Big Island Horse Property – Waikii Ranch

Loping along with my horse owning clients in search of property on the Big Island, we move from Puu Lani Ranch to the next great equestrian community Waikii Ranch.

Located along Saddle Road about 15 minutes drive from the upcountry town of Waimea (Kamuela), Waikii is a true working ranch, with grazing easements along each of the individual 10, 20 or 40-acre parcels. As a result, it has the best trails for riding of any gated community on the Big Island. Additionally, over 80 acres are set aside for common facilities, which in addition to the clubhouse, fitness center and tennis courts includes a polo field, two arenas, and a round pen.

Many first-time visitors to Waikii Ranch are surprised to find that at an elevation above 3,500 feet, many of the lots have panoramic ocean views in addition to beautiful views of Mauna Kea, the Kohala Mountains, and even Haleakala on Maui. While not as dry as the Kohala Coast, rainfall only averages around 20 inches a year, so the landscaping leans towards native dry forest and non-native species such as Monterrey cypress and pine–rather than palm trees and tropicals. This is one place on the Big Island where a beautiful rose garden might flourish! The elevation makes for perfect riding weather year round.

Lot prices have dropped this year, with asking prices on 10-acre lots falling under $300,000–and these lots are similar to ones that sold in 2008 for us much as $400,000! Last week a broker’s caravan previewed 8 special homes, seven inside the gates of Waikii Ranch and one just outside. Several of these homes were a horse lovers dream, with barns, paddocks, and immaculate tack rooms.

Prices on Waikii Ranch homes range from $1,139,000 for a solid 3,000 sq. ft. home with truly sweeping mountain and ocean views, to a very special artisan home handcrafted out of exotic hardwoods (perfect for a couple with treasured horses, I might add) at $2.5 million, and a fully furnished fantasy ranch offered at $2,895,000 (not yet on the market, so contact me if you want photos and details).

There are probably more serious horse owners per square mile in Waikii Ranch than in any other location on the Big Island. If you want your horses on your own acreage, a gated community, views, equestrian facilities and miles of scenic trails, plus a community of other passionate horse people, Waikii Ranch is a great choice.

A hui hou—and happy trails!

Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)
Direct: 808-443-4588
Email: beth@hawaiilife.com