Labor Day is just around the corner meaning there’s never been a better time to start thinking about holiday travel plans! When your idea of an idyllic getaway over Labor Day includes everything from great weather and lush rolling hills in combination with access to inviting exploration opportunities as well as shopping, and dining stops to match, making it a trip to Kamuela is a must. Also known as Waimea on the Big Island, Kamuela is a captivating vacation destination situated near the interior of the Kohala District. Crisp air and inspiring terrain define a trip to Kamuela any time of year, but those who head this way over Labor Day will have ample options for added fun. The following are just a few of the many activities and attractions to enjoy when you plan to spend Labor Day 2022 in Kamuela.
Visit the Imioloa Church
Waimea is loved for its sense of small-town charm, but it offers up access to rich history for those with a passion for pursuing the past. If you’re looking to incorporate a bit of insightful education into your exciting Labor Day experience, make sure to make time for a visit to the Imioloa Church. This New England-style structure dates back to 1857 when it was originally constructed. The church hosts a memorial that pays homage to a priest known as Lorenzo Lyons who dedicated himself to translating hymns into both Hawaiian and English during his lifetime. Today, the church remains active and hosts a full congregation with services on Sundays at 9:30. That said, visitors can drop by any time to take a look at the architecture, stroll the grounds, and learn more about this iconic church’s past.
Explore Petroglyph Fields
When visiting Kamuela over Labor Day, those who have a heart for history can step even further into an exploration of the past by taking time to enjoy nearby petroglyph fields. Petroglyphs are beautiful images carved into stone that were left by people who long ago called the island home. They’re a testament to the island’s rich history and some near Kamuela date back to the 1500s! The two most popular petroglyph fields to visit while you’re here are the Puako Petroglyph field and the Waikoloa Petroglyph Field. Both locations sit just west of central Kamuela and are relatively easy to reach.
Enjoy Time at Anna Ranch or Parker Ranch
The lush terrain that makes up Kamuela lends itself to thriving ranches throughout. In fact, this area once hosted some of the largest ranches accounted for across the entire nation! A Labor Day trip to Kamuela is a great time to explore both Anna Ranch and Parker Ranch—two of the most iconic ranch stops in the region. A visit to either is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of ranching in the area as well as the Hawaiian cowboy culture it created. If you’re looking to pair your ranch exploration with a horseback riding tour, Parker Ranch is definitely the place to be. If you’re excited to enjoy time at a local farmers market during your ranch visit as well, Anna Ranch is calling your name.
Savor Some Time on the Sand
You don’t have to travel far to find a place under the sun and on the sand when you make Kamuela your Labor Day destination this year. When you think of an island getaway, you’re likely to envision a beach day or two and the dream is well within reach when you travel here. Some of the most idyllic beaches around are found just a short drive west of Kamuela. Kohala Coast favorites can easily be accessed in both Pololu Valley and Waipi’o and feature white sand and black sand destinations alike. Whether you’re looking to work on your tan, can’t wait to surf, or have a heart for snorkeling, you’ll find it’s always available near Kamuela.
Make the Most of Your Labor Day Fun
There’s no reason to wait when you‘re ready to make the most of an adventure to Kamuela. Your Big Island journey can and should be topped off in style by booking a beautiful vacation rental through the property professionals at Venture Hawaii. We’ll make sure you’re settled into a luxury that keeps you close to the fun and indulging in delightful amenities as well. Our property options can be customized to taste and style preferences no matter when you arrive to enjoy your Hawaiian getaway. Our team is here to handle the details so that our guests can focus on the fun and adventure ahead. Whether it’s a home with a pool that would make all the difference or you’re looking for a specific view to wake up to each day, we have you covered! Get in touch to learn more and begin planning your next trip.
Stepping away from the daily routine and into a tropical escape is something everyone deserves to enjoy from time to time. When you’re craving an island getaway, Kamuela (known commonly and locally as Waimea), Hawaii is an amazing destination to set your travel sights on any time of year. However, if you’re lucky enough to head this way over Easter, you’ll enjoy great weather, stunning views and options to enjoy activities that are one-of-a-kind. Switch up your holiday routine in 2022 and make this Easter in Kamuela one you won’t soon forget.
Try Horseback Riding This Easter
Kamuela is a scenic destination within the rolling hills of South Kohala. This puts Easter travelers in the perfect place on the Big Island to make the most of horseback riding adventures through stunning terrain! Your holiday takes a turn for the inspiring when you book a horseback riding tour through iconic Parker Ranch as well as the Anna Ranch Heritage Center. Those who take time to saddle up at these locations will find they have prime access to incredible island views as well as a rich history of ranching that’s yours for the savoring thanks to friendly and knowledgeable trail guides. Your Easter getaway has the potential to take a turn for the adventurous when you swap out a saddle for a 4WD vehicle and head out for some sightseeing after your trail ride is done. Pololu Valley is a great option when you can’t get enough of the scenery and you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path adventure
this Easter.
Elevate Easter with Time Spent on the Sand
One of the highlights of a trip to Kamuela year-round is easy access to nearby shorelines and a trip this way over Easter is no exception to the rule. Visitors only have to travel about 20-minutes by car to find themselves settle on the sugar-white shorelines that define the areas of North Kona and the Kohala coast. When you’re excited to expand your holiday beach-hopping itinerary as much as possible, be sure to add places like Waialea Beach, Hapuna Beach, and Mauna Kea Beach to the list. Taking time to explore sandy destinations like Lapakahi State Historical Park, Kapa’a Beach Park and Puukohola Heiau National Historic Park as well will surely stand out as some of your favorite and most scenic activities this holiday away!
Include Shopping Stops into Your Holiday Stay
Kamuela is a great place to visit for those looking to incorporate plenty of natural beauty into their Easter getaway experience. However, it’s also an oasis of fun for those with a passion for shopping too! A collection of boutique storefronts can be found across the greater Kamuela area, providing visitors with a chance to browse unique apparel, local arts, and handcrafted goods as well. When you’re interested in making the most of time experiencing Polynesian and Asian art collections, head over to parker Square Retail center and explore the Gallery of Great Things. This stop showcases a wide variety of local artists from the Big Island making for an inspired browsing session. Whether you’re on the hunt for jewelry, souvenirs, clothing, or home goods, you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more within Kamuela’s Easter shopping scene.
Enjoy a Local Performance
A great way to spend an Easter in Kamuela is to book tickets to a performance at the Kahilu Theatre. This 490-seat performing arts center hosts a lineup of national and local performing artists year-round that are well-worth experiencing! From dance and community theater to big-name musicians and the ukulele performers in between, it’s a place to expand your artistic and cultural horizons. Booking a ticket in advance of your holiday arrival will ensure you have your seat for a performance that’s sure to inspire.
Enjoy Easter Dinner in a Delightful Vacation Rental with a View
While an Easter in Kamuela is sure to be something different for many travelers, experiencing a new destination doesn’t have to mean leaving all of your beloved and most flavorful moments behind. In fact, those who book a stay in a luxurious vacation rental through Venture Hawaii will have options to serve up a home-style Easter dinner during their visit! Many of these inviting properties not only come with a great view but provide guests with access to a full kitchen complete with spacious counters, cookware to use, modern appliances and custom cabinetry as well. Gather around a large table and enjoy Easter dinner with those you love most while marveling at the surroundings you find yourself in this year.
Book Your Getaway Today
There’s never been a better time to book your island getaway. Let the team at Venture Hawaii handle your accommodations so you can exclusively focus on the fun that awaits. Reach out today to learn more about our incredible property options available and how we can help you plan your next adventure. We look forward to seeing you in Hawaii soon!
The opportunity to pack a bag and hit the skies or seas in pursuit of a well-earned Big Island getaway is one travelers won’t want to miss. This is particularly true for Hawaii-bound adventurers that have their sights set on the stunning destination of Kamuela. A mere 30-minutes from Kohala, this scenic and exciting locale sits within the interior of the Big Island and offers up a place for visitors to enjoy around 2,670 feet of elevation. In Kamuela, you can count on a fresh air experience year-round as well as amazing views, and access to wide open green hills and pastures that are home to an array of island ranches.
It’s common to hear Kamuela referred to as Waimea by locals. However, be sure not to get this name confused with the Waimea located in both Kauai and Oahu respectively. Kamuela is a charming town that comes with a plethora of historical stops and modern marvels to enjoy. It’s also home to a variety of savory restaurants for visitors to try as well as boutique shops, theaters, museums, shopping centers and beyond. Whether you’re planning on spending your time in Kamuela exploring lush tropical gardens, or making the most of in-town fun, it’s a place with something for everyone to enjoy. That said, making the most of every moment often starts with knowing how to best get around!
Arriving in Kamuela
If your Big Island adventures begin north of Kamuela around Hawi, or you’re stopping by the Pololu Valley lookout, traveling south on Highway 250 is the way to travel in. Otherwise known as the Kohala Mountain Road, this route offers up a relatively straight path into Kamuela by vehicle. Many travelers also choose to fly into either Kona or Hilo and simply drive in from these destinations. The road leading to Kamuela from both starting points promises to be scenic and exciting! If you have a vacation rental in place and you’re looking to simply sit back and enjoy the view while making your way to Kamuela, companies like SpeediShuttle offer full shuttle services from Kona International Airport upon request.
Getting Around Kamuela with a Rental Car
The Big Island of Hawaii might not be enormous in terms of other travel destination standards across the map. However, it remains nearly twice as large as the other Hawaiian Islands combined, making the concept of renting a car to get around a commonly accepted one. Renting a car for your trip to Kamuela is a good idea when you want to be in control of your itinerary and timing. Fortunately for travelers headed this way, the process is relatively easy, especially if you’re flying in. Car rental agencies are located at terminals in both Kona and Hilo airports as well as cruise ports for those who are heading from sea routes. Renting a car also gives you the option to make the most of the scenic drives that surround Kamuela. Both Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 190) and Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 119) run between North Kona and South Kohala to Kamuela. Highway 19 makes for a great drive when you’re looking to enjoy the Hamakua Coastline towards Kamuela as well.
Rent a Bike and Explore Locally at Your Own Pace
If you know that your plans will have you staying close to Kamuela during your stay, renting a bike is a great way to take in the terrain and make the most of your time at your very own pace. Kamuela’s open roads and landscapes make it a scenic place to explore on two wheels and there are plenty of rental options available in the area when you don’t want to have to worry about transporting your own gear. Both bike Works Mauka and Big Island Bike Tours provide travelers with access to top-tier bikes as well as options to set up tours if that’s preferred.
Fun and Unique Ways to See the Area
Getting around Kamuela during a visit doesn’t always have to be practical. Sometimes it’s just an act of adrenaline-pumping fun! Head over to Kahua Ranch at least once while you’re in town to experience the landscape in a new way. This working sheep and cattle ranch is a good place to learn about the island lifestyle and also a destination where visitors can explore the terrain on ATV or horseback!
Find More Information on Local Transportation
Visiting and getting around Kamuela is designed to be a breeze, but if questions arise during your stay, the Kamuela Transportation Department is easy to reach. The department is located at 67-1603 Mamalahoa Highway. Questions can be directed to phone number 808-887-8126.
Book Your Island Adventure Today
There’s never been a better time to book a Hawaiian adventure. When you’re looking for luxurious accommodations to match, the property professionals at Venture Hawaii have everything you need in our portfolio of property options. Reach out today to learn more about our Kona vacation rentals!