Getting to enjoy horseback riding in Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you choose Kauai or Maui as your adventure base, there’s no going wrong with these sites.
When it comes to experiencing Hawaii, nothing beats seeing the lush forests, out-of-this-world waterfalls, and some of the most biodiverse species that make up Hawaii.
From the rich history of the Paniolos, which make up significant parts of the islands, to the island of Waipi’o still harboring wild horses.
Here are the ten best horseback riding sites on the Big Island that are sure to be worth your buck and will be a favorite for you and your family.
Paniolo Adventures
Starting your Hawaiian adventure at the foot of the Kohala Mountains, with 11,000 acres of the open range stretching over three different climate zones, is Paniolo Adventure. With jaw-dropping views of the pacific ocean and Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai volcanoes, getting to experience how the Paniolos used to live has never been easier.
From the numerous photo opportunities available to you to learning about the sacred waterfalls, paniolo culture, and seeing the local fruits and plants, the ranch offers its guests the adventure of a lifetime.
Six different ride options cater to all other level riders.
Morning Paniolo Ride
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, the morning paniolo ride is perfect for you. The trail ride takes you through ruins that litter the ride, paired with views of the coastline down to Waikoloa. With check-in at 9:30 am, you get opportunities to canter and trot as you experience firsthand the Hawaiian culture.
Charges: $119
Duration: 2.5 hours
Afternoon Paniolo Ride
Like the morning paniolo ride, the afternoon ride is perfect for anyone looking to take in the sights after having their morning coffee. With all experience levels welcome, this 2.5-hour ride includes trotting and cantering.
Check-in: At 1:00 pm
Charges: $ 119
Wrangler Ride
For more experienced riders looking for more opportunities to canter and trot, this 4-hour ride is the perfect opportunity. It’s perfect for riders who have ridden over 50 times over the last five years. However, riders must be 12 years and older. In addition, the wrangler open range ride is the ideal opportunity to scratch that ride itch.
Charges: $185
Check in: At 8:30 am
Sunset Ride
Perfect for a proposal or to step away from it all and be one with nature. This sunset ride is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy unobstructed views and create lasting memories.
Charges: $109
Duration: 1.5 hours
Check in: Advised upon registration
City Slicker Ride
The city slicker ride is for you when you want to take in the significant volcanoes and Maui views. With a duration of 1 hour, the city slicker ride will take you through lush green forests littered with flora and fauna native to the land and grazing cattle.
Charges: $ 89
Check in: 1:30 pm
Private Ride
If experiencing the Big Island with that particular person or a group of friends is what you’re after, look no further than the private ride. Your wrangler will saddle you up, and you get to enjoy all the magic the island has to offer.
Note: It has the exact check-in times as the other rides.
- Charges: Add $85 per person to the regular ride price for two riders and $60 to the regular ride price for three or more persons.
- The maximum weight is 230 lbs.
- Riders must be at least eight years.
- 8 and 9 year old who has never been on an open range must take the private or city slicker ride.
- They offer sunscreen, hats, Australian dusters, boots, hats, chaps, and water at no extra cost.
Website: https://www.panioloadventures.com/index.php
Address: Mile 13.2 | Kohala Mtn. Rd. (Hwy. 250) | N. Kohala, HI 96743
Phone: 1-808-889-5354
Wailea Horseback Adventure
When it comes to experiencing all that Hakalau has to offer, whether it’s the secluded scenic views of the mountains or waterfalls available only to a few, no one does it better than Wailea Adventure.
Located in Hakalau, Wailea Horseback Adventure provides its guests the rare opportunity to ride to the Umauma Falls, have a picnic, swim, or paddleboard into the falls.
The wranglers at Wailea are knowledgeable in tropical landscapes with so much history. Before any tour goes out, they ensure that everyone on the ride is appropriately fitted with their horse according to their riding experience.
Wailea offers a 2.5-hour riding experience that takes you through the lush tropics to the Umauma Falls and is back charged at $145 per guest and $151.04 with tax.
Need To Know
- Check-in time for the morning ride is 9:00 am, and for the afternoon ride is 12:30 pm.
- The minimum riding age is eight years
- Children under 13 are required to wear helmets
- The maximum riding weight is 225 lbs
Website: https://waileahorsebackadventure.com/
Address: 31-313 Old Mamalahoa, Hwy.Hakalau, Hawaii, 96710
Phone: 1-877-757-1414, 808-775-1007
CJM Country Stables
CJM Stables offer guided horseback rides into the beautiful Maha’ulepu wilderness. Saddle up and enjoy all that Kauai has to offer. From the gentle yet well-trained horses, which are great for any level rider, to the guides who make sure everyone in the ride feels at home and safe with their equine partner, you cannot go wrong with CJM.
The rides at CJM go to some of the more remote areas of Kauai, where you will be treated to sights of the incredible coastline, picturesque jungles, and incredible mountains. Choosing whether to go on a secluded private ride or a picturesque secret beach picnic ride is the only tough decision that you will be making.
Secret Beach Picnic Ride – $229
Ideal for families looking for a slower pace, get to ride down to the beach and enjoy the incredibly cool sea breezes. After an incredible 1 hour ride, dismount at the beach as your guide prepares the picnic of deli sandwiches, chips, and refreshments.
Duration: 3 hours
Age: 8 years and above
Schedule: 1:00 pm Wednesday
Mahaulepu Beach Ride – $ 195
Take a guided journey through the Maha’ulelpu, and experience some of the best landscapes, ranging from mountain tops, and beaches to ranch land filled with native animals and plants. Cross over a stream and get to tick it off your bucket list.
Schedule: 9:30 pm and 2 pm Tuesday – Saturday. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Duration: 2 hours
Ages: 8 years and above
Private Ride – $289
Get to tailor your private ride, and enjoy sights of the beaches, valleys, and forests filled with ironwood with the ocean as your backdrop.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Minimum: 2 riders
Note
- Weight limit:230 lbs
- Kids should be eight years and above
Website: https://www.cjmstables.com/
Address: Koloa, HI 96756, United States
Phone: 1 (808) 742-6096
Email: [email protected]
Triple L Ranch Maui
Found above the Kanaio coastline in Southeast Maui, Triple L Ranch offers private open-range horseback ranch tours. This Maui gem will soon be your home away from home.
Learn to ride paniolo style from the friendly wranglers who make sure to give the proper instruction and match each horse perfectly with the right tempered human.
Triple L Ranch is a working ranch, so be prepared to encounter multiple chickens, dogs, deer, and cattle that call the Triple L Ranch home.
Take off on one of their sure-footed horses alongside their friendly wranglers, who provide puns alongside teaching you about the long history of the scenic routes.
After a long day in the saddle, dismount and enjoy one of the famous Bully’s Burgers on the ranch.
Private Cattle Open Range Two-Hour Tour – $175
Whether you’re looking forward to hearing stories of the ancient Hawaiian landscapes or enjoying the cold drinks as cattle and calves grazing.
This tour provides the best of sights of the old well and the neighboring Molokini and Kaho’olawe.
Private Cattle Open Range 1.5 Hour – Starting at $150
Ride past the Pi’imoii on your way to the check on the nursery. This tour includes visiting the old well and sights of the last lava flow in Maui.
Private Cattle Open Range 1 Hour -$125
Enjoy a 1-hour tour of the nursery, enjoy unique Hawaiian history, and take in the breathtaking ocean view atop one of their majestic horses.
Private all-inclusive 3 .5 hour lunch tour – $290 per person
Enjoy some of the best views of the Haleakala through the Wili trees and finish with a catered BBQ with family and friends overlooking the Koho’olawe and Molokini.
What To Know
- The weight limit is 210 lbs. Riders will be weighed at check in
- Long pants and closed shoes are mandatory
- Riding helmets required
- The minimum riding age is eight years
- Parties of 6 are subject to 10% gratuity
Website: https://www.triplelranchmaui.com/
Address: 15900 Piilani Hwy, Kula, HI 96790, United States
Phone: 808 280 7070
North Shore Stables
Escaping from the noisy city and enjoying this gem of Waialua has never been easier. Although a newer establishment on the list.
Riding through the lush forests and learning about horsemanship from the wranglers will highlight your trip.
Whether you are a first-time or more experienced rider, the trainers at North Shore understand that and will pair you with the right horse.
For guests with children younger than ten years who cannot join on the trail ride, they offer child care at $50 per child.
The kids will spend time with a licensed childcare professional at the petting zoo.
Ocean front also offers ATV tours, private horse boarding, pony rides, private oceanfront parties, lessons, and equipment rentals.
1 Mile Beachfront Trail Rides -$138 per person
This trail ride takes you through the farm, past the native flora and fauna, and alongside the pacific.
The trail ride lasts 45-50 minutes and provides enough time for photo ops and taking in the cool ocean breeze. It’s suitable for riders aged ten and up.
Website: https://northshorestables.com/trail-rides/
Address: North Shore Stables 67-221 Waialua Beach Rd. Waialua, HI 96791
Phone: 808 270 5032
Conclusion
Experiencing Hawaii’s magic and letting your inner Paniolo out is easy. Giddy up, don’t forget to bring your camera.
Head down to these sites where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific and maybe get the opportunity to work some cattle.
In addition, encounter some friendly horses and make memories that will last you a lifetime. Remember to clean as you go, tip your wrangler and give a kiss to your trusted stead.
