Paniolo BBQ & Hawaiian Heritage Tour

• Pickup from hotel/lodging in in Kona or Kohala area
• Visit Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
• Paniolo-style buffet dinner 
• Optional roping demos, live music, stargazing, and bonfire
• Return to hotel/lodging in Kona or Kohala area

Relax & Depart

We’ll pick you up from your Kona or Kohala-area accommodation and head north along the coast. As the landscape transitions from rugged lava fields to open pastures, your guide will introduce the intertwined histories of this island — from the rise of King Kamehameha I and the sacred sites he left behind, to the Paniolo who helped shape Hawaiʻi’s ranching legacy. This journey sets the stage for a day filled with culture, storytelling, and sweeping island views.

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Step into the past at one of Hawaiʻi’s most important cultural landmarks. Built by King Kamehameha I in 1791, Puʻukoholā Heiau — meaning “Temple on the Hill of the Whale” — played a pivotal role in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.

Considered one of the largest and best-preserved heiau (temples) in Hawaiʻi, this impressive stone structure stands as a testament to ancient Hawaiian engineering and the strategic vision of Kamehameha. As you walk the loop trail, you’ll gain insight into the site’s spiritual importance, its dramatic history, and the powerful legacy it represents.

With sweeping views of the Kohala Coast and deep ties to Hawaiian royalty, Puʻukoholā offers an educational and inspiring experience for anyone interested in the roots of Hawaiʻi’s culture and leadership.

Scenic Drive Through Paniolo Country

Next, we’ll head mauka (upland) into the heart of Paniolo country. As we wind through the green pastures of Waimea, you’ll take in sweeping views of Mauna Kea, misty valleys, and the distant shimmer of the Pacific. This region has been home to working cattle ranches for over 150 years — a legacy that began when King Kamehameha received a gift of cattle. As the herds grew, skilled horsemen from Mexico were brought to Hawaiʻi to share their ranching expertise. Over time, Hawaiian Paniolo blended these traditions with their own, creating a unique cowboy culture that remains integral to Hawaiʻi’s identity today.

Paniolo BBQ Dinner at Kahua Ranch

Arrive at the Ranch in time for golden hour and your open-air BBQ feast. You’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and a plate full of local flavor: herb-crusted prime rib, guava-glazed chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and Kona coffee-rubbed asparagus. Top it off with house-made desserts like toasted coconut haupia and lilikoi brownies.

Before or after dinner, try your hand at roping, visit the country store, or enjoy live music and stargazing. This isn’t a luau — it’s an immersive ranch experience that celebrates real Hawaiian history and food.

Unwind on the Return Ride

After sunset, we’ll take the scenic route back. Relax, reflect, and enjoy the stars overhead as your day winds down.

Highlights

• Skip the luau and experience a real connection to Hawaiʻi’s land, history, and culture
• Visit Puʻukoholā Heiau and learn about its role in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands
• Enjoy a scenic drive through Waimea’s upland ranch country with views of Mauna Kea
• Discover the history and culture of Hawaiʻi’s paniolo (cowboys)
• Feast on a ranch-style buffet dinner featuring local meats, sides, and desserts
• Take part in evening activities like roping demos, live music, and stargazing

Tour includes round-trip transportation from your accommodation, entrance to Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, a ranch-style buffet dinner, and guided storytelling throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages at the ranch (cash bar), souvenirs, and gratuities are not included. We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing (it gets cooler at higher elevations), and a healthy appetite. Please note that evening temperatures at the ranch can drop 20–30°F, so dressing in layers is key to staying comfortable.