PO‘IPU — It’s time to rodeo up at the 21st Paniolo Heritage Rodeo kicking off Koloa Plantation Days at CJM Country Stables this Friday through Sunday, July 22 to 24.
The Kaua‘i Roping &Rodeo Club perpetuates the authentic cultural experience of today’s unique Hawaiian paniolo lifestyle and heritage.
There will be food trucks, a shaded beer garden, other vendors, the CJM country store, logo wear, special guests, displays of paniolo history, as well as three days of rodeo action.
The full schedule is at kauairodeo.com, where tickets can be purchased.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday, with barrel racing, bronco and bull riding, high-dollar roping and live entertainment.
Saturday action is all day, with the preliminary qualifying roping trials from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by more rodeo action, with gates opening at 4 p.m. and rodeo events from 5 to 9 p.m.
“It’s not our first, you know. This is our 12st rodeo year, and so we wanted something grand after being shut down for COVID,” said Joyce Miranda, event coordinator.
”We’re attracting some great top competing cowboys and cowgirls this year. Also, we’ve written a script, designed colorful period costumes, rounded up the cows and horses, and gathered a cast of willing paniolo for a historical re-enactment of 200 years of distinctive paniolo history,” she said.
Hawaiian cowboys pre-date the great American Western culture by generations. Starting in 1794, Captain Vancouver brought King Kamehameha a few wild cattle. Then, horses were given, then the Mexican Vaquero arrived. A wild, unique Paniolo culture and cattle industry began.
“Some people may not know about how the paniolo history shaped and is still shaping Hawaii,” she continued. The pageant rides through history toward today’s paniolo rodeo champions. “It’s a performance that’s sure to entertain and inform. We’ve worked hard on this pageant,” said Miranda.
Special guest David Wolman, author of “Aloha Rodeo,” will sign books that cover the history of the Hawaiian cowboy.
Sunday’s main event starts with gates opening at 11 a.m. with action starting at noon, with the historical re-enactment precedes the rodeo, to be followed by awards presentations including the all-around championship saddle.
Parking is free. Adult admission is $10 per day. Keiki under 18 are free.
The 21st Paniolo Heritage Rodeo is supported by local sponsors and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Community Enrichment Program.
