Press Kit

GIDDY UP! HAWAI`I’S BIG ISLAND OFFERS THE MOST DIVERSE RANGE OF HORSEBACK ADVENTURES IN THE STATE

Hawai`i’s Big Island (Summer 2007) – Hawai`i’s Big Island is a horse-lovers paradise, and its diverse landscape and rich culture are revealed from the saddle. From the shores of Kealakekua Bay, over the rolling hills of Waimea’s paniolo (cowboy) country, to the emerald vistas of Waipi`o Valley where Hawai`i’s last herd of wild horses roams free, equestrians of all levels will find a spectacular range of adventures by horseback.

The equestrian culture has been part of Big Island life for more than 160 years, and it all begins in Waimea, which celebrates its horsey heritage throughout the year with festivals and rodeos, like the annual Fourth of July rodeo at Parker Ranch. Drive through Waimea, and it’s clear you’re in horse country, where some stop signs say “Whoa,” a larger-than life statue of 1908 Cheyenne Frontier Days World Championship rodeo icon Ikua Purdy ropes a bull astride, and beautiful equines of all breeds stand regal in lush pastures.

The best way to explore Waimea is atop one of these fine mounts, of course. At the 150,000-acre Parker Ranch (one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States) visitors can ride the range with Cowboys of Hawai`i, an unsurpassed way to delve into the history of the 160-year-old ranch. With Mauna Kea as a backdrop, riders learn how Parker Ranch was founded by British ex-sailor John Palmer Parker, who jumped ship, found favor with King Kamehameha I and married a princess, all within one generation of the arrival of Captain Cook.

Much of the island, particularly around Waimea, was overrun with countless destructive wild cattle. The cattle, all descendants of five scrawny bovines presented to Kamehameha by Capt. George Vancouver in 1793, were rampant. Along with Parker’s American musket, Kamehameha had brought in Mexican vaqueros to teach local workers how to rope, ride and get the herd under control. The strangers came to town with spurs and saddles, and spoke Spanish (“paniolo” comes from the word Espanola). They were a new, colorful character in the island’s ethnic mix, and so began the Hawaiian paniolo culture, rich in the legacy of hard work, good music and family ties.

On January 14, 1847, Parker purchased two acres of land from Kamehameha for $10. A year later, Parker and his bride, a granddaughter of Kamehameha, were given an additional 640 acres of land in Waimea and the Parker Ranch legacy began.

Guests at Parker Ranch can also visit the Visitor Center with orientation movie and museum, go on guided walking tours of two historic homes and gardens, and shop in the gift shop. ATV excursions, riding and dressage instruction with Waimea Riding Academy, wagons rides, hunting, shooting clays, annual rodeos and special events are all part of the Parker Ranch experience.

At neighboring Kahua Ranch, equestrian adventurers can explore another side of Waimea from the saddle, where views of the Pacific Ocean and Kohala Mountain grace the working ranch, which raises cattle and sheep. Na`alapa Stables provides the sturdy mounts here, and guests can keep their paniolo vibe alive post-ride, by spending An Evening at Kahua, a weekly paniolo barbecue dinner, featuring a campfire, a “saloon,” live music, line dancing, roping and branding lessons, stargazing, sing-along, pig-petting and more. Kahua Ranch also offers ATV tours.

In North Kohala, the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, Paniolo Adventures offers guided rides of gorgeous Ponoholo Ranch. Advanced riders in need of a fix will want the four-hour Wrangler Ride, with plenty of opportunities to trot and canter. The horses are handsome, and are treated like the stars they are, and their photos adorn the website. Picnic rides, beginner rides and other guided treks are available.

While North Kohala was the birthplace of King Kamehameha, it was in remote, magical Waipi`o Valley on the Hamakua Coast where he was protected as a child. This verdant valley, with its spellbinding black sand beach, 1,000-foot Hi`ilawe falls, and steep pali (cliffs) is the last haven where wild horses – believed to be the descendants of the mounts ridden by the Mexican vaqueros – roam free. Na`alapa Stables shares the secrets of Waipi`o Valley on their guided horseback tours that meanders through streams and alongside centuries-old kalo patches, the sacred Hawaiian tuber cultivated to make poi. Na`alapa takes care in matching horses and riders to ensure a fantastic ride for all experience levels.

In West Hawai`i, Kealia Ranch, another of Hawai`i’s working ranches, organizes tours and hunting expeditions on horseback for the more adventurous paniolo, whether you’re after pheasant for dinner or just photos, from their South Kona pastures on the slopes of Mauna Loa. It’s not unusual to encounter scores of wild game birds, feral pigs and amazing views on this scenic, mountainous ride.

From the mysterious jungle valleys and black sand beach of Waipi`o Valley, to the cool upcountry pastures of Waimea and North Kohala, all the way to the rugged ranges and ocean scenery of South Kona, Hawai`i’s Big Island has a diverse stable of paniolo-style adventures ready to hit the trail (and a string of excellent spas for the saddle-sore!) Happy trails!

Media Contact:
Jessica Ferracane
President, Irondog Communications LLC
Representing the Big Island Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 1093
Kurtistown, HI 96760
Cell: (808) 895-5740
Home office: (808) 968-0624
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