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 Parker Ranch, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the largest ranches in the United States and home of Hawaii's cowboy - paniolo. Paniolo are a tough, hard-riding breed who for six generation have worked Parker Ranch, comprised of approximately 175,000 acres, 250 horses and 30,000 to 35,000 head of cattle. It is open daily with wagon rides, museum tours, historic homes and shopping.
The net income of Parker Ranch goes to the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust. This trust was created by former Parker Ranch owner Richard Palmer Smart. When he died in 1992, the ranch ownership shifted from a sole propiertorship to a trust foundation, created exclusively for health care, education and charitable purposes. Direct beneficiaries of the foundation are Parker School Trust, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, North Hawaii Community Hospital and the Hawaii Community Foundation. The trust derives income from cattle ranching, commercial leasing, real estate holdings and visitor activities.
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The approximate 175,000-acre Parker Ranch surrounds the town of Waimea and 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.
Parker Ranch itself is accessible by road from many directions. From the Kohala Coast, take Waikoloa Road up the slope past Waikoloa Village, turn left on 190 and drive past Parker Ranch pastures as you head to Waimea. From Kona, take 190 inland to experience the mountain route. From Hilo, drive north on 19 which skirts the Hamakua Coast to Waimea. |
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