Discover the remarkable true story behind one of the most unforgettable moments in Cheyenne Frontier Days history with Aloha Rodeo. Written by David Wolman and Julian Smith, this powerful book follows three native Hawaiian cowboys who traveled across the Pacific in 1908 to compete at the world’s greatest rodeo, the Daddy of ’em All.

When Ikua Purdy and his cousins arrived in Cheyenne, Wyoming, they were underestimated by the American West. What followed was an inspiring underdog story that challenged perceptions of cowboy culture and forever changed rodeo history.

Blending Western heritage, sports history, and cultural identity, Aloha Rodeo explores the legacy of the Hawaiian paniolo cowboys, whose ranching traditions predated those of the Great Plains. The book also dives into the rise of Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Wild West era shaped by legends like Buffalo Bill Cody and Theodore Roosevelt.

An award winning and critically acclaimed work, this book is a must read for rodeo fans, history lovers, and anyone interested in the hidden stories of the American West.

Authors:
David Wolman
Julian Smith

Publisher:
Mariner Books

Publication Date:
April 28, 2020

Pages:
256 pages