Maui Cowboy Country

When people think about Maui, they tend to think of white sand beaches, beautiful ocean waters, rainbows and tropical waterfalls. Somehow, cowboys don't make the list. However, cowboys or as they are known locally Paniolos are a big part of the culture and identity of Maui's Upcountry. The slopes of Haleakala have been ranching country since the 1880s. Communities like Makawao formed to help support the needs of ranchers. While there aren't any more feed stores in Makawao town, it still has a cowboy feel and it actively celebrates its Paniolo culture. Fourth of July weekend is the town's biggest celebration of Paniolo culture with the fourth of July parade and the Makawao Rodeo.

This holiday weekend is the 53rd annual rodeo. The rodeo starts at 9:00 AM on Thursday with the qualifying events. Qualifying events are free to the public. Friday morning the annual Fourth of July parade runs through Makawao. The stick horse race starts at 8:45 and the parade starts at 9:00. The Bull Bash is one of the most popular rodeo events. It runs at 7:00 on Friday. Tickets for the Bull Bash are $15. Saturday and Sunday, the rodeo will host all kinds of events including roping, barrels and bull riding. Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 with the rodeo itself starting at 1:00 PM. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for kids 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. All events are held at the Oskie Rice Arena just up Olinda Road from Makawao town. It should be a fun weekend in the Upcountry.

If you are interested in horse and ranch properties, Maui has options from acreage, to properties with equestrian facilities to huge parcels of ranch land. Contact me for all of the latest horse properties on Maui.