Mark Phillip Conley
2026
Year Inducted: 2026
Ranch Name | Hawai'i
Mark Phillip Conley was born March 29th, 1957, in Michigan. His parents Phill and JoAnn Conley moved to Hawaiʻi in 1961 to become part of the community at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy (HPA). Practically raised on the HPA horses, Mark and his friends explored the hills behind Waimea becoming completely familiar with the land.
At the age of 26 in 1983, Mark was hired as a ranch hand at the joint venture between Ponoholo and Kahuā Ranch. With his young wife, Mary Haiss-Conley, they began a new family and life on the ranch. By 1987, Mark was an experienced competent paniolo.
At this time, the ranch had shifted into intensive grazing on all the pastures. Mark was instrumental in capitalizing this development. He was promoted to Lead Herd Manager for the Ponoholo/Kahuā joint venture which was one of the first positions of its kind.
In 1989, he remained with Ponoholo after the joint venture dissolved. Being the youngest of a 5-man crew composed of Kimo Ho‘opai, Louis Tavares, Bo Dodgins, and Pono VonHolt, Mark had the opportunity to develop his craft and sense of humor alongside these seasoned paniolo. Later as Lead Herd Manager for all makai pastures below Kohala Mountain Road he was responsible for 2000 head.
Over the years he became masterful in managing dry land feed and stewarding resources during severe drought. By the mid-1990s ranch profitability was achieved and Mark’s contribution to that success continues today.
Mark bred, trained and used his own working dogs and could often be seen speeding along on an ATV with multiple dogs hanging on. He loved his horses and did all his own farrier work.
Mark was a positive person no matter the challenges of daily life. He ranched through adverse weather conditions, and new technologies. He was devoted to ranch life and committed to his responsibilities. Most of all, Mark loved his family, wife Mary, and children Sean, Alika, and Hannah. He instilled in them his love for the land to which he remains deeply connected.