It’s not exactly the first image that comes to mind when anyone speaks of the Hawaiian archipelago and yet, these volcanic islands are a true paradise of equestrian tradition – there were even cowboys in Hawai well before than in the American Far West!
The Hawaiian tradition of Pa’u riding goes back to the nineteenth century when vivacious, horse-loving women rode at breakneck speed with their long skirts – the pa’u - flowing behind them. The descendants of these early amazones are perpetuating this time-honoured ritual today.

As preparations are underway for the two great floral parades – in June in honour of the great monarch, King Kamehameha I. and in September for the Aloha Festival – we meet the women of two separate groups of Pa’u riders from two different islands. The women and their horses, both decorated with colourful flowers, are the highlight of every parade. Before they look like their illustrious ancestors, a lot of hard work us required.
An introduction into the rich and exotic equestrian tradition of the Hawaiian archipelago!
ONLY FRENCH VERSION AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING AT THE MOMENT.