The Hawaii International Polo Association has been created to bridge Hawaii to the world. With many teams and players visiting from countries like New Zealand, Australia, China, Malaysia, and Argentina each year, the islands are a true international community.

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, polo began in 1880 during the reign of King Kalakaua when British naval officers challenged local residents. Matches played in Kapiolani Park were often preceded by a parade of horses around the circumference of the field, which drew healthy crowds. Names like Louis Von Tempsky, Walter Dillingham and Frank Baldwin are all credited with bringing and developing the sport within Hawaii, with the first inter-island tournament held in 1902.

At the root of polo in Hawaii, is the rich Paniolo (cowboy) culture. Swimming with horses and cattle to be loaded onto the big ships, these men were some of the most skilled horsemen, fearless Paniolos. They even won rodeos in the mid-west of the US mainland, where they competed against the "original" cowboys. This is the polo we play in Hawaii, filled with aloha, hard work, fun, friends, a simple lifestyle, and outmost respect for horsemanship. 

The Hawaii International Polo Association ambassadors have been successful polo players and supporters of the sport for over 20 years. Without all of them, polo wouldn't be where it is today. It is our joint intent to perpetuate the culture of polo in our dear aina (land).

Aloha & Mahalo!

 

Christopher Dawson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers

President & Founder: Christopher Dawson

Vice-President: Allen Hoe

Secretary/Treasurer: Bill Kirton

 

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Ambassadors (20+ years of polo)

  • Emiliano Achaval
  • Peter Baldwin
  • Paula Beamer
  • Mark Becker
  • Ronald Bonaguidi
  • Herman Louis DeCoite
  • Robert  Hogan
  • Kimo Huddleston
  • Bryant LaPort
  • Stuart McKenzie
  • Raymond Noh
  • Henry Rice
  • Fredrick Rice

 

Allen Hoe, Christopher Dawson and Bill Kirton during the announcement of the formation of HIPA. May 2013.

Allen Hoe, Christopher Dawson and Bill Kirton during the announcement of the formation of HIPA. May 2013.

Advisors Emeritus- former USPA Circuit Governors:

  • Michael Dailey
  • Michael Ebinger
  • Robert F. Miller
  • Ronald Tongg

Chris Dawson

HIPA President

USPA Hawaii Circuit Governor

Christopher Dawson is the United States Polo Association Circuit Governor representing the Hawaiian Islands and Vice-Chairman of the USPA Marketing, Branding, & Broadcasting Committee. His leadership has brought a strengthened relationship with the island's local and military communities, as well as renewed interest from local and international businesses and corporate sponsors. With over twenty years of experience in the sport of polo, he is dedicated to the initiatives of Polo for a Purpose, where each of the polo events and projects he organizes is supporting a non-profit. His efforts have been instrumental in polo's resurgence in the Pacific, in the number of new riders and the bustling crowds of spectators tailgating each weekend.


Allen Hoe

HIPA Vice President

Honolulu Polo Club President

The decorated military, attorney and Honolulu Polo Club President joined Dawson to create the Army Polo Hawaii Program. He earned a Purple Heart medal as combat medic in Vietnam.  Hoe currently serves as a "Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army" functioning as a special liaison between the Department of the Army and the State of Hawaii.

Hoe has been an elemental part of polo on the Islands, keeping a true sportsmanship, horsemanship and tight to the Hawaiian values. He has led the Honolulu Polo Club initiatives from the very beginning and is a proud steward of the polo traditions, Hawaiian Culture, and in giving recognition to those who made a difference for the sport on the island. 


Bill Kirton

HIPA Secretary-Treasurer

USPA Hawaii Circuit Lt. Governor

Maui Polo Club President

Bill Kirton has immersed himself in the polo world with all his strength. Originally supporting his son Johnny and the group of keikis (kids) who started to play polo at the Maui Polo Club in 2011, he delved into the United States Polo Association and became the President of the Maui Club in 2013. Kirton has started and supported numerous polo programs, players, projects and events for the Hawaiian Islands. 

Originally from Utah, with a strong background in entrepreneurial projects, he also is the proud owner of Ono Gelato, an authentic Italian Gelateria with two locations on Maui.

HAWAII INTERNATIONAL POLO ASSOCIATION     900 Fort Street Mall, Ste 1700. Honolulu, HI 96813  

PH 808 292 4200   |   Info@DawsonHawaii.com