Nā Wahine Holo Lio – Old Hawaiʻi on Horseback 2019 is happening! Mark your calendars for September 14th. We are excitedly planning the event and looking forward to seeing you all there.
Old Hawaiʻi on Horseback celebrates “Nā Wahine Holo Lio”. Loosely translated from Hawaiian, its meaning is “the woman horse rider”. This legacy event has a rich history in the Hawaiian paniolo culture. With the rest of the world catching on to and learning about Hawaiʻi’s paʻu riders and their very unique story, this seems like perfect timing. A recent article in VOGUE Magazine featured many of Hawaiʻi Island’s own. And, if you are here in Waimea, you can visit the Nā Wahine Holo Lio museum now open at Pukalani Stables.
The event is a culmination of an 18-month celebration of Nā Wahine Holo Lio by Paniolo Preservation Society – a celebration inspired by the unheralded role that mothers, wives, grandmothers, great grandmothers, sisters, aunts and Hawaii monarchs such as Queen Emma and Princess Kaiulani played in this important aspect of the Hawai’i economy, culture and lifestyle.
At Old Hawai’i on Horseback you will be able to witness magnificently draped paʻu riders in their finest, elegantly parading their horses onto Waikiʻi Polo Field, each in their paʻu units. A typical parade pa’u unit is made up of the pa’u queen and her princess, escorted by male members of her family. Missionary families, monarchs, princesses and naval captains may participate in the paʻu unit procession as well. It will be a beautiful representation of the history of Hawai’i on horseback, depicting historic moments in the state’s ranching history- from the arrival of the first cattle and horses forward to a glimpse of ranching life today.
The story behind the long skirts originates back to the 1800s when women would drape themselves in pa’u silk skirts to protect their clothing as well as enabling them to ride astride with dignity and modesty. Often draped in colors representing each of the Hawaiian Islands, the pa’u rider is arguably the most visible celebration of paniolo culture. Lively, colorful and culturally rich, this is a performance you don’t want to miss!
And speaking of not missing out, you will definitely want to be there to enjoy the Grammy award winning sounds of John Cruz! As weather may be inclement, be sure to bring chairs and jackets (no coolers please) and plan for a beautiful day in Waiki’i.
Read about the upcoming event in West Hawaii Today!
We hope you will be able to join us at Old Hawaiʻi on Horseback! Advance tickets are available for $30, and $35 at the door. Buy your tickets online at Eventbrite.com.
