West from the Hamakua Coast is an area of the Big Island that not only defies most peoples' idea of what Hawaii should look like, but is also a step back in time to the paniolo days. This is where the Wild West really started, Hawaiian cowboys actually predating their brothers of the Mainland West.

Waimea is a land of rolling green hills, misty and foggy at times, and cattle. The Parker Ranch was at one time the largest privately owned ranch in the US and is still immense. The town itself is very western flavored but its most unusual aspect is its dry and wet sides. Virtually split down the middle, the wet side of Waimea is inexpensive home rental or purchase, while the dry side is unaffordable for most.