Johnny Correia Jr.
Year Inducted: 2013
Kuka'lau Ranch | Hawai'i
Jack Ramos | Hawai'i
Johnny Correia Jr. dedicated himself to the cowboy lifestyle following rich traditions of his past. With help from his father, John Correia Sr., retired from Kukaʻiau (Umikoa) Ranch, and his brother, Jack Ramos, owner of Jack Ramos 77 Ranch, he developed and refined his paniolo skills. Johnny resided and worked for the historic Kukaʻiau Ranch as a ranch hand for approximately forty years (1939 – 1970). The ranch was a 35,000-acre, polled Hereford cattle ranch, established in the late 1800’s. During Johnnyʻs generation, it was owned and operated by Theo H. Davies Inc. On the ranch, he had an opportunity to work with and learn from many elite cowboys. Johnny along with Paul and Keoki Kealoha were called the three lions. When these three were spoken about, everybody listened.
In 1971, Johnny was given an opportunity to work for his brother, Jack Ramos, on the Jack Ramos 77 Ranch. Jack was the owner and Johnny was the foreman, together they managed and operated a thriving cattle business with acreage in Paʻauilo, Kapulena, Honokaʻa, Waipiʻo, Kohala and Waimea. At its peak, they managed 10,000 head of cattle on 36,000 acres of ranch. Quite a feat considering only two men and a pack of dogs ran this operation. In addition to his dogs and horses, Johnny managed to recruit other paniolo for assistance in driving cattle and with the brandings on the ranch. This was made possible by his generous nature to others and willingness to serve his community unconditionally.
According to Alex Penovaroff, a nationally recognized horse trainer from Waimea, Johnny had the best hands with horses he’d ever seen. When asked if our dad was one of the better horse trainers in Hawaiʻi, we were corrected by Alex who would say: “ No, he was one of maybe three best horse trainers ever in Hawaiʻi.”
Johnny Correia Jr. was also one of the founding fathers of the Hawaii Saddle Club in Honokaʻa, one of the oldest rodeo organizations in the State and served as president for many years. Some say he was the reason we have the Honokaʻa rodeo arena. Johnny served as president, organizer and participant for the annual rodeo and festivities on many occasions.
Johnny Correia Jr. left a long-lasting legacy in the industry to this day. He spent most of his weekends helping others at their ranches because he loved what he did and loved his community.