Gordon Kepano Kalaniopio
2026
Ranch Name | Hawai'i
Gordon Kalaniopio was born on February 5, 1960, in Hana, Maui. Born and raised in a ranching family, his father, William “Miki” Kalaniopio Sr. was a foreman for Hana Ranch and an inductee of the Paniolo Hall of Fame. Gordon started working with his dad at a very early age, caring for orphan calves, riding alongside Miki, checking cattle in the pastures, and doctoring those that needed it. He learned what it was like to work hard, and because he loved living the life of a paniolo, he felt it was never a chore.
Gordon is thankful to Dr. Billy Bergin for taking him to the Big Island and exposing him to Parker Ranch as a teenager, where he began dreaming of being a cowboy there. In 1983, he moved his family to Hawaiʻi Island and began working as a cowboy for Parker Ranch. In those days, a new cowboy had to work in the breaking pen, riding the young horses so that they would know how to work with and train horses for their riding string. Being a rough stock rider himself, he enjoyed the breaking pen. He also loved learning from the “old timers” and their way of working cattle.
Today, Gordon is the Livestock Operations Coordinator for Parker Ranch. He enjoys seeing the younger cowboys take the reins and continue the traditions he loves so much. Many of these cowboys are children or grandchildren of former ranch employees.
Gordon is also a talented musician and can play just about any stringed instrument by ear. He enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren on his ranch in Waimea. He is a man of strong faith and has led several Bible studies at the ranch.
Gordon’s motto for being a cowboy today is: “If you love what you do, do it humbly and do it well. It doesn’t matter how much you get paid or what your position is. You do it because you love the cowboy way of life.”