WAIMEA, Big Island Since the early 1800s, paniolo (Hawaiian
cowboys) have been riding the ranges of the Big Island. These days,
clients can saddle up with their modern-day equivalent in the
newest activity from Parker Ranch called Cowboys of Hawaii, one
example of how the 200,000-acre working ranch is sharing its
history and culture with guests.
“Most people are unaware of the ranch and the role it has played
in shaping the Big Island’s history,” said Parker Ranch vice
president of marketing and development Diane Quitiquit. “We want
visitors to come away with new knowledge of an important part of
Hawaiian history paniolo culture that they didn’t expect to
have.”
Parker Ranch surrounds the town of Waimea and spreads between
the Kohala Mountains and Mauna Kea volcano. Last year, 26,500
guests took part in the ranch’s various tours. “Our visitors are
adventurers who love to seek out cultural and historical
experiences,” explained Quitiquit. “Incentive groups visiting the
Big Island have enjoyed a special rodeo or dinner function at the
ranch, and we welcome educational and agricultural tours as
well.”
The Cowboys of Hawaii horseback adventure takes visitors through
old stone corrals to open pasturelands, where they enjoy sweeping
views of the mountains and the sea, perhaps catching glimpses of
pheasant, frankolins and wild pigs along the way. They visit the
racetrack where Parker Ranch thoroughbreds have been trained over
time, and they hear stories from real-life paniolo. “We have great
horses with no attitude,” said paniolo Bully Figgeroa. “We don’t
make them walk nose-to-tail. If you want to ride off to the side,
that’s fine. Everyone can ride freely as long as they’re within a
reasonable distance.”
Priced at $79 per person, the two-hour excursion is offered at
8:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., with a sunset ride from 4-5:30 p.m.
For a tamer tour, visitors can ride in a covered wagon, pulled
by draft horses, while learning about Parker Ranch’s history. The
45-minute amble winds through old and new ranch operations ($15 per
adult, $12 for children 12 and under).
Parker Ranch recently debuted a year-round hunting program for
game birds ($350 per half-day, $525 full-day) and big game like
Polynesian boar, Spanish goat, Vancouver bulls and Axis deer (from
$525-$1,850 depending on length and game). Beverages and snacks are
supplied on all hunts.
Parker Ranch’s museum and visitor center presents displays of
antique ranching tools, historic photos and old furnishings. Its
theater features a movie about the ranch’s cattle operations and
paniolo heritage.
808-885-2303; www.park erranch.com.