PANIOLO THEME PARTIES
In the early 1800s, fifty years before
Western cowboy culture started, Vaqueros were
brought over to the Big Island of Hawaii from Spanish California to teach Hawaiians the
art of handling horses and cattle and in fact, Parker Ranch was one of the very first
ranches. The word Paniolo, adapted from the
word ‘Espanol’ (meaning Spanish) was
the name given to describe Hawaiian Cowboys.
Hawaii’s
Paniolo history is a rich and colorful story of hard work in rugged conditions,
ingenuity, perseverance, love and respect for the land, and the unmatched relationship
between paniolo and their horses. Time honored arts such as Hawaiian saddlery,
feather lei making and lauhala weaving are still alive today and contribute to the
contemporary life style of the paniolo.
Hawaiian
women (or Wahine) are also a part of the rich cultural history. They loved to
ride horseback, particularly bareback at breakneck speeds and to keep the dust and
mud away from their clothes, they would drape themselves in yards of fabric, fastened
with six kukui nuts, similar to loose pants or culottes.
Hawaiian paniolo are now well
known for wearing lei and beautifully made lauhala papale or hats. Today, symbolic lei
and color is used in pau horse pageants for each island - the Big Island of Hawaii is the
lehua lei and the color red.
Visitors
to Hawaii would be remiss not to experience this unique and cultural aspect of
Hawaii. There really is more to Hawaii than
palm trees and hula girls.
Come to Paniolo Country and enjoy the cool air, rolling green hills
and rich cultural
heritage of the Hawaiian Paniolos.
Paniolo Parties at Parker Ranch
Typically, Parker Ranch handles site fees, entertainment, rodeos,
Paniolo games, wagon
rides, Pa’u Greeters, horseback rides, souvenirs and guest amenities and tenting.
Events
at Parker Ranch are a collaborative effort between the client, Parker Ranch and
Paradise Gourmet Catering.
Paradise Gourmet Catering handles food,
beverages, decor, staffing, lighting,
and equipment.
Add 18% Service Charge and State Tax To All Prices
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