Programs

Hawaii Paso Finos, LLC is pleased to announce the Gaiting in Paradise Fund, a private charity set up for the benefit of our local communities.  A portion of the proceeds of our lesson and riding program will go towards further annual funding.  Beneficiaries to date include the North Kohala Resource Center, Kamehameha Day Celebration Committee, Kohala Equine Education Center, Hawaii Island Horse Rescue Fund, North Kohala Student Cultural Enrichment Program, Kohala High School graduates, and Operation Vacation.

                            To Donate to the Gaiting in Paradise Fund, please see contact information at the bottom of this page.  Mahalo!

 

Operation Vacation:

"Give our Troops a Break!"  July 4th weekend in Kohala saw the launch of the first Operation Vacation Hawaii with the hosting of a military family, the Dennards, from Schofield Army Barracks in Oahu.  Major Kerry Dennard and his family were treated to a free four day vacation courtesy of Hawaii Paso Finos, many corporate sponsors, and the greater community of North Kohala.  Please see News section for more details on this wonderful program.

 

Kohala Equine Educational Center:

The mission of the Kohala Equine Educational Center is to provide the local community a multi-purpose equestrian, agricultural facility for educational and cultural programs primarily involving horses and horsemanship skills.  Please see News section about the recent fundraiser at our ranch.

 

King Kamehameha Day Celebration:

The annual floral parade and celebration honoring the first King of the Hawaiian Islands.  Every June 11th the town of Kapaau comes alive for this wonderful event that begins with the draping of the King's statue with beautiful lei, tradtional hula and chants, then the colorful parade procession of Pau riders, equestrian units and floats. The day ends at Kamehmeha Park with more music, dancing and food.  A volunteer effort appreciated by all.

 

North Kohala Student Cultural Enrichment Program:

Giving our local Kohala Elementary students the same opportunities as students from other districts, this program is designed to expose fifth-grade students to the performances at the Kahilu Theater in Waimea on an ongoing basis.  Students have enjoyed a variety of artistic perfromances over the past years, ranging from ballet and classical music to comedy and circus, contemporary and world music, plus much more.

 

Animal Sciences Scholarship:

Congratulations to Aldene Sumic, graduating senior at Kohala High School who is this year's recipient of the Animal & Biological Sciences Scholarship granted in partnership with Kapaau Veterinary Center.  Miss Sumic will be studying pre-medicine at Southern Oregon University.     

        

 

Hawaii Island Horse Rescue Fund:

The local Hawaii Island Humane Society's Horse Rescue Fund is a tireless advocate for abused and abandoned horses on the Big Island.  Neglect and abuse should never be part of any creatures' existence in this world, and we appreciate the efforts of our local Horse Rescue Fund.  Pictured below is our 5 year old Paso Fino gelding, Gaucho, who is living a life of green pastures, plently of water, attention and loving care from us.  He is very lucky to know this life, and our wish is for all horses to have this type of home on our island.