Stampede Rodeo

Photo by Catherine Cluett.

Dozens of paniolo from Molokai and around the state gather at Kapualei Ranch every November to help keep a tradition alive. This year, the Molokai Stampede celebrating paniolo heritage was held Nov. 8 and 9, and Saturday’s # 11 team roping even featured more than 100 teams. Contestants competed for a grand prize ATV, saddles and buckles. The rodeo features team roping, team branding, barrel racing and keiki events like dummy roping.

Pictured above, Molokai’s Meleana Pa-Kala tosses to catch the horns of her steer during Saturday morning’s team roping. Below, four-year-oldRyelle climbs the fencetokiss horse Hoku, ridden by her dad, Don Habon, as he takes a quick break from roping.

Photo by Catherine Cluett.