Paniolo roping a steer
Yes, we do have cowboys in Hawaii. It's actually an important part of our traditions and modern ranching. Next time you visit the islands try the grass-fed local beef and you'll know why it is a big draw for visitors worldwide.
But why are Hawaiian cowboys known as "paniolos"? Here's a hint. The word paniolo comes from a blend of Hawaiian and the name of another country. It's the homeland of the people who taught the Hawaiians their craft and gave them the knowledge to excel in all the skills this job demands. Keep reading if you haven't guessed the answer, or want a little more of the history of our paniolos.
Until Captain Cook visited these islands the Hawaiians had never seen horses or cattle. On the island of Kauai cattle came early in the settlement of foreigners (haoles) in Hawaii. In 1831, Richard Charlton - who was the British Consul to the Hawaiian Islands - took a lease on miles of land on Kauai’s north shore, an area extending from Hanalei and Kalihiwai to establish the first cattle ranch here. Part of the large area he leased later became Princeville Ranch which is still in operation on the north shore of Kauai today.
Of course this new cattle ranch required importing some cattle, since they were not native to any of the islands. Charlton shipped longhorn cattle from the Californias to Kauai to establish a growing herd on his ranch. But cattle had already been established on the island of Hawaii (Big Island) a few decades by that time. The first cattle in Hawaii were brought to the Big Island in 1793 as a gift from Captain George Vancouver to King Kamehameha I. In the early 1830's it was clear that training was need for the men that were responsible for managing the Big Island's cattle herd and three Mexican vaqueros, expert cowboys, moved to that island and taught the Hawaiians their various skills.
These included how to ride horses and how to rope the cattle, or pipi as they were called by the Hawaiians. The Mexican vaqueros also taught the Hawaiians valuable related crafts like the leather working skills to make beautiful and functional saddles and braided lariats. You will see modern versions of these exquisitely tooled saddles when you visit any of the islands’ paniolo museums.
Given the Hawaiians love of music it is not surprising that when the vaqueros arrived with guitars in hand the Hawaiians quickly learned to play the instruments and added their unique style. This was the beginning of a long tradition of Hawaiian paniolo music using both guitar and ukulele.
Paniolos singing at a local fair.
Our paniolos were soon outstanding in their skills and winning national acclaim for their horsemanship and roping. In a culture where the only mammals they had seen were monk seals and bats it is very telling about their natural abilities that these men so rapidly developed such outstanding abilities in handling two very different and large beasts.
So where does the name paniolo come from? It’s a mix of Hawaiian and the Spanish word “espanol.” The Hawaiian cowboys took their name from their mentors, those skilled Mexican vaqueros who shared their expertise as cowboys and their love of music with the first in a long line of Hawaiian Cowboys. Their history is just one of many stories that make up the rich traditions of our island heritage.
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