Traveling Tramps: Waimea and the North Kohala Coast

Sonntag, 16. Oktober 2022

Waimea and the North Kohala Coast

Left our luxurious accommondation on Saturday morning in the pouring rain (left: view from patio). It had rained all night out of buckets already! We didn't have much hope for good weather, but packed our bathing suits and towels - fortunately! Weather changes so rapidly on the island, and, when we arrived in Waimea (landscape below), about 20 min further west, the rain had almost stopped, just a fine drizzle, which sort of evaporated in the warm air.

There was Saturday Farmers' market at Parker Ranch Pukalani Stable, vendors had set up boothes in the courtyard and outside and we bought true Hawaiian coffee and scones for a second breakfast.

Parker Ranch is one of the largest and oldest cattle ranches in the United States. The Parker Headquarters with ranch houses and museum were closed, but the Paniolo Museum & Hall of Fame in the stables was open (photos far below).

After having bought dinner - a nice, big Huli Chicken ,,,

,,, we departed down-hill. about 20 min driving time to the Hamakua Nut Factory (photo below). Due to COVID (what's not due to Covid nowadays?) no free tastings of the many varieties of flavored macadeia nuts anymore.

Spencer State Park Beach - a short 15 min. drive. Another "cultural lesson" before "beach fun", directly in the neighborhood: Pu'ukohola Heiau, a National Historic Park (pictures below). This huge stone structure, a temple (heiau), was constructed in 1790/91 by King Kamehameha I. Hot, hot, hot, so we just walked part of the trail up, the temple itself is closed to Non-Hawaiians anyway. It's still a sacred place.

Spencer Beach is rather a family beach, slowly dropping, mostly sandy. Water was warm, of course, almost no waves. Spent two hours there, lots of people, especially families on a weekend, and, not too peaceful and quiet. Last time we visited, on a weekday, it was pleasantly empty, but well,,, it was nice anyway!