Press Releases

PANIOLO HALL OF FAME NOW DISPLAYED AT PARKER RANCH HEADQUARTERS

WAIMEA, BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII – Cowboy enthusiasts and history buffs should plan a visit to Parker Ranch’s Headquarter Offices on Hawaii’s Big Island to view the statewide Paniolo Hall of Fame, a project initiated by the Oahu Cattlemen’s Association in 1999. The paniolo – or Hawaiian cowboy – lifestyle dates back nearly 200 years. Photo portraits and short biographies of Paniolo Hall of Fame inductees – including several from the Big Island – will be on display Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. There is no charge to see the exhibit.

The Oahu Cattlemen’s Association created the Paniolo Hall of Fame to recognize yesterday’s and today’s paniolo statewide who have contributed to keeping Hawaii’s paniolo heritage alive and to honor those who made the paniolo culture legendary. Today there are 94 members, both living and deceased, in the Paniolo Hall of Fame. All of the Hawaiian Islands are represented.

Nineteen Parker Ranch affiliated paniolo are recognized in this prestigious Hall of Fame. Most recently, the 2007 induction included Parker Ranch Vice President of Livestock Michael “Corky” Bryan and former Parker Ranch Trustee Carl A. Carlson.

“We have worked diligently to provide this display to those who are interested in further exploration of key figures in Hawaii’s paniolo history,” explained Parker Ranch Vice President Diane Quitiquit. “We’re happy to be able to share the Paniolo Hall of Fame exhibit to anyone who cares to stop by.”

The paniolo are selected through a nomination process annually. The project consists of photo portraits, short biographies and oral history interviews with its members. The exhibit has been displayed at Honolulu Hale (City Hall), the annual statewide Paniolo Festival, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council annual meeting and most recently at the Parker Ranch Museum and Visitor Center.

The Parker Ranch headquarters are located directly behind the Parker Ranch Arena on Mamalahoa Highway just outside of Waimea.

For a more in-depth look at Parker Ranch’s rich history, visitors will want to stop by the two Historic Homes; Puuopelu and Mana Hale. The Historic Homes and Gardens are available for touring from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with the last tour of the day starting at 4:00 p.m. Admission is $9.00 for adults, $8.50 for seniors and $7.00 for children younger than 12.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

###