09/24/2025
Mahalo nui loa!
On behalf of Aloha Festivals Island of Hawaiʻi, the Paniolo Festival Week, and the Paniolo Parade ʻohana, we offer our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who joined us in Waimea to celebrate our paniolo heritage and the living traditions of our people.
This entire week was filled with aloha—from the streets lined with families cheering on the parade, to the laughter shared at Paniolo Bingo, the joy and rhythm of the Stampede Line Dance, the warmth and storytelling under the stars at the Bonfire Mele & Moʻolelo, the delicious flavors at the Paniolo Cook-Off, and the love poured into every lei and float during preparations. Every moment was made brighter by your presence and support.
Mahalo to our parade participants, riders, musicians, kūpuna, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and the entire Waimea community for coming together to uplift this festival. You reminded us once again that the spirit of aloha, the paniolo way of life, and the strength of our traditions live on because of all of you.
Hats off to the champions of Paniolo Week! 🏆🐎Your talents, efforts, and paniolo pride were inspiring, and we celebrate each of you for carrying the torch of this legacy forward.
From our hearts to yours, we say three times over—mahalo, mahalo, mahalo!
✨E ola mau ka nohona paniolo! ✨
(Long live the paniolo way of life!)
We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year — September 14–19, 2026. Mark your calendars!
