“Paniolo Legends Under the Lights,” a nighttime event that plays homage to paniolo culture and cuisine, made its debut this month at Waikōloa Stables, which is owned and managed by the Waikōloa Village Association.
The inspiration for the cultural residency comes from marketing specialist Karen Morgan of 1832 Hawaiʻi Living Co. and Aki Smith, a third-generation paniolo who used to rodeo in a similar show with his father, Gilbert, as a boy at the historic arena. Morgan wanted to revive the paniolo archives she had discovered while working with Waikōloa Stables and serendipitously met Smith at his western store, Paniolo Culture Co.
“It’s becoming real. We’ve been stirring this pot for seven years,” Smith told Aloha State Daily in early May. “The biggest challenge for me was marketing this thing — getting people to know the vision we have to show that paniolo exist in the middle of the Pacific.”
“It’s going to be an experience of a lifetime,” he continued. “We have eight cowboys altogether that ranch every day. This is part of our life. This is what we do as our profession. Nothing is staged.”
In preparation for the show’s premiere, which took place May 21 for an invite-only crowd, Smith worked to rehab the arena over the last six months.
He also chose its eight signature rodeo acts — from team roping to double mugging and more — three of which guests will get the chance to participate in.
Chef Nakoa Pabre of Umekes has created an island-inspired menu, including handcrafted cocktails, beers and spirits, in partnership with Maui Beer Co. and Kupu Spirits. At dinner, guests can meet the cowboys and enjoy live music by Ho’opono Wong. See the full program and menu here.
“When we end our show, they can close out the evening with a great meal and experience, where we’ll have more activities like leather branding, learning how to swing a rope, and mingling with the paniolo to get their perspectives," Smith said.
What does it mean to be a paniolo?
Smith, who started riding horses at 2 years old, says, “That’s the only lifestyle I know and it’s how I get to raise my kids.” He and his wife, Keala, live and work on Hoʻomau Ranch in Captain Cook with their six kids.
“It’s a day-to-day deal. It’s not like you’re clocking in, clocking out. You wake up to it and go to sleep to it,” he said. “To me, it’s important to pass it down. It has a big responsibility to it; how to preserve and take care of the land and the animals, how to treat others with respect and so forth.”
Being self-sustainable was something gleaned from his grandfather. “We still go down to the ocean to provide for our families.”
“I find still today with the world changing as much as it is, the paniolo industry has changed so much with it, but it’s dear to my heart that I hold onto the culture,” he added. “It’s so much different than Mainland cowboys. It all started because our king made a Kapu [code or law] and didn’t want to kill all the cattle but also didn’t know what to do with it. So, because of the vaqueros [Mexican-Spanish cowboys] that’s how we were created.”
The Paniolo Preservation Society writes, “In 1832, King Kamehameha III sent for help to California to teach the Hawaiians how to handle the wild cattle and to learn horsemanship.” The vaqueros taught the Hawaiians roping, herding, and other skills. Ikua Purdy brought the story of the paniolo to a wider audience, winning roping competitions and receiving several accolades.
Morgan — whose business is named after that year "paniolo" was coined in the Islands — also operates well-being brand The Beauty Barn, “blending equine wellness, cultural storytelling and botanical beauty," through massage and healing equine experiences. She praises Smith for his ability to orchestrate the new rodeo show.
“The harmony and leadership of Aki and the team, seeing them riding in the sunset, it’s really quite beautiful,” she said, adding, “One thing that’s unique is the arena is our stage and there’s a closeup intimacy that we’re going to get with the cowboys and the horses. It’s a cool experience, and part of Hawaiʻi’s rich culture and community.”
Smith adds: “I can’t thank the good Lord enough for better timing. I think it’s only going to get better as we move forward. Come and check it out. We’re really proud of it, and I’m really really proud to be a cowboy.”
“Paniolo Legends Under the Lights” is now open to the public monthly on select dates throughout the year. To book the experience, click here. Follow @1832hawaii on Instagram for updates!
Learn more about offerings at Waikōloa Stables, including equine services, riding programs and other community events at waikoloastables.com.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
