This year, I decided to brave the traffic and attend the annual Saturday Cherry Blossom Festival in Waimea. I had heard plenty of stories about congestion, so I mapped out my route in advance, thinking through how I would enter town and navigate between the multiple event locations and all the activities lined up.
If you know me, you also know I am not a morning person. The idea of leaving the house at 8:00am was considered… briefly. It did not happen. I slept in and aimed for a 10:00am arrival instead, convincing myself the early rush would already be over. That was the story I told myself anyway.
Driving into Waimea can be slow on a normal day. Surprisingly, when I arrived at 10:00am, traffic was light. I made it all the way to the Foodland shopping center before hitting any slowdown. Parking, however, was another story. The festival map was not especially clear about designated areas, and you could feel the collective uncertainty as drivers circled looking for spots.
Within five minutes, I found parking near the hospital where there was more open land available. Victory! I grabbed my bag and headed toward the music.
I started at the Foodland shopping center, also known as Parker Ranch Center, where more than 75 vendors were set up. Naturally, I had to see what everyone brought. I love seeing what our local community creates and sells. There’s something energizing about moving from booth to booth, discovering handmade goods, local treats, and small businesses while music and dancing play in the background.
Inside the Parker Ranch Center, the food court and seating areas were lined with vendors showcasing beautifully crafted Hawaiian jewelry, bags, flowers, and more. It would have been easy to spend everything right there. But I’ve always been more of a window shopper, taking it all in first before deciding what truly stands out.
From there, I walked to Historic Church Row Park, where the large cherry blossoms framed the main stage.
This was the heart of the festival. Performances, demonstrations, food booths, retailers, bonsai displays, and much more. It felt layered and lively.
I admired the $5 plate lunches, the sheer number of food vendors, 65 of them, $6.50 flower bouquets, chef demonstrations, and the incredible bonsai trees, some over 100 years old. The variety alone could keep you busy for hours. Every few steps there was something new to taste, watch, or photograph.
In hindsight, I probably should have claimed a spot on the grass, grabbed a plate lunch, and stayed awhile to enjoy the performances unfolding on stage. The music, the laughter, the smell of food drifting through the air. It was the kind of setting that invites you to slow down and enjoy!
But sitting still has never been my strength. I’m usually curious about what’s happening just beyond the next tent or around the next corner.
So I kept moving and walking to the next show, food adventure, and demonstration. Waimea Center. The Historic Center. Parker Library.
Eventually, I returned to my car for a quick reset before heading toward the Puʻukalani Stables, where the Wednesday farmers market is usually held. I walked instead of waiting for the shuttle buses.
By then, traffic had slowed to nearly a standstill, and I heard from others that it was taking up to 45 minutes just to drive through town. Off-road parking was full, and pedestrians filled the sidewalks. Waimea had fully shifted into festival mode. It was fun to see the town buzzing with families and people simply enjoying the day together.
At the stables, I half expected to discover a hidden gem of vendors I had missed. Instead, it felt similar to a regular Wednesday market, which I love, but was expecting more at this location. Still, it gave me a chance to finally sit down, enjoy lunch, and pick up some fresh vegetables for home.
Later, looking back at the festival map, I realized I had completely missed the Parker Ranch Historic Home and the tea ceremony. That one stung a little. Next year, I’m starting there. And I may bring a second pair of shoes.
By the end of the day, my feet were tired, but it was worth every step. There was so much to see, taste, and experience. And the best part? You truly can’t do it all in one afternoon. Which just gives you a reason to come back next year and explore what you missed.
If you’re already thinking ahead, you can start planning now. The 33rd Annual Program is 27 pages long, with a full activity lineup and site map. A little pre-planning might just help you catch the tea ceremony I missed.
I look forward to next year and hope to see you there! Aloha, Leeana
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