Robert Kamuela "Sonny" Keakealani, Jr.
Year Inducted: 2005
Pu`u`wa`a`a`a Ranch | Hawai'i
Parker Ranch | Hawai'i
Sonny was born into the paniolo life led by his father, Robert Lopaka Keakealani, described as “a true hard-core cowboy.” He introduced Sonny to ranch work when Sonny was only 3 years old, by taking him Ka`upu style (on the lap in the saddle), while they drove cattle. Nurtured and schooled by his father, uncles, grand-uncles and the old-time cowboys, Sonny accompanied the Pu`uanahulu paniolo on their daily round-ups. He was working cattle and had his own string of horses by the time he was 10. He spent time riding alongside paniolo from Pu`u O`o, Pu`uwa`awa`a, Huehue, Palani, McCandless, and other ranches. His mentors taught Sonny how to track, rope, tie and move the wild cattle out of the thick forests and drylands.
Sonny became a ranch hand, straw boss and eventually foreman at Pu`uwa`awa`a Ranch. He had earned his reputation as a knowledgeable all-around cowboy and skilled horseman. He spent 12 years at Pu`uwa`awa`a, and also served a two-year tour in Viet Nam.
Sonny moved on to Parker Ranch in 1975. He was to spend 27 years at Parker Ranch, where he did everything from re-building stone walls to artificial insemination of stock and horse training. Sonny epitomized the seasoned and reliable all-around hand so valuable to ranch work.
Sonny has been described by Dr. Billy Bergin as “a traditional native Hawaiian cowboy.” A man who knows and loves his roots, Sonny taught his own children to care for the land and the animals with love and respect for the balance of nature and all living things, to know who they are and where they came from, and to appreciate what they have. In the tradition of all true paniolo, Sonny has carried these values throughout his life and passed them on to future generations.