Hundreds gathered on the Great Lawn at Windward Community College for the second annual Paniolo BBQ on September 19, bringing together students, employees, families and community members for horseback rides, hula, Hawaiian music, local vendors and paniolo-inspired activities—all while raising more than $13,000 to support Windward CC students.
“Today Windward CC welcomed our Koʻolau community onto campus, having fun and celebrating our people, families and history,” Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg said.
Activities filled the Great Lawn, while the Country Market featured handmade goods from the campus māla (garden). Local vendors and community organizations offered palaka products, native plants, lei making and custom cowboy hats.
‘Magic in the air’
The horseback rides were a highlight for Lee-Anne Decosta, who grew up in Kahaluʻu.
“I loved seeing all the kids on the horse rides and the smiles on their faces,” Decosta said. “It brought back a lot of memories for me. Seeing the kids getting to have that experience was really special.”
Amy Luke, chief of staff to University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel, joined the celebration.
“It was awesome to spend time with our Windward community ʻohana,” Luke said. “Events like these let you feel the magic in the air.”
Music and more
Live music featured Hālau Nā Pualei o Likolehua, Hālau Hula o Kukunaokalā, Hawaiʻi Loa with Greg Sardinha, the Blue Grass Shack Band, and Windward CC Professor Kamuela Kimokeo with his family.
“Hawaiian music has given me so much throughout my life, so being able to share that music with my children and watch them grow as musicians and performers means a lot to me,” Kimokeo said.
Windward CC economics Professor Deacon Hanson also performed with the Blue Grass Shack Band.
“The Paniolo BBQ is a wonderful community event that shares the history of Hawaiʻi,” state Rep. Scot Matayoshi said. “Windward Community College continues to play a central role in keeping the memories of our community alive.”
Proceeds benefit the
