You will view the glorious Akaka Falls, where water tumbles 420 feet into a stream-eroded gorge.  It is considered a "must see" on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Akaka Falls State Park offers a glimpse into the wonders that Hawaii’s tropical rain forests offer.  Breathe in the fragrance of jungle flowers as you travel along the short trail to the falls.  You will spot a huge variety of palm trees, banana plants, banyan trees, bamboo groves, impatiens and a plethora of vines worthy of a Tarzan movie as you walk along the path.

You will view the volcanic Laupahoehoe and Kamuela on our way to the fabulous Parker Ranch.  Founded in 1847, it is the largest private ranch under single ownership in the United States spreading across approximately 175,000 acres of the Island.  Parker Ranch is also one of the country’s largest cattle ranches and one of the country's oldest ranches, with more than 150 years of history.

In 1992, following the death of Richard Smart, the ranch’s last owner, Parker Ranch, complete with Smart’s extensive art collection was left in a trust to benefit the Waimea community. The Parker Ranch Foundation Trust beneficiaries include Parker School Trust Corporation, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Hawaii Community Foundation’s Richard Smart Fund and North Hawaii Community Hospital.

Today, Parker Ranch offers opportunities for visitors to learn more about the history and culture of the Ranch by visiting the Parker Ranch Visitor Center and Museum and Historic Homes.  After a great day of touring, visitors enjoy stopping into the Parker Ranch Store to pick up a memento of their trip or to get outfitted in Paniolo apparel. There are great shops and restaurants in our Parker Ranch Center to appeal to a variety of tastes and styles.