Parker Ranch historic homes. (Photo courtesy of Parker Ranch)

Parker Ranch, Inc. is opening the doors of its historic homes, Puuopelu and Mana Hale, to the community and visitors in the month of June.

On Saturday June 26, the homes will be open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors will be able to stroll the grounds and view the interior of both homes. In addition, paniolo leather craftsmen will be on site featuring their work for everyone to see.

Mana Hale was built by ranch founder John Palmer Parker in 1847 as the original family home. It is filled with family artifacts and the interior is made entirely from rare, native koa wood.

Adjacent to Mana Hale is Puuopelu, built in 1862 and expanded upon over the years through generations of Parkers, and residence of the ranch’s final owner Richard Smart. It features an exquisite collection of fine art and furnishings from around the world.

Dignitaries from Hawaii and around the world have visited the homes including last year’s visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

The homes have been open on a limited basis over the past few months for special groups, however the Ranch felt it important to find another way to share this special cultural location with the community and visitors.

“Generations of Parker family members are represented in these two homes. Although economic conditions prevent us from opening the homes on a daily basis, we felt it important to find a way to open the doors to the homes and share the rich cultural history of the Parker family and Parker Ranch,” Land & Asset Manager Brandi Beaudet said.

Parker Ranch, Inc. is a respected cattle ranch known for quality beef, producing 10 million pounds of beef each year and ranking as the fifth largest cow-calf operation in the United States.

Visitors can enjoy parts of the ranch through Cowboys of Hawaii’s horseback and ATV rides. A hunting program is also offered within controlled areas of this vast ranch.