2008 has been proclaimed the “Year of the Paniolo,” in recognition of Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolos, and the contribution they’ve made to local culture and the American West.
Throughout January, Parker Ranch’s Visitor Center & Museum will be home to a “Paniolo Hall of Fame” display. John Palmer Parker, founder of the ranch in Waimea, the Big Island, will be inducted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Great Westerners in Okalahoma City in April 2008. Visit www.parkerranch.com.