Horseback Riding On The Island

[Johnnycake]

Aloha All..I have guest coming from the mainland in the next two weeks and they are really into horseback riding..Of which I know nothing of...wondering if any of you know of any great spot that I could recommend to them.. Mahalo.

[mella l]

Looking in "Hawaii The Big Island Revealed" 3rd Edition, there are Waipi'o Na'alapa Trail Rides phone number 775-0419. You might give them a call.

Also lots of horse ranches in Waimea, you can buy bridles, saddles, cowboy hats, chaps and such, perhaps you could call the Parker Ranch Gift Shop at the Mall and ask around there. Good luck, and let us know what you find please!

mella l

[John S. Rabi]

Na'alapa Trail Rides is a wonderful way to see Waipio Valley and learn of its history from the knowledgeable guides. However, it might not satisfy your guests for the "horseback riding" since it's more like seeing Waipio from the back of the horse. (There is a similar tour to Kealakekue Bay too.) If they want open pastures (and ride Western) they might be better off with the outfit next to Kohala Ranch, it's more of an open range riding.

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties

[Kelena]

A friend of mine took an excursion that combined two of my passions, horsebackriding (a passion of my youth) and snorkeling (my current obsession when I am not trying to perfect lilikoi margaritas). You ride down to Kealakekua Bay and then snorkel! I did K-Bay the old fashioned way. Great snorkeling, but I didn't care for the boat ride (every one else loves it). I would take old Paint next time.Here's the website for this outfit: http://www.konacowboy.com/trailride.htm

[Johnnycake]

Thank you all so much for the suggestions..it's awesome to always check with you guys..Mahalo.

[HiloHaole]

I always take friends to the Waipio Valley. The husband and wife team that leads the tour is great. The scenery is beautiful. You ride along trails, in the streams, etc. I like the morning ride. It seems that the clouds come in more in the afternoon.

[Kahunascott]

I also agree with Waipi'o ride with Na'alapa stables. Also there is a valley rim ride all the way back to the waterfalls 5 1/2 hours with lunch. One of the Parkers tours offers a cattle round-up. Jayne and I did this on the mainland and it was a blast.
Round up 200 head on 200 acres and drive them to the barn.

[KeithLee]

I have taken the Waipio & Kohala Naalapa tours.
Waipio is pretty much a nose to tail trail ride but an excellent way to see the valley.
Kohala is an open range ride with panoramic views of Waikoloa and the ocean.
When you make the reservation let them know what your riding ability is and they will most likely give you the opportunity to exercise it.
Took the ATV tour above Waipio which was fun but very dusty when I did it. Great panoramas of the valley.
Also did a hike above Waipio with Hawaiian Walkways. Hugh and Kaulana are awesome guides and very respectful of the area. 4 hour or so hike and well worth the experience.
LOL...when I worked for a booking company I got lots of freebies. Took 5 helicopter tours. Flew right over Puna. It was beautiful...lol. RRRggghhh!

Perhaps we shouldn't regard Aloha as a requirement of the people of Hawaii and just be grateful when we recieve it?

[Carey]

There is the Pana'ewa Equestrain Center right next to the Zoo, I know they have a rodeo, does annyone know if they have trail rides?

[Carolann R]

What's the zoo cost, Carey?


Carrie

"All I can say about life is, Oh God, enjoy it." Bob Newhart