Daily Activities at Parker Ranch

Tour Historic Homes & Private Art Gallery

Parker Ranch’s two historic homes, Puuopelu and Mana Hale, are available for tours and are conveniently located on Highway 190 just outside of Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Visit the historic home of John Parker, Mana Hale, “house of the spirit,” which was once the center of activity for Parker Ranch. In the late nineteenth century, it was widely known for the hospitality of John Parker’s grandson, Sam, and his wife, Panana, who had begun to entertain lavishly shortly after their marriage. Now you can visit and see the native koa wood interiors, handmade furniture and Hawaiian quilts. Enjoy the story of John Palmer Parker who befriended King Kamehameha, married a Hawaiian Princess and built Hawaii’s cattle kingdom.

On a scenic knoll called Puuopelu, close by Mana Hale, an Englishman named Notley had built a fine home. John Parker II bought the estate, with its tall trees, grass meadows and small lake next to the house. Today, visitors enter through large double doors into a great, high-ceilinged living room filled with antiques and objects d’art. Everywhere are European heirloom furniture, crystal chandeliers and delicate figurines, along with one of the finest private art collections in the state.

The 7,000-square-foot home has large, open rooms, high ceilings and an exquisite collection of art. Parker Ranch’s Historic Home Puuopelu was built in 1862. The house was occupied by generations of Parker descendents. Eventually, Richard Palmer Smart, a sixth-generation Parker and the home’s final resident, moved in. Smart spruced up the inside and out, adorning the house with his outstanding collection of French Impressionist and Chinese art and furniture that he collected while traveling abroad.

With paid admission to tour our fabulous homes, you can enjoy your picnic lunch in a garden setting or on one of our picnic tables while leisurely spending your afternoon enjoying the serenity of the Parker Ranch Historic Homes. Based on availability, space and staff requirements, groups of various sizes can be accommodated.

Hours of Operation:

Mana Hale and Puuopelu and their lovely gardens may be toured together 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (closed Sunday). Last tour given at 4:00 p.m. No reservations are needed. Click for a map and directions.

Price:

Admission is just $10.00 per person, child & senior discounts are available. Price includes tour of Mana Hale and the estate gardens. Prices are subject to change and do not include Hawaii state tax.

For information, call (808) 885-5433 or toll free 1-877-885-7999 e-mail. Puuopelu is also available for special family and company functions as well as elegant weddings. Catered events for groups of various sizes can be accommodated.