Hotels near Waimea-Kohala Airport - MUE, Waimea

Waimea is a beautiful, historic town. The people are friendly, kind and hospital. It is at a higher altitude, so the town is cooler than at sea-level. The views from above [Kohala Mountains] is breath-taking.

An historic village on the slopes of two volcanoes. Merriman's restaurant is there and is rated the best restaurant on the Big Island, so it's a must go. We saw Robi K. and the Hawaiian Band at the Kihilu Theater and really enjoyed that. Did bird watching with a very good local expert, Lance Tanino, in the immediate area and saw lots of species including the Hawaiian owl Pueo. The weather there tends to be cool, but the beach is only 10 miles away. The Waimea area has always been my favorite drive on the Big Island, with some parts looking like rolling hills in New England.

I liked being able to walk around town, everything was in walking distance. The cool Waimea breeze in the morning and that old country feeling, was great! We also were able to go next door to check out the wonderful locally made art work, and the tasty Waimea food at the Parker Farmer's Market, visiting the farmer's market was the highlight of my trip. I was also able to find some cool tea sets at the antique shop down the road, and at the reuse, recyclable store, all in walking distance.

I'll remember Waimea as the place with clean air, amazing views, and having a perfectly-comfortable temperature. Being only an hour from Hilo or Kona, the climate in Waimea is a perfect mix of each climate. There are many good places to eat and a wonderful brewery, seving good beer and food. Waimea is easy to get around and the traffic, while we were there, is minimal.

Nice nature walk right in the middle of town, starting just behind the France-Canada-Hawaii Observatory offices; two nice grocery stores (we preferred the KTA Super Stores Waimea due to the excellent produce and take out sushi and sandwiches). Loved L& & BBQ, FORC, Moa Kitchen, Merriman's, Hawaiian Style Cafe, Kamuela Kitchen & Coffee Bar. Wonderful day trip to Honoka'a, cute town, good shopping. Wonderful half-day trip to Hawai'i Tropical Bioreserve & Gardens - one of best we've visited. Vanilla Farm tour fun. Enjoyed the park & picnic area at Honaunau National Historical Park - great parking areas, clean restrooms, nice little gift shop, all for free entry if you remember to take your National Park Annual Pass; if you don't, for $30 you get a week's pass. So enjoyed the Fair Winds Snorkel 1/2 day trip to Captain Cook Memorial, still wonderful snorkeling after our first trip 30 years ago.

Waimea is a beautiful quaint village near the northern end of the big island of Hawaii. Rural in character but loved by many. It's great cattle country with Parker Ranch and many others smaller ranches in the area. It's only 40 miles to Kona or a short flight to Honolulu.