As a working ranch since 1928, Kahua Ranch provides a unique adventure that awaits you in Kamuela, Hawaii. Kahua, which means “the beginning, the source, the foundation” is aptly named as it has been in operation for over a hundred years with the original house being built in 1870. The modern version of the ranch, the one you can see and visit today, wasn’t incorporated until much later in 1928.
Kahua Ranch is located on the old Hawaiian ahupuaa of Kahua, in a pie-shaped piece of land spanning mountain to sea. There are legends told of Kamehameha I training his armies on this site to later go conquer other islands. In addition, Kahua is a documented rest and relaxation site for the military during WWII. This welcome respite provided these weary soldiers a way to relax and recover after spending time in the Pacific Theater. Today, it still provides an ideal setting for relaxation and rejuvenation to ranch guests.
The backdrop of this beautiful working ranch creates an ideal setting for ATV adventures, horseback riding tours, or even a Hawaiian-themed barbeque. Kahua Ranch is often the setting for TV productions and makes a wonderful location for team building, corporate meetings, and more. Consequently, when a guest of Kahua Ranch, you can experience these richly rewarding experiences that will surely be some of the most memorable experiences of your life.
One popular activity to try at Kahua Ranch is the Horseback Riding Adventure, featuring horses from the Naalapa Stables at Kahua Ranch. Naalapa Stables’ well-trained horses and experienced Hawaiian cowboys “paniolos” ensure these animals are up to the task of touring the property in a safe, leisurely manner. Opportunities for trotting and cantering are available, though for those who desire a little more thrilling experience. Horseback riders will enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, cinder cones, coastlines, and lush pastures. Open range rides are available daily with exclusive rides available upon request.
Another fun activity to enjoy at the Kahua Ranch is the Sunset Dinner, Panilolo BBQ Dinner. At 3,200 feet, guests of this amazing dinner can experience the Hawaiian UpCounty and the lush rolling highs that sit high above the Pacific Ocean. This experience is fun for the whole family and requires reservations. Kahua Ranch also presents a unique venue setting for a wedding, party, or other events, with breathtaking views and vistas. While offering a bit of paradise, this location is actually a mere 60 minutes from the Kailua Kona International Airport, providing guests easy access to events while providing quiet seclusion.
This local ranch, in addition to providing a beautiful backdrop for events and the perfect setting for horseback riding, is also one of the most productive and sizable ranches on the Big Island. It spans 2,100 acres, covering six precipitation zones that stretch from the rainforest up to 3,500 feet at the ocean. The livestock raised on-site, including cattle are raised naturally on open pastures without the use of added hormones.
In addition to cattle, which the ranch has bred for more than 84 years, with herds containing over 1,000 mother cows at any given time, sheep also call the ranch home, with over 400 mother sheep on-site at any time. The Wagyu bloodline, which is known as the Japanese “Kobe” beef cattle, is a relative newcomer on the ranch. The Kahua Ranch also features horses bred as crosses between Quarter Horse, Morgan, and Thoroughbred lines. The horse bloodlines span back to the early 1900s. These beautiful and majestic animals are the pride and joy of the ranch. After all, what is a ranch without a healthy stock of horses?
Presently, all grass-finished beef and lamb are available for purchase at the Waimea butcher shop located in Kamuela. You can enjoy some tasty burgers from the cattle sources at Kahua Ranch at Village Burger in Kamuela. The ranch store itself is currently closed.
Insider Tip:
-Reservations are required for both the BBQ dinner and the horseback riding tours at Kahua Ranch.