Carl Bredhoff

Carl “Soot” Bredhoff, a respected leader in Hawaii’s ranching and cattle industry, died peacefully at his upcountry Maui home on Saturday, May 31, 2025. He was 90 years old.

Born and raised in Manoa Valley on Oahu, Soot attended Hanahauoli School and later, Punahou School where he graduated in 1952. He left the islands to spend a year at Hebron Academy in Maine, then attended Colorado State University on a football scholarship.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in animal science, Soot returned to Oahu to pursue his passion in cattle ranching, starting with his first job at Kualoa Ranch. Later, he moved to the Big Island to work as a foreman for the Hawaiian Ranch Company which encompassed three large ranches in Ka’u: Keauhou, Kapapala and Ka’alu’alu Ranches.

It was there that Soot met and married his wife of 49 years, Judith, (deceased). They relocated to Maui where he managed Kaupo Ranch for the next 15 years. He then had the opportunity to manage Kahuku Ranch on the Big Island, spending close to 20 years there before retiring to Maui.

No matter where he worked, Soot always felt it was an honor and privilege to be a steward of the land and worked diligently to improve pastures, water systems and livestock health. During his career, he was very active in the Maui Cattlemen’s Association, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Association, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and was a founding member of Hawaii Producers’ Cooperative Association. In 2002, Carl “Soot” Bredhoff was inducted into the Paniolo Hall of Fame. He was an avid outdoorsman all his life and in his early years loved to participate in rodeos, as well as hunt and fish.

Soot is survived by his daughter, Sarah, and many loving nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church by The Sea (Kulanihakoi St., Kihei) on Friday, June 27, 2025. 4:30 pm visitation, 5:30 pm service, and a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Huialoha Preservation ʻAhahui (P.O Box 880139 Pukalani, HI 96788-0139) or Hospice Maui (400 Mahalani St. Wailuku, HI 96793).