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Reviving the Paniolo Spirit: A Path to Sustainable Economic Renewal on Molokaʻi
By Keli'i Akina PhD @ 1:57 AM :: 259 Views :: Agriculture

Reviving the Paniolo Spirit: A Path to Sustainable Economic Renewal on Molokaʻi

by OHA Trustee Keli‘i Akina PhD, Ka Wai Ola, August 1, 2025

Fourth-generation Hawaiian cowboy James “Jimmy” Duvauchelle inherited the paniolo spirit.

He rose through the ranks of Molokaʻi Ranch to become its foreman in the 1970s, mentoring young riders and preserving the knowledge passed down through his family. When the ranch shut down in 2008, he didn’t walk away. Instead, he leased 3,000 acres and founded Pōhakuloa Ranch, keeping cattle drives and paniolo culture alive for his children and grandchildren.

His story is more than personal – it’s a living example of how Molokaʻi’s economy can be shaped by cultural pride, land stewardship, and adaptability.

That is why I was eager to travel to Molokaʻi with my fellow trustees during the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ (OHA) annual neighbor island visit last month. Molokaʻi has always stood apart from the other islands, being defined not by resorts or high rises, but by perseverance and a deep connection to ʻāina.

During the community meetings, beneficiaries described the many economic challenges they face on the island: declining job opportunities and youth outmigration, and a lack of industries aligned with community values.

As Molokaʻi looks toward a sustainable solution for economic development, one viable idea can be found in its past: restoring the paniolo legacy. More than just cowboys, paniolo represent a Hawaiian model of mālama ʻāina and intergenerational learning. Yet the economic potential of this legacy has gone largely untapped. Reinvesting in this tradition offers a grounded, culturally aligned path to economic renewal.

At its height, Hawaiʻi’s cattle industry was a major economic force. By the mid-20th century, the islands were home to over a million acres of ranch land, exporting thousands of head of cattle annually to the continent.

Molokaʻi played a role in this legacy, with its own ranches contributing to statewide production. This history proves that a thriving, local ranching economy is not only possible, but that it’s part of our heritage. With modern technology, regenerative practices, and leadership rooted in cultural values, Molokaʻi can reclaim its place in Hawaiʻi’s ranching future.

Revitalizing Molokaʻi’s ranching economy begins with land and livestock. Supporting small-scale ranchers with access to land, equipment, and mentorship can boost local food production and reduce dependence on imported meat.

Opportunities also exist to create value-added goods: Molokaʻi-made jerky, leather goods, and tallow products that can serve both local and export markets without relying solely on imported goods. These ventures support self-sufficiency and allow ranchers to keep more value within the community.

Molokaʻi has resisted large-scale tourism, but low-impact, community-led cultural tourism can be a source of income that aligns with local values. Paniolo storytelling tours, horse rides, and cultural events, all designed and maintained by locals, can welcome respectful visitors without sacrificing identity. Rather than mass-marketing, this approach uplifts culture, educates guests, and keeps economic benefits within the community. Supporting business development rooted in paniolo values ensures that economic growth aligns with culture and ʻāina.

To sustain paniolo culture, we must invest in education. Land-based programs in schools can teach youth about ranching, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, and cultural history. Apprenticeships with local ranchers and conservation projects can provide career paths rooted in identity and skill. By connecting education to culture, we ensure that Molokaʻi’s young people can thrive without leaving their home island.

Reviving paniolo culture is not about nostalgia, it’s about resilience. It’s about creating a Molokaʻi economy that reflects the strength of the lāhui and the wisdom of the ʻāina. In the paniolo, we find a roadmap to dignity, discipline, and aloha ʻāina. By supporting this legacy, we empower Molokaʻi to shape its own future on its own terms.

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