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Parker Ranch
About the Ranch
Parker Ranch, in Waimea on Hawaii’s Big Island, was founded in 1847. It is one of the oldest and most historic ranches in the United States. Spreading across approximately 150,000 acres of the island, Parker Ranch is also among the country’s largest cattle ranches.
History of Parker Ranch
Parker Ranch is among the largest ranches in the United States, spreading approximately 150,000 acres across Hawaii’s Big Island. It is also one of the country’s oldest ranches, with more than 160 years of history.
Location of Parker Ranch
The approximately 150,000-acre Parker Ranch surrounds the town of Waimea/Kamuela and spreads between the great volcanoes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea towards the Pacific. The Parker Ranch Visitor Center is approximately 37 miles by car from Kona International Airport and approximately 57 miles by car from Hilo Airport.
Paniolo Hall of Fame
The Paniolo Hall of Fame was initiated by the O`ahu Cattlemen’s Association in 1999 to recognize yesterday’s and today’s paniolo statewide who have contributed to keeping Hawai‘i’s paniolo heritage alive, and to honor those who made the paniolo culture legendary. Today there are 94 members, both living and deceased, in the Paniolo Hall of Fame. All of the islands are represented by its members.
Ranching the Sun
In August 1999, Parker Ranch and PowerLight Corporation teamed up to develop, what was, at the time, the world’s largest hybrid solar energy project. It uses state of the art technology to convert available renewable energy resources – sun and wind – into electricity to supply water to livestock. Using natural resources reduces the amount of energy required from fossil fuel utility stations, thus saving the environment while reducing Parker Ranch utility costs. The project is located on the Big Island of Hawaii near the 6-mile marker on Mamalahoa Highway, within Parker Ranch pastureland near Saddle Road.
Waimea Town Center Plan
The Waimea Town Center Plan (formerly known as Parker Ranch 2020) provides the long-term vision for the development of Parker Ranch’s lands within the immediate Waimea area. Richard Smart recognized the influence Parker Ranch had on the future growth and character of Waimea. He foresaw that unless Parker Ranch lands were made available, Waimea would continue to develop as a lineal town, extending from Mud Lane down towards Kawaihae. He hoped the Waimea Town Center Plan would allow Waimea to maintain its “traditional village” character through the expansion of the Town Center Area.
Working Ranch
Parker Ranch originated as a cattle ranch more than 160 years ago, having been founded with two acres of land in 1847 by John Palmer Parker. Today, with approximately 150,000 acres of land, the Ranch is a diverse company whose businesses include cattle ranching, visitor activities, commercial leasing and real estate holdings. Between 30,000 and 35,000 head of Angus and Charolais cattle produce USDA choice beef marketed under two branded beef programs called Ranchers Renaissance and Country Natural Beef.