Hawaii Horseback Riding is an Unforgettable Thrill
Few places on earth rival exotic tropical beauty of Hawaii, and a leisurely horseback ride along a panoramic trail is a truly wonderful way to experience it. Amidst the tranquility you’ll hear the steady beat of your horse’s hooves and the twitter of birds. You’ll be able to smell the fresh island air and see many spectacular sights that are missed by island visitors who travel by car or bus. And though it may not offer the adrenaline rush of a helicopter tour, or the thrill of a downhill bike ride, a Hawaii horseback ride is an unforgettable adventure.
There are Hawaii horseback rides for beginners and experienced equestrians alike, and you can take a short one-hour jaunt, an all-day excursion or just about anything in-between. So saddle up and play paniolo (that’s Hawaiian for “cowboy”) on any one of these XX great equestrian offerings.
If you’re vacationing on Oahu, a spectacular Hawaii horseback ride is at the Kualoa Ranch, which offers sweeping views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean as well as lush green mountains and rustic ranch land. This 150-year old property is rich with Hawaiian history, and has been the backdrop of many Hollywood films, such as Jurassic Park, Wind Talkers and Mighty Joe Young. Your horseback ride traverses through forested land where you can see remnants of the Hawaiians who first inhabited the area. A 1-hour ride takes you on a journey along the Ko’olau Mountain Range with views of Kaneohe Bay, an ancient Hawaiian fishpond and Chinaman’s Hat Island. Or choose the 2-hour ride which offers a longer expedition into scenic Ka’a’awa Valley with the Ko’olau mountains as a dramatic backdrop.
Maui visitors should take the Haleakala on Horseback trip, a thrilling journey from the rim of Haleakala Crater (at 9,423-feet!) to the floor of the world’s largest dormant volcano. Along the way, your guide will regale you with fascinating information on the history of Haleakala, its geology, plants and animals. Beginner’s can choose the 8-mile Junction Ride, a 4-hour horseback ride to Ka Mao O Pele Junction and back. Intermediate to advanced riders will enjoy the longer 12-mile Cabin Ride to Kapalaoa Cabin and back.
Kauai’s Espret De Corps Riding Academy has quite a few wonderful Hawaii horseback riding trips to choose from. Their “Taste of Kauai” is a 3-hour ride geared to horse lovers and photographers, with many opportunities to capture the exquisite beauty of the island on film. (Don’t forget your camera!) They provide a lesson on stopping, turning and trotting before venturing onto the trail, so it’s a great choice for inexperienced riders, families, and those who haven’t been on a horse in years.
For something very different-and memorable-the Riding Academy’s “Spiritual Exploration Horseback Ride” will inspire you to reach a higher level of awareness for your surroundings, and open yourself up to all positive possibilities. Kauai is said to be a healing island at the center of a spiritual vortex. On this six-hour horseback trip, riders carry a talisman (salt wrapped in a ti leaf) with them up the mountain. On a volcanic ridge overlooking Mt. Waialeale, after a guided meditation the salt is cast out as an offering to the island.
On the Big Island, Na’alapa Stables Horseback Adventures has two incredible horseback riding tours. Take the “Top of the Mountain” ride for a scenic journey around the lush pastures of a working 12,000 acre ranch. This open-range ride offers panoramic views of mountains and coastlines, ancient ruins and a landscape dotted with grazing sheep and cattle. “The Valley of the Kings” horseback ride explores the sacred Waipi’o Valley, a mystical, spiritual place replete with magnificent jungle trails, freshwater streams, taro fields and eye-popping waterfalls.
No matter which Hawaii horseback ride you choose, exploring the islands in the company of a horse will be a unique experience. Happy trails to you!
