While ranching and rodeos may seem idiosyncratic to some visitors, ranching in Hawaii has a long history. This tradition has been celebrated annually on Western Weekend beginning in 2006, and included children's activities, country western bands, a block party with paniolo barbecue, a rodeo, and the ribald Saloon Girl Contest. Western Weekend was sponsored in part by a grant from the County of Hawaii Department of Research & Development, Hawaii Tourism Authority.
