What the Parker Ranch 4th of July Rodeo Is
The Parker Ranch 4th of July Rodeo and Horse Races is a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) rodeo held each Independence Day at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea on Hawaii Island. The 62nd annual edition took place Saturday, July 4, 2026. It is the historic ranch's signature event and celebrates Waimea's ranching culture, with friendly competition among Hawaii Island ranches. Parker Ranch was established in 1847, and the rodeo has been a Waimea tradition for more than six decades.
What You See
- Horse races
- Ranch mugging, a Hawaiian ranch skill in which paniolo work a steer in timed teams
- Team roping
- Po'o wai u, among other events
- Live music from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. in 2026, with Lim Ohana, Kalapana Awa Band and Ekolu
- Jumbo screens with live coverage, replays and paniolo interviews
- Local food and craft vendors, keiki activities and a merchandise booth
The 2026 program also recognized three retiring Parker Ranch employees: Paula DeSilva, Albert Matsuoka and Dennis Dean. Past rodeos have also featured barrel racing and ribbon roping.
Schedule and Tickets
| Item | 2026 details |
|---|---|
| Gates open | 7:30 a.m. |
| Grand entry | 9:00 a.m. |
| Advance online ticket | $25 plus applicable fees and taxes |
| Kamaaina presale | $20, sold at Puuopelu Historic Home, Kamuela Hardwoods, Paniolo Preservation Society and Waimea Butcher Shop |
| Gate ticket | $30 on event day |
| Keiki 12 and under | Free |
Rules for Spectators
The rodeo goes on rain or shine. It is a family-friendly event: pets and outside alcohol are prohibited. Seating is limited and first-come, first-served, so arrive early.
A Little History
Parker Ranch was established in 1847 by John Palmer Parker and operates on more than 130,000 acres. Its paniolo tradition reaches the national stage: Ikua Purdy, Parker's great-grandson, won the steer roping trophy at the 1908 Frontier Days World Championship in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and was inducted into the National Cowboy Museum Hall of Fame 100 years later. The rodeo was canceled in 2020 and 2021; the 58th annual edition in 2022 marked its return, on the ranch's 175th anniversary, with a 9 a.m. grand entry and a program that ran until about 1 p.m. Ticket prices then were $10 online and $15 at the gate; they were $25 and $30 by 2026.
Where
Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena, 67-1349 Ala Ohia Street, off Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 190) in Waimea. The arena is about 40 miles from Kona International Airport and 60 miles from Hilo International Airport.
Questions
Is it good for kids?
Yes. Children 12 and under are free, and there are keiki activities on site.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are prohibited.
What if it rains?
The rodeo is held rain or shine.
Who do I call?
Parker Ranch Headquarters, 66-1304 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela: 808-885-7311.
Official Links
- Parker Ranch July 4th Rodeo: schedule, tickets and location
- Hawaii Tribune-Herald: July 4th Rodeo returns (2022): history of the event
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
Hawaii's oldest food festival, founded in 1970, with farm tours, a cupping competition, a lantern parade and a quilt and fiber arts show across Kona. The 55th festival runs November 6-15, 2026.
- Hawaii Cattlemen's Council Annual Meeting and Convention
Statewide ranchers' gathering of the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the Kohala Coast; registration for the 2026 meeting had closed.
Waikoloa Beach, HI | Organizer: Hawaii Cattlemen's Council Official event details - 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon
Half marathon on festival Saturday starting at Coconut Grove Marketplace in Kailua-Kona; every finisher receives a cup of Kona coffee. Held each year; the most recent date was November 14, 2026.
- Panaewa Stampede Rodeo
Two-day paniolo heritage rodeo at the Panaewa Equestrian Center in Hilo, with local vendors and family entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates were February 14-15, 2026.
Hilo, HI | Organizer: Hawaii Horse Owners Official event details - Kau Coffee Festival
Seventeenth annual week of Kau coffee events: plantation house open house, recipe contest, a Coffee and Cattle Day at Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm and a free ho'olaulea. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 14-20, 2026.
Pahala, HI | Organizer: Kau Coffee Festival Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.