Industry Preview • Waikoloa Stables
Welcome to an evening of paniolo culture, storytelling, music, and gathering beneath the Waikoloa sky. Tonight’s experience was created to honor the spirit of the paniolo through thoughtful hospitality, ranch traditions, and shared moments around the table.We invite you to settle in, slow down, and enjoy the evening ahead.
1832 is not a date. It is a beginning.
In the early 19th century, Hawai‘i stood wild and unshaped by the rhythms of ranch life. Cattle roamed freely across the land, and horses—new to the islands—had yet to find their purpose.
In 1832, everything changed.
King Kamehameha III invited Mexican vaqueros (Spanish-speaking cowboys) to Hawai‘i to teach cattle management and advanced horsemanship. The word Paniolo itself is derived from Español.
What followed was not imitation—but evolution.
The Hawaiian paniolo emerged, blending an ancestral connection to the land (ʻāina) with exceptional rawhide roping skills and the agility needed to work rugged volcanic terrain. They became some of the most respected horsemen in the world, developing a culture tied to family lineage, music, and an intentional rhythm of life.
Today, that spirit lives on. In the dust of the arena. In the rhythm of the ride. In the stories passed from one generation to the next.
1832 is where the legend began.
THE EXHIBIT
HISTORY ON THE WALLS
As you move through the space this evening, we invite you to experience the story of 1832 through our four-part mural installation.
Mural 1 — Before the Saddle
Before the horse was understood,
this land moved on its own rhythm.
Cattle roamed wild.
The land answered to no one.
Hawai‘i was vast, untamed—
waiting for what would come next.
Mural 2 — The Arrival (1832)
In 1832, they came from across the ocean—
vaqueros, masters of horse and rope.
They brought knowledge.
But Hawai‘i did not copy.
It transformed.
Mural 3 — Becoming Paniolo
What was taught became something deeper.
Riders learned the land.
Horses learned their riders.
Together, they became paniolo—
a culture shaped by strength, skill, and respect.
Mural 4 — Legacy in Motion
What began in 1832 never ended.
It rides in every generation.
In every horse.
In every story carried forward.
The legacy lives.
Murals by Blanka Holmes × Dastan Khosraw
TONIGHT’S FEATURED EXPERIENCE
Presented by Paniolo Culture
Featuring Legendary Cowboys
Aki Smith & Gilbert Smith
An immersive evening of horsemanship, storytelling, paniolo traditions, and Hawaiian ranch culture beneath the lights of Waikoloa Stables.
THE EVENING PROGRAM
GRAND ENTRY
The arena comes alive as the cowboys, horses, and spirit of the paniolo ride in beneath the lights. The evening begins with the National Anthem followed by Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī, honoring both the heritage of the islands and the enduring legacy of the Hawaiian cowboy. A powerful opening celebrating culture, community, and paniolo tradition.
TEAM ROPING
Precision, timing, and partnership. Watch skilled paniolo teams work together to rope and control cattle with speed and accuracy — one of ranch country’s most respected working events.
DOUBLE MUGGING
A true test of ranch skill and teamwork. Cowboys demonstrate the strength, coordination, and technique once used daily across Hawaiʻi’s cattle ranches.
MATCH BARRELS
Fast turns, flying dirt, and fearless riding. Riders race the clock through a high-speed barrel pattern that showcases agility, balance, and the connection between horse and rider.
TIE DOWN ROPING
Rooted in real ranch work, this classic event highlights precision roping, quick footwork, and expert horsemanship under pressure.
RIBBON MUGGING
Select representatives from each team are invited into the action for one of the evening’s most entertaining traditions. Team up, grab the ribbon, and see if you have what it takes to work like a real paniolo in this high-energy, crowd-pleasing challenge.
RANCH BRANDING
Step into Hawaiʻi ranch culture with an interactive branding experience inspired by generations of paniolo tradition. Three chosen competitors from each team will step into the arena for a hands-on, modern heritage moment—creating the ultimate photo opportunity and setting the tone for the night.
CATTLE DRESSING
Fast-paced, hilarious, and a crowd-favorite highlight. Select representatives from each side race against the clock in a playful, high-energy ranch challenge that always delivers unforgettable memories, brilliant chaos, and big laughs for the entire crowd.
FLAG RACE
Speed meets precision in this thrilling crowd favorite. Riders sprint across the arena in a fast-paced race that celebrates athleticism, courage, and horse-and-rider connection.
MEET THE COWBOYS
Meet the cowboys, and take a photo under the beautiful Waikoloa sky.
Cowboys
Josh Gomes
Breeana Gomes
Kamalani Kalaukoa
Makaleka Deguire
Troy Wood
Levi Wood
Gilbert Smith
MC / Announcer
Preston Deluz
Music Entertainment
Ho’opono Wong
THE ‘OHANA FEAST | TASTING MENU
Prepared with aloha by Umekes
Arrival Appetizers
Island Ahi Poke Selection
Hottie • Sweetie • Kanaka Style
Fresh Island Fruit Display
Seasonal tropical fruits
Tasting Selections
Huli Huli Chicken
Island-style grilled chicken with traditional sweet & savory glaze
Slow Roasted Island Ribs
Tender baby back ribs finished with smoky island flavors
Hamakua Ho‘io Salad
Traditional local fern salad
Kohala Garden Greens
Fresh island greens with creamy oriental dressing
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Steamed White Rice
Served with shoyu on the side
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
With whipped lilikoi honey butter
Beverages
Complimentary Refreshments
A selection of iced teas, water, and non-alcoholic refreshments are available throughout the evening.
Hosted Cash Bar:
Craft beers and signature island cocktails are available for purchase.
Dessert
Island Coconut Haupia Cake
This evening was brought to life by a village of creators, keepers of culture, and hands working together in the spirit of ‘ohana:
Our Hosts , Cultural Leadership, Design & Culinary Partners
Paniolo Culture Company • 1832 Hawaiʻi Living Co. • Umekes
Our Waikoloa Stables Team
Connie Arthur • Nancy Schaffer Lodding • Robbie Nanni • Honor Morgan • Michelle Wellman
Our Island Partners
Waikoloa Stables • Waikoloa Village Association (WVA) • Maui Brew Co. Kupu Spirits
Artist & Collaboration Partners
Blanka Holmes • Dastan Khosraw • Chris Reed
PARTNERSHIPS & BOOKINGS
We are proud to preserve and share the living history of Hawaiʻi’s ranchlands. We invite our industry, destination, and brand partners to join us in bringing this unique legacy to the world.
Hotel Partners & Concierge Booking
Give your guests direct access to the premier cultural residency of the Kohala Coast. Public performances run hroughout 2026.
View 2026 Schedule & Ticket Portals
Corporate Groups & Destination Management (DMCs)
Paniolo Legends Under The Lights provides an authentic, high-production backdrop for private buyouts, custom group dining, and exclusive evening performances tailored for incentive travel and large-scale gatherings.
Arena Sponsorships & Brand Partnerships
Put your brand directly in front of luxury travelers and island residents. From high-visibility arena rail signage to featured product placements and exclusive section naming, let's build something together.
Request our 2026 Arena Sponsorship Deck
Paniolo Legends Under The Lights at Waikoloa Stables
Kohala Coast • Hawaiʻi Island
1832 Hawaiʻi Living Co. / Paniolo Culture Company