Parker Ranch has served the Island of Hawaii as an active cattle ranch with its foundation’s community donations. You can visit this largest and oldest ranch to take a tour, go hunting, or shop at the farmer’s market.
Founded in 1847 by John Palmer Parker, the Parker Ranch has continuously operated in the Waimea area as a working cattle ranch. Today, the ranch produces grass-fed beef for the Paniolo Cattle Company, which provides quality, locally raised meat for area restaurants and markets. Other aspects of the ranch include the philanthropic foundation that works to improve the Waimea community and the people in it. Plus, the ranch works to educate the public on wildlife and history through its hunting, and historic homes.
Once the ranch reopens to public visits, enjoy one of the following things to do at Parker Ranch:
Self-Guided Ranch Houses Tour
Parker Ranch boasts two historic homes that visitors may take self-guided tours of. These homes are the Mana Hale and Puuopelu. The former is the older of the two, built by the ranch’s found John P. Parker. Inside, you will find narrow passages and low ceilings. It does not sit in its original location. The owners moved it later to its current site next to the Puuopelu house.
The larger Puuopelu has a Hawaiian Victorian style and served as the family’s home through the sixth-generation heir Richard Smart. He planted lush gardens around the house that you can walkthrough. Inside the home, you will find family pictures and art collected by the Parkers through the years.
Hunting Trips
Parker Ranch also provides guided hunting trips. Each trip includes one guide for each pair of hunters. You have options that include big game hunts all year long, turkey hunts in the spring, or upland bird hunts during the fall and winter. Options even allow you to hunt with pointer dogs or assist in wild pig management operations. Parker Ranch also can provide you with firearms, so you don’t have to bring your own on the flight to the Island of Hawaii.
Plus, since the ranch carefully manages wildlife in the area, hunting trips are 98% successful, giving you a high chance of bagging the game you are after.
Farmer’s Market at Pukalani Stables
Parker Ranch honors its place in the history of paniolos through its activities in conjunction with the Paniolo Preservation Society at the Pukalani Stables. In fact, Parker Ranch in 2022 donated its Pukalani Stables to the preservation group to continue the tradition of educating the public and bringing together the community.
Locals from Waimea gather for weekly events at Pukalani Stables. The stables host a gift shop, the Na Wahine Holo Lio Pau Museum, the Paniolo Heritage Center, and two farmer’s markets each week. Visitors from all over are welcome to attend these events and locations. Plus, the Pukalani Stables has event rental space for special events of up to 200 people.
Whether you want to explore the grounds, go on a hunt, or visit a farmer’s market, Parker Ranch has activities that you will enjoy on your trip to the Waimea area.