The vast Parker Ranch estates, which stretch from Hawaii’s northwest coast to the Kohala Mountains, provide an unusual impression of the island. The Parker Ranch in Waimea, located on Route 19, covers an area of 355 square miles, approximately 9% of Hawaii’s total area. From small beginnings in 1847, it has grown into the largest cattle ranch in the United States. It is now run by the sixth generation of the Parker family.
Since the 1960s, especially in areas of the estate close to the coast where the land is not rich enough to support livestock farming, tourism and shopping have been developed. A significant number of hotels and apartment buildings have been built here.
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Some Hawaiian cowboys who still work the Parker Ranch are direct descendants of the vaqueros Parker brought from Mexico in the 1830s to help capture wild cattle. Since there was no Hawaiian equivalent, they became known as paniolos after the word espanol (which means Spanish). Rodeos and other events take place here on Kamehameha Day (June 11) and American Independence Day (July 4), as well as at other times.
Since 1988, the entire farm has been open to visitors, who can enjoy a guided tour. Tours include visits to the family cemetery, Puukalani stables, John Parker’s house (reconstructed by Smart with its original furnishings from the second half of the 19th century) and the elegant, modern Puuopelu house, home to Smart’s significant collection of French and Venetian located art, pieces of Chinese jade and rare glassware. About 100 paintings can also be seen here, including works by Degas, Renoir, Pissarro, de Vlaminck and Dufy.
Parker Ranch Visitor Center & Museum
Much of the Parker family history can be found at the Parker Ranch Visitor Center, whose exhibits include family photos, old Bibles, antique clothing, utensils, weapons, a printing press and more. One room is dedicated to the career of Duke Kahanamoku who achieved several Olympic successes in swimming.
An extension of the center houses a small movie theater showing a short film depicting the history and environment of the Parker Ranch and its anticipated future.
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