Things to Do in Waimea, Hamakua and Maunakea
Cowboy country, deep green gulches and the island's tallest mountain.
See top-rated activities »About Waimea and Hamakua
Waimea sits on a cool upland plateau between the dry Kohala Coast and the wet Hamakua side, and it feels like nowhere else in Hawaii. This is ranch country, home of Parker Ranch, one of the oldest and largest ranches in the United States, and of the paniolo, the Hawaiian cowboys who learned their trade from Mexican vaqueros in the 1800s. The town has good restaurants, farm stands and the Anna Ranch Heritage Center, a historic ranch house and grounds open to visitors, and the Fourth of July rodeo is a long-standing tradition.
East of Waimea, the Hamakua Coast runs toward Hilo along sea cliffs cut by deep, forested gulches. Sugar cane covered these slopes for a century, and the small towns it built, such as Honokaa, still have wooden main streets with cafes and antique shops. At the end of the road north of Honokaa, the Waipio Valley lookout looks down into a broad valley walled by cliffs, sacred in Hawaiian history; access down the steep road into the valley has been restricted in recent years, so check county rules before planning to go below the lookout.
Closer to Hilo, Akaka Falls State Park has a short paved loop through rain forest to a waterfall that drops about 440 feet into a gorge. Non-residents pay entry and parking fees, and parts of the loop occasionally close after storms bring down trees. Several outfitters along this coast run ziplines, waterfall hikes and farm tours.
Above it all stands Maunakea, about 13,800 feet high, with the world-class observatories on its summit. The Maunakea Visitor Information Station sits at about 9,200 feet, and it is the place to stop and adjust to the altitude. Above it, you need a four-wheel-drive vehicle; the summit is open from shortly before sunrise until shortly after sunset, and children under 13, pregnant women and people with heart or breathing conditions should not go higher than the station. Many visitors prefer a guided sunset and stargazing tour, which supplies the right vehicle and warm clothing.
Don’t Miss
A short rain-forest loop to a waterfall of about 440 feet. Non-residents pay entry and parking fees; parts of the loop can close after storms.
At about 9,200 feet, the place to acclimate. Four-wheel drive is required above it, and children under 13 should not go higher.
A historic ranch house and grounds that tell the story of Waimea's ranching families and paniolo culture.
A view into one of the island's most celebrated valleys. The road into the valley has had access restrictions; check before going past the lookout.
A former sugar town with a wooden main street of cafes, shops and an old theater, on the way to Waipio.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Waimea and Hamakua
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 27, 2026. Best of Hawaii Island may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Waimea and Hamakua — FAQ
Can I drive to the top of Maunakea?
Only with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and many rental contracts forbid it. Stop at the Visitor Information Station to acclimate first. Children under 13, pregnant women and people with heart or breathing problems should not go above the station.
Can I hike into Waipio Valley?
Access down the steep road into the valley has been restricted in recent years. Check the County of Hawaii's current rules; the lookout at the end of the highway is open to everyone.
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