches.

Waimea is home to many cowboys, or "Paniolos" as they are referred to in Hawaii.  It is also home to the state-of-the-art North Hawaii Community Hospital, main offices for the Keck and Canada-France-Hawaii Observatories, and two private college-prep schools,  Hawaii Preparatory Academy and Parker School.

Waimea is a 45 minute drive from the Kona- Keahole Airport, or an hour and fifteen minute drive from Hilo.  The town sits amongst grassy hills  and is noticeably cooler than the coast with afternoon mist closing in around the hills but surprisingly little rain. Waimea's old charm has been maintained and there are several fine restaurants and inns and a few historical attractions making this a pleasant place to spend a night.  

Parker Ranch
Waimea is the center of Parker Ranch, a 225,000 acre ranch first developed by John Parker Palmer over 150 years ago. Intermingling with the town and adding to its country charm are over 50,000 head of cattle and 500 horses. The Parker Ranch Museum is located in the Parker Ranch Shopping Center, and showcases exhibits of old ranching artifacts, weapons, quilts, photos, correspondence, and clothing of over 150-years of cattle ranching on the Big Island.  The Thelma Parker Theater also offers a 15-minute video.

Also nearby are the Parker Ranch Historic Homes and Garden offering tours of several of John Parker's historic homes.