03-19-2012, 10:33 AM
Have only tried Na'alapa, but they were wonderful and it was a memorable adventure. They are very familiar with the valley and are a couple with a beautiful spirit. Their love for the area is genuine, and shared. They are skilled at matching horse with rider and were accommodating about the disability of one in our party that prevented them from swinging up onto the horse. I'm a former horseback rider and I can tell you these are not your usual rental horses. These are happy, energetic, well-cared for animals that trot through Eden on a daily basis eating avocados (if you let them!). They are just as happy to leave the stable as they are to return to it (most rental horses are slow to leave the stable, but find their speed heading back). This was a great ride. Note the remains of villages along the way and listen to the song "Hi'ilawe" before you go -- preferably the Iz version, which contains one of the most stunning, overlooked guitar solos ever recorded in my view. It starts at 2:27, but watch the whole thing before you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYCjWcIloBc