EXPIRED Hawaii: July 4th rodeo extravaganzas

If you’ll be in the islands over the July 4th holiday (lucky you!), it’s rodeo time. The heritage of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) dates back to the early 19th-century plantation days. Some even argue that Hawaiians learned to rope and ride a generation before American cowboys became established in the U.S. West. Today the Hawaiian paniolo tradition lives strong, especially on the Big Island and Maui.

Deal: The granddaddy of Hawaiian rodeos happens at Parker Ranch in Waimea on the Big Island. Special guests this year are professional cowboys from Wyoming, the state where Hawaiian cowboy Ikua Purdy won the world roping championship in 1908. Tickets cost $6 at the gate ($5 in advance from the Parker Ranch Store). Pony rides for kids are just $2-3 each.

On Maui, the Makawao rodeo is an even more festive affair, with events spread out over four days. Admission to the first two days of qualifying and elimination rounds, including bull riding, is free. Admission to the main competition on Saturday and Sunday costs $10/day per adult (less for seniors and children). The parade down the town’s main street is free for all.

When: The 45th Annual Parker Ranch Rodeo and Horse Races happen from 9 a.m. until high noon on Wednesday, July 4th, 2007. Events at the 52nd Annual Makawao Rodeo start at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 5th, and Friday, July 6th, and at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 7th, and Sunday, July 8th. Makawao’s paniolo parade starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 7th.

Why Go: Rodeos in Hawaii are the real deal – adrenaline-fueled, action-packed and fun for all ages.

Why Not: Cowboy culture is probably not what you came to the islands looking for.

Contact: Parker Ranch, (808) 885-5669, (800) 262-7290
Makawao Rodeo, (808) 572-9565

Have you been horseback riding in Hawaii? Tell us at which ranch you’d recommend by posting in the Comments section below.

Related Los Angeles Times links:
Parker Ranch (review; add your comments review)
Destination: Maui
Destination Hawaii: Horseback Riding

– Sara Benson, L.A. Times Travel Deal Detective

[Photo credit: Courtesy of Parker Ranch]

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This entry was posted on Sunday, July 1, 2007 at 9:33 am by Sara Benson and is filed under Festival, Hawaii, Hawaii's Big Island, Maui. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.