Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Aloha Rodeo: Three Hawaiian Cowboys, the World's Greatest Rodeo, and a Hidden History of the American West

reading-galore avatar reviewed on + 115 more book reviews


At first glance, Hawaiian cowboys may seem like an unusual subject matter that mainstream readers may not be interested in. However, as I read this, I discovered connections through my genealogy giving the story an even deeper meaning. I have no background in rodeo skills but this book was written in a way that an average person can understand what it takes to be a Hawaiian cowboy or "paniolo." I found it so interesting to read how cattle came to Hawaii, multiplying out of control and running wild, creating a need for vaqueros to come and train them how to round the cattle up. This book briefly covers the Buffalo Bill show story which is really interesting and has been written about extensively in other books, if you develop an interest after reading about it here. Finally, the end of the book covers the championship rodeo at the Cheyenne Frontier Days where the Hawaiian cowboys showed their outstanding roping skills to mainland America. I highly recommend this amazing book!