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Paniolo Story

Rodeo Schedule

Stopping by?

Order of Events

Thursday, February 19th!

7:00pm

Sign Up At Event

High Money Wahine Breakaway ($30) 

High Money ($100 a man) #8.5 Handicap

$10 Office Fee

CASH ONLY

Friday, February 20th!

8:30am

Open Roping

#4 Roping

Mix Roping

Century Roping

#5.5 Roping

Friday, February 20th!

7:00pm

Barrel Racing Slack

Saturday, February 21st! 

9:00am

Opening Ceremony 

Mayor Derek Kawakami

Po'o Wai U

Open Roping

Keiki Barrels

Wahine Barrels

#4 Roping

Rescue Race

Mix Roping

Double Mugging (Section 1)

Lunch Break (Dummy Roping BUCKLES GIVEN)

Century Roping

Rawhide Race

Double Mugging (Section 2)

Keiki Breakaway Roping

Wahine Breakaway Roping

#5.5 Roping

Ribbon Roping

Awards Ceremony To Follow

February 

19-21, 2026

Admission: Ages 2 & Up $10.00

Saturday ONLY

In 1793, King Kamehameha was gifted with five longhorns who directed him to place a kappa (protection) over the cattle, allowing them to roam and multiply. Little did he know it would lead to a booming beef trade and a high demand for ranchers in Hawaii. Because of this, vaqueros, or Mexican cowboys, arrived on the Big Island and Maui to teach the locals how to corral. Thus began the culture of the Hawaiian cowboy, known to us now as the paniolo.The world "paniolo" allegedly comes from the Hawaiian version of the word "español," as the Hawaiian language doesn't use the "s" sound. A cross between Mexican and Hawaiian cultures, the paniolo had a key role in society: providing a large source of income and trade for the islands. Songs were even dedicated to them in which their Mexican-inspired ponchos, wide-brimmed hats, and affinity for the guitar were admired. But, times have changed since then. Today, the upcountry population of ranchers is quickly dwindling, along with the culture.

Questions?

Contact Kimo Akita: 

(808) 639-8598

Instagram: Kauai Paniolo Showdown

Facebook: Waimea Roping Series

Questions?

Wanna Become a Sponsor?

Contact Lori: 

(808) 647-4629