KARIN KAWILIAU HALEAMAU  
Hu’e Hu’e Ranch, Puuwa’awa’a Ranch, Ke’ea Ranch, Hawai’i  

Born on September 10, 1940 into a family with three generations of paniolo on both his father and mother’s side, Karin Haleamau was destined to follow in their footsteps.  Karin exemplifies the true Hawaiian cowboy with his zest for life and the land.  Karin’s cowboy experience includes working at Hu’eHu'e Ranch, Hu’eHu’e Ranch Association, Pu’uwa’awa’a Ranch, and the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai’i Authority.  He currently maintains Ke’ea Ranch in Holualoa, where he tends cattle and horses and preserves native plants and wildlife. 

Karin Haleamau was nominated as Employee of the Year at the National Energy Laboratory of Hawai’i Authority.  He participated in the UH-Kona, Mid-Level Road , Cultural Impact Study, and was the land and resource consultant for medicinal plants and trees for the Palamanui project.  Karin is included in ‘Na Mele Paniolo’, a National Folk Arts booklet and cassette recording which celebrates ranching and folk art in Hawai’i .  Karin’s life as a paniolo is immortalized in the song “My Dad”, written and recorded by son Gary Haleamau. 

Along with his riding and roping abilities, and consistent with the Hawaiian cowboys’ love for music, Karin’s exceptional talents as a slack key guitarist and singer are well known.  His knowledge of music was acquired at an early age from his father, Herman Kaha’iwai Haleamau.  His performing credits include famed venues such as Carnegie Hall, Wolf Trap, and other cultural events in Hawai’i and on the mainland. 

Karin’s priorities in his life include family, friends, preserving Hawaiian culture and respecting the aina.  His life is enriched by wife Pat, their four children and seven grandchildren.  All of his children and grandchildren are involved in the ranching and paniolo lifestyle. Karin perpetuates this special part of the Hawaiian culture with his ability to sing and spin tales of ranch life and traditions.  Karin’s vast life experience as a life-long resident of the Big Island , living the paniolo way, make him a living treasure of Hawai’i and the embodiment of the aloha spirit.  

Photos by Robert Gonzalez