The Kaua‘i Polo Club begins its 13th season on Sunday at the Anini Beach Polo Field, but the sport arrived on Kaua‘i much earlier.
Polo on the Garden Ise started in 1887, but took a hiatus during World War II. Six years later after the end of the war, however, Kipu Ranch’s Holbrook Goodale brought the sport back for two years.
“It faded again until 1979 when Ken Anderson motivated Michael Sheehan to start a polo club,” longtime Kaua‘i Polo Club member Bette Layton said.
In the early days, Kaua‘i dominated the interisland championships and claimed the Wichman Trophy, a historical piece now housed in the Kaua‘i Museum.
In the early years of the 20th century, Hule‘ia was the spot for Kaua‘i polo players.
“In 1911, elegantly gowned ladies and smartly dressed gentlemen were in attendance at polo matches,” Layton said.
The Rice brothers, Charlie, Philip and Arthur, along with famous Hawaiian player John Malina, made up a team which was nearly unbeatable throughout the state.
“Malina worked for years on Rice Ranch,” Layton said. “A handsome Hawaiian, he was a real rascal and very popular with all the ladies.”
Cavalry Units stationed at Schofield Barracks on O‘ahu challenged Kaua‘i squads, which raised the level of play.
“In the 1916 interisland championship, the Kaua‘i team made a great showing,” Layton said. “The matches were played at the new Kapiolani Park Polo Field, a much more convenient location for fans than Moanalua.”
Over 1,000 people purchased reserved spaces to watch the festivities in 1917.
But like in years past, polo players focused their interest on horse racing and the sport would once again take a back seat.
In 1920, the group of James Spalding, Charlie Wilcox, King Baggott, Foster Horner and James Corstorphine brought polo back to life, highlighted by a big 23-1 win over an Army squad.
In 1923, Lindsay Faye, Jack Moir, Earl Longstretch, Neil Moler and Jimmy Bodrero headed up the new polo players on the island.
The team would eventually gain huge success around the island.
“Crowds descended on the Waipouli Race and Polo Field,” Layton said. “Many came on the Ahukini Terminal and Railroad that provided free transportation from Puhi, Hule‘ia, Lihu‘e and Hanama‘ulu.”
For some reason, 1925 witnessed the rapid decline of polo on Kaua‘i.
“Polo ponies were shipped off-island and once again interests focused on horse racing,” Layton said. “In the 1930s, the clouds of World War II were looming on the horizon and polo faded from the island’s sports scene.”
Perhaps now it is back, with the Kaua‘i Polo Club, a nonprofit organization, in its 13th season.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 to 17. Children 11 and under get in free.
Annual membership is available for $150 per family or $75 per adult. Gates open at 1 p.m. and the match starts at 3 p.m.
“Tailgate parties are welcomed,” Kaua‘i Polo Club’s Bobbie Love said. “We anticipate a great season with off-island riders and our annual all-ladies event. Come out and hear the thunder.”
For more information about the Kaua‘i Polo Club, contact Bobbie at 823-0865.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
