While it shares its name with the canyon on Kauaʻi and the bay and valley on Oʻahu, the town of Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island stands apart in a delightful way.

Located toward the northern tip of the Big Island, Waimea is unlike any other town on the Big Island—and it’s one of my favorites to visit for that reason. I always look forward to the serene drive north from Kona, as barren lava fields give way to rolling green pastures. You know you’ve arrived in Waimea as you begin to see herds of cattle roaming, hinting at the area’s deep-rooted ranching history.

But beyond its paniolo (cowboy) culture, Waimea—also known as Kamuela to help distinguish it from other locales—is home to a welcoming community of independent businesses, award-winning farm-to-table restaurants, bustling farmers markets and more.

While visiting the Big Island, here are 10 reasons to stop in Waimea.

1. Fascinating Paniolo History

While paniolo culture is prevalent across the Islands, one of the best places to learn about Hawaiʻi’s cowboys is where the tradition started. After all, Waimea was home to cowboys before the American West.

In the 1830s, three Mexican vaqueros were brought to the Islands to teach Hawaiians how to rope, slaughter, breed cattle and work with horses. As a result, a class of dexterous Hawaiian cowboys ensued, long before the first big cattle drives of the Old West.

Named paniolo, a Hawaiian iteration of the word Español, local cowboys created their own style and practices distinct from the vaquero.

Today, you can take a self-guided tour of Hawaiʻi’s oldest and largest working ranch, Parker Ranch, which remains committed to preserving the heritage of the area.

Not far from Parker Ranch, Kahuā Ranch was established in 1928. The ranch welcomes visitors for horseback riding tours through electric green pastures with panoramic views of the coastline. You can also book a spot for an exciting paniolo barbecue dinner at the ranch.

2. Vibrant Farmers Markets

The Kamuela Farmers Market is one of the many farmers markets held every week in Waimea.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Dana Edmunds

Browse the bounty of crops grown in the region, along with handcrafted goods, at several Waimea farmers markets. The Waimea Town Market, Kamuela Farmers Market and Kūhiō Farmers Market are on Saturdays, and the Pukalani Midweek Market on Wednesdays.

3. Hawaiian Style Café

The teri-beef burger-chicken cutlet plate lunch.
Photo: David Croxford

For local comfort food, Hawaiian Style Café is a must-try. Serving the community since 1993, the restaurant dishes out massive loco mocos and plate lunches, from kālua pork to kalbi ribs.

4. Farm-to-Table Restaurants

Since 1988, Merriman’s in Waimea has been a leading restaurant in farm-to-table practices.
Photo: Courtesy of Merriman’s Waimea

Waimea isn’t just known for its historic ranches; it’s also surrounded by a bounty of local farms. Along with local ranchers and fishermen, these farms and others across the island supply farm-to-table restaurants like Merriman’s Waimea and FORC with the freshest ingredients available. As a result, diners can savor thoughtfully prepared dishes that highlight the flavors and spirit of the Islands.

READ MORE: The 5 Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants on Hawaiʻi Island

5. Pâtisserie Nanako

A spread of Pâtisserie Nanako’s popular desserts: raspberry ladybug mousse, strawberry shortcake, lilikoʻi mango mousse, vanilla cream puff, and mac nut carrot cake.
Photo: Lauren Okinaka

Since opening in 2021, this family-owned shop has become beloved among locals and visitors for its Japanese-style pastries. (There’s usually a line out the door, but it moves quickly!) From pillowy strawberry shortcake and delicate cheesecake to a curry pan (buttery bread stuffed with savory curry), everything is made with care at Pâtisserie Nanako.

The raspberry ladybug is the bakery’s signature dessert. With a light chocolate cake base, the rich chocolate mousse is encased in a glossy raspberry glaze. And it’s delightful!

6. Cherry Blossoms Bloom in the Spring

The Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is held every February to celebrate the cultural significance of the trees.
Photo: Island of Hawaiʻi Visitors Bureau (IHVB)/Kirk Lee Aeder

Cherry blossoms are among the world’s most iconic symbols of spring. While Japan is famous for its pink sakura, few know about the pockets of cherry blossoms hidden throughout the Hawaiian Islands—including in Waimea.

In the 1950s, cherry blossoms were introduced to the town and by the 1970s, dozens were planted along Waimea’s Church Row. Today, the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is held every February to celebrate the cultural significance of the trees here in the Islands and beyond. The festivities include a tea ceremony, art show, crafts, cooking demonstrations and more—all surrounded by the beauty of the sakura trees.

7. Kahilu Theatre

Built in 1980, Kahilu is a multidisciplinary art center that brings the community together through live performances. It hosts ʻukulele and slack-key guitar festivals, jazz performances, plays and more. Check out events and shows here.

8. Waimea Nature Park

Waimea Nature Park has the largest collection of variously colored ‘ōhi‘a lehua trees in the state.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA)/Kirk Aeder

Spread across 20 acres, Waimea Nature Park—also known as Ulu Lāʻau—is a serene place for a stroll or a peaceful rest. The former pastureland was acquired by the Waimea Outdoor Circle in 1999, and volunteers soon planted native species and transformed it into a park. Today it boasts the largest collection of  ʻōhiʻa lehua trees in the state.

Grace Maeda is the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.