Friday, August 23, 2013

The Spirit of Hawaii's Cowboys



Paniolo & Lio (Cowboy & Horse)

Hawaii's cowboys, or paniolos, have been cattle ranching the Island’s vast pasturelands for over 175 years. The memories of paniolos are deeply rooted in the values of hard work, perseverance, love and respect for the land. Their cultural and spiritual history is rich in tradition and pride. Hawaiian cowboys have always malama ‘aina (honored the land) with everything they did.
Until today paniolos continue to raise, herd, brand, and market cattle. The cowboys rely on their horses to round up the wild pipi (cattle). Paniolos use a particular method called Po'o Waiu. Today, Po’o Waiu is a rodeo event where the paniolos perform their unmatched roping and riding skills.
There is a deep bond between paniolos and their horses. They are loyal partners holding one another’s fate with their lives and well being depending on each other.
The Hawaiian cowboy’s traditions and values are timeless. Powerful parallels have been established between ancient Hawaiian culture and the free spirited way of life of the paniolo.

The vibrant history of the Hawaiian cowboy inspired the creation of “Paniolo & Lio”, the Menehune cowboy and his horse.
Here is part of Paniolo’s and Lio’s story:

Paniolo is a Hawaiian Menehune cowboy. Paniolo rides Lio, his Menehune Horse, through the beautiful Kaiholena Mountains exhilarating in their speed and the glory of the indigenous Hawaiian Ohia Forest. Lio runs like the wind with Paniolo swinging his lasso and shouting:” Yee-haw”, to the spirit of all creations.
Paniolo’s and Lio’s outings are a celebration of the Aloha (Love) spirit of Hawaii.
Sometimes Paniolo ropes some of the pipi (cattle) to save them from getting hurt or lost, but most of the time he uses his lasso to catch freedom and happiness for his Menehune Ohana (family), Lio, and himself. Paniolo is an expert with the lasso. He never misses his target.


Trust Paniolo to catch your most heartfelt desires with his lasso! 

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Aloha 'Aina - Love of the Land



Take care of the earth as the earth cares for you! 

Hawaiians had a profound love and respect for the land. Before hunting, fishing, planting, harvesting or anything else that they wanted to take from nature, they would first humbly ask permission and give thanks for its bountiful offerings.
Rather than depleting the earth and let greed dictate their actions, Hawaiians knew how to maintain a balanced, harmonious relationship with earth by taking only what they needed, not what they wanted.
Menehune boy Wailau was created in the spirit of nurturing, honoring, and respecting nature’s abundant gifts to humanity.
Here is part of Wailau’s story:

Wailau is named after the gentle waters in the bays of Punalu’u Black Sands Beach where he loves to sail in his Wa’akaukahi (Outrigger Canoe). Once he is on the ocean, Wailau takes out his fishing pole to catch dinner for himself and his Menehune Ohana (family).
First Wailau says a prayer of heartfelt thanks for nature’s abundant offerings. He then humbly asks permission for just enough fish to come to his fishing pole so that he can feed himself and his Ohana.


Wailau knows that if he takes only what he needs, it will always be given freely...

Wailau conveys the spiritual essence of Hawaii.