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Waimea,
(also known as Kamuela) lies in the broad valley
between Mauna Kea and the Kohala Mountains.
There
are two "sides" to Kamuela, the "wet side", facing East,
toward the prevailing tradewinds, and the "dry side" which
faces West, (leeward) and is sheltered from the rain. This
mountain valley, located at 3500 to 4000 feet elevation,
is refreshingly cool, with the scent of wood smoke often
in the air at evening time.
Don't be surprised if you see Hawaiian Cowboys (Paniolos)
strolling
around town in chaps and cowboy boots, sporting flower
leis around the brims of their hats. Waimea is the Home
of Parker Ranch, still the largest privately owned cattle
ranch in the United States, and you will see it's
Kamuela
Pride beef in our local supermarkets. There are also many
community activities that center around the Ranch and
it's various businesses, such as rodeos, parades, music
and cultural festivals. Parker Ranch is a Patron of the
Arts in Kamuela, and the beautiful Kahilu Theatre was a
gift of the late Richard Smart, for the enjoyment and enrichment
of Waimea's citizens.
Whether
you are attending a horse race at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Grounds,
a concert at the Kahilu Theatre, catching a flight at the (tiny)
Kamuela Airport, Shopping at Parker Ranch Center or enjoying
a delicious meal in one of Waimea's many fine restaurants,
you will find the people as warm and cheerful as the climate
is cool.
Wherever
you turn to look in Waimea, the views will astound you! The
rolling pasturelands with grazing horses, cattle and sheep,
sweep down to the azure sea in the distance.
The
clouds cling to the peaks of the surrounding mountains, and
occasionally drift down to create a special misty quality to
the view, and in the distance stand majestic Mauna Kea, Mauna
Loa, and Hualalai.
Just
20 minutes East by automobile, lies Waipio Valley, a beautiful,
pristine place, literally untouched by modern man. A marvelous
day trip for those inclined to hike and "get away from it all".
To the West, a 20 minute drive will bring you to white sand
beaches, world class golf courses and resorts, more fine restaurants
and hotels.
Thank
you for taking our Waimea tour and be sure to visit the other
areas of the Big Island of Hawaii - click on the link below
to return to the Big Island Image map. Aloha! and Mahalo!!
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Identifying "Spoofed" Websites - By Vince Barnes 
