Hawaiian cowboys are called Paniolos. In 1832, Mexican cowboys, called vaqueros, left what would later become California, and came to Hawaii to teach Hawaiians the way of the cowboy.

The Hawaiians called them Paniolos, and the Hawaiian Cowboy was born. Since the name Paniolo, has roots in the Spanish language, I chose to go with the feminine version, Paniola, or cowgirl.

I, too have roots in Hawaii and the American West, and for much of my life, I have been influenced and surrounded by great women, thus the nod to them, in respect and honor.