The Paniolo of Parker Ranch
The Paniolo of Hawai‘i have a rich and storied history.
By the early 1800s, descendants of the first cows gifted to King Kamehameha I by British Captain George Vancouver roamed freely and multiplied, dominating the countryside. John Palmer Parker was granted permission by the king to cull the wild cattle and sell the meat and hides. It became clear that more organized techniques were necessary to manage the vast number of cattle and expand what was emerging as a thriving and vital industry. In the early 19th century, King Kamehameha III brought Spanish-Mexican vaqueros to teach cattle handling. Called “Paniolo”—derived from the Hawaiian pronunciation for “Español” (Spanish, the language of the vaqueros)—these cowboys taught the Hawaiians how to ride, rope, and handle cattle. A distinctive Hawaiian cowboy culture emerged from the two groups’ mutual love of music, admiration for family values, and hard work ethic. The Paniolo became renowned for their expert roping and riding skills, developed and honed on the rugged terrain of the Hawaiian Islands.
Three Hawaiian cowboys—Ikua Purdy, Archie Kaʻauʻa, and Jack Low—achieved a proud Paniolo moment in 1908. Competing in the prestigious Frontier Days rodeo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the Paniolo showcased their extraordinary skills and resilience, facing down skepticism and condescension from mainland competitors and spectators. The disdain was ironic, considering the Paniolo tradition predated that of the American Western cowboy. Ikua Purdy’s victory in steer roping earned the trio national acclaim and solidified their status as legendary cowboys.
The achievements of the Paniolo at Frontier Days resonated deeply with the Hawaiian people, who were navigating the cultural and political upheaval following the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and subsequent annexation by the United States. The Paniolos’ success served as a powerful symbol of Hawaiian identity and pride, proving that their culture and traditions were vibrant and resilient despite external challenges.
Parker Ranch
Established 175 years ago, Parker Ranch is one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the United States. Its history is intertwined with Hawai‘i’s royal families, reflecting deep relationships and mutual respect. Since its founding by John Palmer Parker, Parker Ranch has grown through innovation and commitment to community, becoming a symbol of resilience and stewardship.
Parker Ranch has been a central pillar in preserving and promoting the Paniolo tradition. The expert, hands-on role of the cowboys is unparalleled when it comes to working with cattle, and the character of our vibrant community would not be the same without their influence. Our Paniolo play a vital role in managing the ranch herds in a conscientious, eco-responsible manner, overseeing the rotational grazing schedule that ensures the cattle eat the best grass and forage while promoting soil regeneration and preventing overuse of the land. We proudly continue to celebrate the Paniolo for their contributions to Hawai‘i’s history and their enduring influence on the state’s cultural landscape.
