Anna Ranch Heritage Center in Waimea is a working cattle ranch and house museum showcasing the history of ranching in Hawaii. It was named after Hawaii's "First Lady of Ranching," Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske who inherited the property from her ancestors, Englishman James Fay and his Hawaiian wife Kai'pukai'ikapuokamehameha Kahahana who established the ranch in 1848.
The ranch has been managed by the same family since its establishment. Sure, it had some renovations over the years, new windows and roofs thanks to contractors like WDR Metal Roofing to ensure this 1848 homestays with us for many years to come. Anna took over the reins after her father's death in 1939, a rare feat for a woman during that period. She introduced innovative ranching practices and was recognized for her achievements as a cowgirl, jockey, p?'? rider, licensed butcher, and community leader. She came to be known as the "The First Lady of Ranching" in Hawaii and lived to the ripe old age of 95.
Anna's ranch house, as well as other outbuildings, which includes a slaughter house, barn and garage, were restored and converted into a museum featuring a collection of old photographs, records, maps, furnitures, costumes, household items, ranching gears and artifacts about Hawaii's ranching history. The heritage center was opened to the public in September 2007.
The ranch house and the other buildings where built between 1910 and 1930. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places listings on the island of Hawaii April 2008.
Also on display are Anna's trophies and awards for horse racing and pa'u riding (a uniquely Hawaiian equestrian style), as well as, paintings by renowned Hawaiian artists Lionel Walden, D. Howard Hitchcock, Martha Greenwell and Herb Kane.
The Anna Ranch Heritage Center is also known for its beautiful grounds and gardens, now a popular venue for weddings and other special events. There is also a gift shop selling souvenir items made by local artisans and craftsmen. A Farmer's Market also offer locally produced items such as crafts, flowers, and prepared foods.
The ranch is located at 65-1480 Kawaihae Road, Kamuela, Hawaii. It is open Tuesday through Friday, from 10am to 3pm. Guided tours at the historic Ranch Home is available at 10am and 1pm (eservations required). Tour fee is $10/adult, children 6 and under are free. There is no charge to tour the gardens.
