As you plan your trip to Hawaii, you would be remiss to neglect the numerous cultural events that allow you to learn about island traditions. For example, if you like cowboys from the American West, you’d probably enjoy a show with a paniolo. A paniolo is an expert on the Hawaiian styles of ranching and cattle herding, and they can offer you a unique insight into the island’s history.

How Did Paniolos Come to Be?

Before the 19th century, the Hawaiian Islands didn’t have cattle, sheep, or horses. However, after uniting the islands under his rule, King Kamehameha I accepted a gift of one bull, five longhorns, and a flock of sheep from British naval officer George Vancouver in 1793. By the 1820s, the animals had multiplied unchecked and became feral. To keep their behavior and population under control, people were hired to shoot them. Nevertheless, it was clear that formal herding was necessary to achieve the best results.

In 1832, King Kamehameha III asked the Mexican cowboys from California to come to Hawaii to teach his people about herding and ranching. As a result, the islands’ first paniolos received training in Mexican herding practices, then combined them with Hawaiian traditions. These teachings continue to be used in ranches and cultural events today.

What Did Paniolos Do?

Paniolos had to deal with unique challenges that cowboys of the American West didn’t. For example, considering the surrounding ocean and volcanic activity, paniolos were obliged to teach their horses to navigate water and lava fields.

Although paniolos reflect Mexican practices in their style of dress, including the widely recognized hats and ponchos, they added touches of Hawaiian tastes by decorating their hats or shoulders with lei. Their legacy is still relevant in modern Hawaiian herding and ranching, and islanders celebrate them during cultural events, parades, festivals, and concerts.

While visiting Hawaii, make it a priority to attend the cultural events at the Waimea Town Celebration in Kauai. For over 40 years, this celebration has honored ancient and modern Hawaiian culture by hosting competitions, concerts, and community meetings. The next festival will be held from Feb. 13 to 21, 2021, and feature a paniolo showdown rodeo at the Friendship Do Ranch. For more details about the rodeo, visit the website or call (808) 645-0996.