Welcome to Anna Ranch Heritage Center, a historical site located in Waimea, Hawaii. Located just a few miles from Kona, the Center embraces and preserves the legacy of Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske, Hawaii’s first female rancher. As the Center explains, Anna was an innovator and a driving force in local agricultural and livestock history living in the area for nearly 100 years.
The Heritage Center was established in 1992 after Anna’s death and features a ranch house, original outbuildings, a replica of the 19th century Pueo Ahupua‘a and an audio-visual center. Nestled in a four-acre rural landscape, Anna Ranch captivates visitors with its life-like museum atmosphere and wide range of items, archives and artifacts.
You will immediately be charmed by the rustic atmosphere, beauty and incredible life stories related to the museum. The museum’s five galleries contain photos, artifacts and furniture from Anna’s time on the ranch big, as well as original clothing, family albums and docuemtns with personal narratives about her meaningful 100-year tenure at Anna Ranch. Furthermore, the ranchhouse gallery offers a glimpse into the family's contemporary life. The restored outbuildings provide insightful context into Hawaii’s older agricultural period and are filled with items from beef production in particular.
When visiting the center make sure to be part of one of their educational programs that accurately portray what 19th century life was like in Hawaii. You can learn about typical early Hawaiian agricultural practices such as taro cultivation as well as herding cattle and goats - as Anna did! Or make sure to check out the ranch's unique special events they offer several times each year - such as bon dance festivities, conservation initiatives and Hawaiian cultural gatherings. There's always something interesting happening at the Ranch!
Wander through the ahupua’a which is separated into five sections representing different land uses - farm lands at the upper section to fishing grounds at water level - and learn about how each part of Hawaii was divided according to its resources. As you explore each section imagine how it was to live on this farm/ranch many years ago - a refreshing experience unlike any other!
Finally, there’s no better way to finish your visit than by taking home some food products made with authentic island recipes from Anna’s Tahitian roots. Offered in flavors like guava pineapple jelly, orange mango marmalade or papaya lime jam - you can take home the flavor of paradise!
So why wait any longer? Make your way to Anna Ranch Heritage Center now to discover its treasures for yourself! You will be sure to come away with unforgettable stories and products inspired by a truly pioneering woman who dedicated her whole life to this wonderful focal point of island history
Make your next weekend getaway an adventure in time! Visit Anna Ranch Heritage Center today!