The Hawaii Tourism Authority honored the unique tradition of paniolo, Hawaiian cowboys, at its Tourism Legacy Awards luncheon during the 2015 Hawaii Tourism Conference at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority honored the unique tradition of paniolo, Hawaiian cowboys, at its Tourism Legacy Awards luncheon during the 2015 Hawaii Tourism Conference at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu.
The Big Island’s Parker Ranch was among four ranches statewide singled out for contributing to paniolo history.
“We are pleased to honor local ranches for their contributions to their community, and ongoing efforts to perpetuate and promote paniolo traditions and Hawaiian culture,” said George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the HTA.
“Congratulations to this year’s honorees and mahalo to the ranches throughout the state for continuing to help shape our islands’ unique culture and story,” Szigeti said.
Located in Waimea, Parker Ranch is a 250,000-acre farm that dates back to the early 1850s.
John Parker purchased 640 acres in 1850 and an additional 1,000 acres the following year from Kamehameha III. The ranch has grown into an educational attraction where visitors can learn about its rich history, witness one of the oldest-running rodeos and enjoy the vast landscape.
To learn more about the ranch, visit parkerranch.com.
Evolving from HTA’s “Keep it Hawaii” program, the Tourism Legacy Awards was established to honor individuals, organizations and businesses that perpetuate Hawaiian culture and traditions.
Honorees have worked diligently to nurture the Hawaiian culture creating respectful and authentic visitor experiences while securing bonds between the visitor industry and the Hawaiian community.
Established in 1998, the Hawaii Tourism Authority is responsible for strategically managing tourism to optimize benefits for Hawaii that integrate the interest of visitors, the community and visitor industry.