What are some things to do in Waimea on the Big Island?

Waimea is a gem! I was lucky enough to grow up here.

It’s a little ranching town nestled in the mountains on the Big Island of Hawaii. I loved growing up here!

Sure, Waimea is a small town without as many tourist attractions as Waikiki, but there are still so many things to see and do with your family to fill up a day here.

Here are my favorite things to pass the time in this small town:

1. Shopping in Waimea

Looking for souvenirs and trinkets to take home with you? In Waimea, there are so many little stores and local businesses to check out.

Where to shop in Waimea

We have two strip malls and Parker Square that have little boutiques, souvenir stores, and cute little coffee shops.

Like art? There are several little art studios sprinkled throughout this magical town.

If you’re looking for local treats and candies, look at the “Crackseed Etc.” shop next to the famous Hawaiian Style restaurant. You will find our favorite local snacks there.

Farmers Markets in Waimea

Another must-see is the farmer’s markets. There are several farmer’s markets in this small town, so it’s fun to hop from one to another.

Farmer’s markets aren’t limited to just farmers selling organic produce. Many vendors are selling tasty food, yummy treats, trinkets, and many other things as well.

It is a great way to spend your time and support local businesses.

2. Enjoy the parks in Waimea

Waimea has several parks you can enjoy.

Ulu La’au Nature Park

Ulu La’au is a fun pet-friendly nature park. The main entrance is behind the Canada France Business Center.

I suggest getting some food from a restaurant or farmers market and picnicking here. This is a great place to let your kids and or dogs spend some excess energy.

Here by yourself? No problem! Ulu La’au has a great trail to wander.

Native plants are labeled so you can even learn a little as you enjoy your meditative stroll through the woods. The path is just over a mile long and runs alongside the Waikoloa River, making it a great place to bring out your running shoes!

Keep in mind that there are rules for dogs. If you do bring along your furry friends, they need to be kept on a leash and please clean up after them.

Cherry Blossom Park at Church Row

Another cute place to picnic is the Cherry Blossom park at church row.

Mid-February is usually the best time to see these trees erupt in gorgeous pink blossoms, making this a beautiful setting for the perfect selfie.

3. Get shave ice!

If you can get here on a Monday or a Tuesday, you have to get shave ice from the “Original Big Island Shave Ice Co’” truck. Hands down, my favorite shave ice ever! I’m a self-diagnosed chocoholic so my favorite is the chocolate sundae.

Whatever taste you’re in the mood for, their flavors are guaranteed satisfy!

4. Get some local food in Waimea

If you’re anything like me, then you love to eat.

Besides being the home to what I claim to be the best shave ice in the state (probably even the world), Waimea has several restaurants in different price ranges which allow you to taste the best of local cuisine.

‘Ippy’s Hawaiian BBQ

‘Ippy’s Hawaiian BBQ restaurant is a relatively new place you can go to get some great local food. This is the 2nd location of his namesake restaurant to be opened by Ippy Aiona, the first (and at the time of writing this the only) Hawaii resident to be on Food Network Star.

Many locals agree that anything you choose from the menu is guaranteed to be ono (delicious). Check out their Yelp reviews here.

Hawaiian Style Cafe Review

Hawaiian Style Cafe is a must! They’re only open from 7 am – 1:30 pm. The wait can be long, but is totally worth it.

The food is delicious and reasonably priced, but the portions are ridiculous in a very good way. An order of huge pancakes could satisfy a small group.

Just get pancakes and a Tita Mok and that’s probably all you’ll need for your ravished family of 4.

Village Burger

If you’re looking for a yummy local hamburger, check out Village Burger.

They source almost all their ingredients from vendors located throughout the Big Island. Sure, it is a bit pricey for a hamburger… but you’ll know where that mouth-watering, juicy beef patty is from!

Also, be sure to try the yummy truffle fries.

Waimea Farmers Market

The farmers markets here offer great breakfast and lunch options ranging from delicious Thai food to scrumptious crepes.

5. Check out a rodeo/ranch.

Waimea was built by farmers and ranchers.

My own family has a 300 acre ranch with a small herd of about 100 cattle on it. It has been in our family for more than half a century.

Maybe if you’re really lucky, you can make friends with local ranchers and spend some time on their lands. Because the ranching lifestyle is so prevalent in Waimea, we have rodeos throughout the year.

Parker Ranch Annual July 4th Horse Race & Rodeo

Our biggest event is the 4th of July Rodeo. Cowboys from all over the state come to compete.

Fun fact! Hawaii had cowboys before the rest of the United States.

There are even statues in our town of Waimea built for our cowboys who went up to Wyoming and dominated a rodeo competition or two.

6. Where to exercise in Waimea

So, maybe shopping isn’t sparking your interest. Would you rather get some exercise in while someone else spends the day shopping?

Besides running the trail at Ulu La’au, Waimea also has 2 community parks where people play soccer or run laps around the athletic fields.

Mudlane Road

If you’re looking for beautiful scenery while you run, a few miles east of Waimea town is Mudlane Road. This road is not only great for exercise, but the tree tunnel you get to run through is absolutely beautiful.

Ala Ohia Rd

Ever run at the base of the famed Mauna Kea? On a clear day go for a run on Ala Ohia Rd.

This road is about a mile long stretching from Highway 19 to the farmers market at Pukalani Stables. It is nestled between our sacred Mauna Kea and a little neighborhood.

You can run up and down this road as many times as you can and you still won’t get over its unique beauty.

Swimming at HPA

Swimmer not a runner? Hawaii Preparatory Academy, or HPA, offers lap swimming to the public for a few bucks at certain times during the day.

Conclusion

Waimea town is a charming little town that has so much to offer.

Whether you take time to look in on the little shops, spend an active day outside at one of the little parks, or spend your time restaurant hopping, it has a little something for everyone.