Paniolo tradition lives on.With half a century behind them, the Makawao Rodeo and Paniolo Parade have gained international recognition for good times, crowd-pleasing entertainment and a whole lot of culture, and this year promises not to disappoint.
As the highlight of Maui’s Fourth of July celebration and the largest rodeo in Hawai‘i, over 4,000 spectators were present last year, and higher numbers are expected next weekend.
Competitions not to be missed are barrel racing, calf roping and bareback bronco riding, as well as live music, country-western dancing, and ‘ono grinds. Plus, “there’s going to be a lot more bull riding this year,” said Jeff DeRego, president of Maui Roping Club.
This year’s festivities will begin on Friday, July 6, at 7 p.m. with the Bull Bash (qualifying runs are the first two days, narrowing the field for the weekend’s rodeo competition). July 7 at 9 a.m., the Paniolo Parade begins, running up Baldwin Avenue in Makawao to the Eddie Tam Memorial Complex on Makawao Avenue.
Parade contests, including categories for “most unusual float” and “best mounted rider,” offer winners prizes donated by Mayor Charmaine Tavares and Gov. Linda Lingle.
Both streets will be closed to traffic between 8:45 and 11 a.m. There is no parking in town, but a free shuttle will be provided between the Oskie Rice Arena and downtown Makawao.
At 1 p.m., the rodeo takes off at the arena on Olinda Road and continues at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Entry into the Oskie Rice Arena is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children.
Makawao ranchers have been herding cattle since the early 19th century. The first Mexican vaqueros, later known as “paniolo,” were brought from Vera Cruz to the Big Island by King Kamehameha III in 1830 to take care of the overwhelming amount of cattle and teach their skills to locals.
Captain George Vancouver shipped the very first cattle from California as an offering to King Kamehameha I in 1793. Then, in 1803, Richard Cleveland brought horses for the King. As the cattle’s number grew unexpectedly after several years, the hunting industry was born, with meats and tallow (fats) traded within and outside the region. Since the vaqueros were Spaniards, or Espaniolo as the locals called them, they became known as the “paniolo,” or Hawaiian cowboy, that we now know today.
During World War II, 34,000 servicemen of the 4th Marine Division conducted their training in Makawao Town, which led to the further growth as an industrial locale. But with the departure of these Marines, several establishments built especially to serve their needs went out of business. The town experienced economic setback for years.
Modern-day Maka-wao houses an eclectic array of shops, restaurants and galleries that began budding in the 1980s when a new artist community emerged, reviving the town and aiding in its present success.
Paniolo tradition lives on in Makawao, although the atmosphere has changed significantly in the last 25 years. Roping, polo and 4-H clubs continue to thrive, passing knowledge down to the keiki of tomorrow. Occasionally, a paniolo is seen trotting slowly down Makawao Avenue on his horse, homage to what the town once was and still represents.
This Fourth of July, celebrate paniolo tradition with those who have lived it. For more information, call 572-9565.