The historic Pukalani Stables in Waimea will be donated to the Paniolo Preservation Society, Parker Ranch announced recently.
Parker Ranch, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, is working with the Paniolo Preservation Society to effectuate the gift of the significant legacy asset that’ll carry on the ranch’s and nonprofit’s mutual goals of promoting and celebrating the Hawaiian ranching industry and the accomplishments of generations of Paniolo that made this way of life and this form of agricultural endeavor possible.
“We are pleased to continue supporting public awareness and appreciation of the Paniolo, who have played such a significant role in the histories not only of the ranch, but Hawaii, and the western cowboy heritage of America as well,” said Dutch Kuyper, president and CEO of Parker Ranch Inc. “The ranch has been ‘Home of the Paniolo since 1847’, and the historic Pukalani Stables is a central meeting place for the Waimea community, where our town’s people gather and celebrate the legacy of ranching, bringing local residents and visitors together.
“Dedicating and donating this asset ensures the unique stories of the Paniolo are preserved and accessible in perpetuity. We’re looking forward to working with Paniolo Preservation Society to make this donation for the benefit of the community,” he continued.
The Paniolo Preservation Society was founded in 1998 as a 501(c)3 to increase public awareness of the historical, present-day and future significance of Hawaii’s ranching industry with an emphasis on the roles, traditions, and contributions of the paniolo. Dedicated to preserving the paniolo tradition as a profound part of the history of Hawaii and the American West, the society is also committed to perpetuating Hawaiian ranching as a proud and living heritage and contributor to the economic and cultural vitality and diversity of Hawaii.
The Pukalani Stables, through the Paniolo Preservation Society, hosts the Paniolo Heritage Center, Na Wahine Holo Lio Pa’u Museum, a gift store, and two popular weekly farmers’ markets.
The Paniolo Heritage Center allows visitors the experience of stepping back in time where the history of the paniolo is brought to life and illustrated through a collection of artifacts, images, and original Hawaiian saddles, exploring the stories of the paniolo and learning why the paniolo is such an important part of Hawaii ranching history.
Na Wahine Holo Lio Paʻu Museum honors the history of the region’s pa‘u riders.
Parker Ranch, established in 1847 by John Palmer Parker, is one of the largest and oldest cattle ranches in the United States. Parker Ranch Inc. is owned by Parker Ranch Foundation Trust whose beneficiaries are four nonprofits: Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Parker School and Hawaii Community Foundation.
To learn more, visit parkerranch.com or prft.org.