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Kamuela Inn

Upcountry Hospitality, Timeless Charm

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Vagobond Travel Review: The Kamuela Inn in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii

There’s really no place like Kamuela and Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Once home to the largest cattle ranch in the USA and still the fifth largest – this town is famous for rodeos, tropical fruit, and horseback riding.

Sadly, because we were traveling in a time of travel lockdown amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and a hurricane threatening – much of Waimea was either shut down or inaccessible to us – but having been there before, I can tell you three things that I love about the town – it’s an artsy little community, it has multiple amazing farmers markets, and the Parker Ranch is a must see.

On this trip, I discovered a fourth thing I love in Waimea – The Kamuela Inn. As their website says Upcountry Hospitality and Timeless Charm. It’s not just a couple of phrases. They live it. I’d also add that there is a level of comfort and luxury that is missing from nearly all hotels and inns these days. Here’s one example – the bedding.

My wife and I have stayed in a lot of hotels all over the world. Never in all the years we have travelled together have we ever looked to find the tags on the sheets and pillows – until this trip! These were the most comfortable sheets and pillows either of us had ever slept on and when we found the tags and looked to acquire some for ourselves – we discovered why – the sheets, duvet, and pillows on our king size bed added up to nearly $1000! I’m not talking about the bed here – I’m talking about the sheets, pillows and blankets on the bed.

That wasn’t the only detail. The shower was magnificent and the overall design of western wood design, and luxury western decor really worked. There are multiple outdoor areas where guests can lounge or even barbecue. Unfortunately, as mentioned these were secured because of the pending hurricane while we were there.

Our room was outfitted with a kitchenette where we were able to cook for ourselves and the breakfast in the morning was very generous. Due to the pandemic the regular breakfast buffet was shut down but the staff has adapted to the situation by giving guests the chance to order breakfast the night before  with generous portions of hot local breakfast (Portuguese sausage, eggs, and rice), cereal, yogurt, bagels, juice, and coffee.

Kamuela Inn is close to parks and shopping centers and when there isn’t a pandemic, one of Hawaii’s best restaurants Merriman’s is right next door. Our favorite restaurant in Waimea though is Dan-0’s Doner. We lived in Turkey and love a good doner. This is the German style served in bread with a variety of sauces and the best falafel that either my wife or I have ever tasted. Their fries too are amazing!

Edlyn, the manager of the Kamuela Inn was an amazing source for information while we were there. She and the staff were incredibly approachable and informative. Since the ranch activities we had been planning on were closed she let us know about some of the locals only deals going on – one of which fulfilled a dream for both my wife and daughter. That was our trip over to Dolphin Quest. Due to the pandemic – there was a significant discount offered to Hawaii residents. It was a great suggestion and since it was on the dry side of the island – it was open even with the hurricane approaching.

Some of the best reasons for visiting Waimea (Kamuela) are to explore the restaurants, shops, and galleries – this unfortunately was something we weren’t able to do this time – but we did make it out to a couple of the farmers markets where I bought some special Big Island treats. Not just the heavenly mangoes and papaya but also very reasonably priced and perfectly roasted coffees from Makua Coffees, our favorite amazing mamaki tea from Waimea Herb Company, and some really great beef jerky that I forgot the name of and will have to go back for!

There are multiple farmer’s markets in Waimea. Go to LoveBigIsland.com where they have detailed each of them and where I lifted the names and dates from below. 

  1. The Waimea Town market, open Saturday between 7:30 a.m. and noon.
  2. The Waimea Homestead farmers market, open Saturday between 7 a.m. and noon.
  3. The Waimea mid-week market, open Wednesday between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 pm.
  4. The Kamuela Farmers Market, open Saturday between 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  5. You can also buy farm-fresh produce at the Kekela farm market.

So, even though there was a hurricane threatening, a pandemic raging, and we even had a 4.8 earthquake one morning, we really enjoyed our trip to the Big Island. I would say most of that was because of Kamuela Inn and our new friend Edlyn. We will be back! Thank you for making us part of your Ohana!

Kamuela Inn  65-1300 Kawaihae Rd,
Kamuela, HI 96743

PHONE: 808-885-4243
TOLL-FREE: 800-555-8968
EMAIL: kamuelainn@gmail.com

 

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Listen to “Kamuela Inn” by Jeff Peterson

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Check out the renovation progress at the Kamuela I Check out the renovation progress at the Kamuela Inn! Our construction and renovation project on the new building is moving full steam ahead. We're thrilled to share the latest photos of the construction site. Get ready for a transformed inn experience as we add six new rooms and a congregation area!

Meanwhile, we are open for business and look forward to seeing you soon.

Bringing you a better stay experience, one renovation at a time.

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Exciting news for Waimea residents and visitors al Exciting news for Waimea residents and visitors alike—the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is back! After being on hiatus due to COVID, we are thrilled that the festival will return in all its pink, fluffy glory on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 9 am - 3 pm! Mark your calendars and get ready for a celebration of Waimea's rich cultural heritage and beautiful cherry blossoms.

We’ve included the map of the area, events, and free shuttle stops for the festival. Visit the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival Facebook page for more updates.

#WaimeaCherryBlossomFestival #Comeback #Culture #Community #japanesegarden #weepingcherry #cherryblossomfestival #cherryblossom #sakuratree #cherrytree #kamuelainn #hawaii #hawaiiisland #bigisland #kamuela #waimea #hotel #boutiquehotel #hotellife #hospitality #travelgram #tourism #hotelroom #trip #instatravel #travelblogger #staycation #traveler #tourist
Mark your calendars with a year of events in Honok Mark your calendars with a year of events in Honoka‘a Town. Starting this Saturday, January 21, 2023, with the celebration of the Chinese New Year!

Saturday's event runs from 10am to 6pm. Live music, vendors, food trucks, and more!

@honokaa.business.association 

#honokaa #hamakua #waimea #hawaii #hawaiiisland #bigisland #supersaturday #chinesenewyear
It's that time of year again when the Cherry Bloss It's that time of year again when the Cherry Blossom trees on Church Row in Waimea Town begin to explode with those beautiful pink colors that draw people from around the globe.

This year we're joining in on the fun by offering a very special Cherry Blossom promotion where guests of the Inn receive FREE local Waimea Herb Company Tea when they stay with us for at least two nights now through January 31, 2023.

Use promo code: CHERRYBLOSSOM at checkout to redeem your gift!

Here's some background information about the Cherry Blossoms from
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival.

Celebrating the first cherry blossoms of spring dates back to 7th century Japan. Aristocrats of the day would enjoy the blossoms while writing poetry beneath the flowering branches. The tradition is called "hanami." Today hanami (literally hana = flower and mi = look) is the Japanese word that means “Cherry blossom viewing party.”

#kamuelainn #hawaii #hawaiiisland #bigisland #kamuela #waimea #hotel #boutiquehotel #inn #travel #vacation #hotellife #hospitality #travelgram #tourism #hotelroom #trip #instatravel #travelblogger #staycation #traveler #tourist #wanderlust #traveldiaries #japanesegarden #weepingcherry #cherryblossomfestival #cherryblossom #sakuratree #cherrytree
We love the New Year! This photo isn’t your ty We love the New Year! 

This photo isn’t your typical Happy New Year photo, but it is full of promise and hope, just like the New Year. In our case: a new building with six brand new rooms!

Our renovations are well underway, and we hope to celebrate completion in late Spring. Meanwhile, we are open for business and look forward to seeing you again in 2023!

hauʻoli makahiki hou!

#kamuelainn #hawaii #hawaiiisland #bigisland #kamuela #waimea #hotel #construction #renovations #boutiquehotel #inn #travel #vacation #hotellife #hospitality #travelgram #tourism #hotelroom #trip #instatravel #travelblogger
We honor and remember you. We honor and remember you.
Gotta love the after storm view. #whatshappeningw Gotta love the after storm view. 
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#kamuelainn 
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Country Christmas at the Kamuela Inn! #kamuelainn Country Christmas at the Kamuela Inn!  #kamuelainn #countrychristmas #paniolo #cowboychristmas #bootornaments #winterinhawaii
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