Waimea might seem too sleepy of a town for a proper visit. But looks can be deceiving as this charming westside locale on Kaua\u2018i is well worth a stop. Its rich history alone is enough to cause pause\u2014this is where Captain Cook first stepped foot on the Hawaiian Islands in the late 1770s and a statue in commemoration of the famed British explorer sits in the middle of town.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The community\u2019s dedication to its rich heritage has not gone unnoticed. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has included this west side town on its short list of a dozen U.S. destinations that have \u201clovingly\u201d preserved their communities.<\/p><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
From the Mountains to the Ocean
<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPrior to European settlers arriving here, however, Waimea was inhabited by natives who used an ahupua\u2018a system to sustain life, a distinct division of land that applies natural resources like water to grow crops from mauka<\/em> (the mountains) to makai<\/em> (the sea). Since then, the land has been cultivated in a number of different ways from plantation company crops like sugarcane to the more recent growth of genetically modified seeds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Relax and Meander Awhile<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What you can\u2019t help but notice in this paniolo<\/em> (cowboy) inspired town besides the vast tracks of undeveloped land, is the abundant concentration of red dirt Kaua\u2018i is famous for. Buildings are permanently stained red from the famous soil. Still, that doesn\u2019t deter some 2,000 residents from calling this place home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
While not many people may live here plenty travel through to gain access to the town\u2019s most famous treasure, Waimea Canyon. Just remember, this isn\u2019t a place to simply breeze by on your way to exploring all that Kaua\u2018i\u2019s wilderness has to offer in Waimea Canyon and Koke\u2018e State Parks. This is the perfect spot to relax and meander.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Taking in the Sights and Flavors of Waimea<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
One way to learn more about the area is through \u201cHistoric Waimea Walking Tours,\u201d offered by the West Kaua\u2018i Visitor Center (808-332-1332) every Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Or if you only have a few moments to spend, at least grab a picnic to go at Ishihara Market where you can try local flavors such as ahi poke <\/em>(raw fish salad) or cool off after a long hike with an acai bowl from G\u2019s Juicebar or a tropical treat from JoJo\u2019s Shave Ice.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Definitely don\u2019t pass this town by. Its laid-back atmosphere will have you either kicking up your heels, reaching for an ice-cold beer at Wrangler\u2019s Steakhouse, or savoring the historic allure and charming small businesses that help give Waimea its one-of-a-kind charisma.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Nearby Accommodations: Waimea Plantation Cottages<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
For a truly unique and authentic Hawaiian experience, enjoy a stay at Waimea Plantation Cottages. These quaint cottages are re-developed plantation homes from the Island\u2019s agricultural era when sugar cane farming was the primary industry. Guests enjoy this relaxing and serene oceanfront experience, which is unlike any other in all of the Hawaiian Islands.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Waimea might seem too sleepy of a town for a proper visit. But looks can be deceiving as this charming westside locale on Kaua\u2018i is well worth a stop. Its rich history alone is enough to cause pause\u2014this is where Captain Cook first stepped foot on the Hawaiian Islands in the late 1770s and a…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":109,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3311],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-118190","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-things-to-do-kauai"],"yoast_head":"\n
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