The Big Island, and especially North Kohala, is the home of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy). In 1793 Captain George Vancouver brought the first long horned cattle to the Big Island. The cattle were presented to King Kamehameha I, who placed a kapu (taboo) on their slaughter so they could multiply. The result was that hundreds of wild cattle roamed the mountain slopes creating such a nuisance that the kapu was lifted.
At Paniolo Adventures, we offer five different ride programs that are sure to satisfy the tenderfoot or experienced rider alike. Sign up for Paniolo, Wrangler, Picnic, Sunset or the City Slicker, ranging in price from $69 to &159. Private and Custom rides can also be arranged.
The Ranch offers awe inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean, the Kohala and Kona coastline and the Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Hualalai volcanoes on the Big Island and the Haleakala Volcano on Maui.
We have operated on the Ponoholo Ranch for more than 25 years. In riding the open range our guests get to experience what it was like to be a paniolo in the old days of North Kohala. The red lei lehua on the hat in the Paniolo Adventures logo is the traditional lei worn on the hats of the paniolos of the Big Island.
Feel like a real paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) when you outfit yourself with our boots, hats , chaps and Australian dusters and ride the range dotted with grazing cattle.
Mile 13.2 | Kohala Mtn. Rd. (Hwy. 250) - 889-5354
View Paniolo Adventures in a larger map
