Exploring Hawaii: Horseback Riding
It’s hard to think of a more adventurous and majestic way to experience the Big Island than on horseback – you’ll get the thrill of riding a horse while taking in unbelievable views of volcanic peaks in the distance, venturing into lush rainforests and along the pristine coastline. These horseback riding tours feature different areas of the Big Island, each with a stunning landscape, and welcome riders of all ages and abilities.
So saddle up and follow in the footsteps of the paniolos, or Hawaiian cowboys, who wove horseriding into the fabric of Hawaiian culture.
Wailea Horseback Adventures – Just an hour north of our Big Island Bed & Breakfast, this locally-owned and family-run operation is one of the most unique on the Big Island, offering the chance to ride into the rainforest and swim near a waterfall all in one outing. Their expert guides will match you up with a horse according to your riding ability, including if it’s your first time on a horse, and lead your group on a 2.5-hour journey through their property.
You’ll start near the beach and head straight into the rainforest, passing rare plants and tropical fruit trees along the route. Guides often pick fresh guava for the group, a delicious treat, while explaining the history and ecology of the area. Unlike any other horseback tour on the Big Island, you’ll also get a 45-minute swim break midway, when you can have lunch and jump in the water near Umauma Falls. Where else can you dip in the refreshing waters flowing straight from the high flanks of Mauna Kea and swim right up to a cascading waterfall, all during the most scenic horseback ride imaginable?
If you’re feeling inspired to see another waterfall afterward, stop by Rainbow Falls in Hilo on your way back to Volcano – see our comprehensive guide to visiting Rainbow Falls for more info.
Waipi’o on Horseback – When you ask Hawaiians about the most beautiful places on the Big Island, Waipi’o Valley will likely be near the top of their list. 3,000-foot high walls frame a lush valley floor full of streams, banana and avocado orchards, the massive waterfall Hi’ilawe Falls, and a black sand beach. The valley was once home to a thriving population of over 10,000 Hawaiians, and a group of around 50 wild horses is a remnant of that past time, still roaming the valley freely. Although a bit further of a trip, at 76 miles from Volcano, it’s well worth the day trip to experience this magical and remote slice of Hawaiian paradise. Enjoy a morning drive up the northwestern coastline and join their afternoon tour, which happens Monday through Saturday at 1:30 pm.
Paniolo Adventures – Escape to the furthest northern part of the Big Island, far from any tourism and where untouched nature prevails. Make a road trip of it and explore the iconic Saddle Road heading north out of Hilo – you’ll pass by the nearly 14,000-foot-high Mauna Kea and several forest reserves en route. Grab a coffee and fresh fruit at the Kuhio Hale Farmers Market in Waimea, just outside the Ponoholo Ranch, where you’ll jump on a horse with expert guides and explore this breathtaking region of the Big Island.
Five different rides are available, from 2.5-hour-long morning and afternoon outings for riders of all ages and abilities to their wrangler ride, which is longer, at 4 hours, and for more experienced riders who want to gallop at higher speeds. Trot the trails and vast expanses of their privately-owned working ranch, whose 11,000 acres run from the prominent peak of Kohala Mountain to the rugged shoreline. Best of all, the panoramic volcano views include Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island, and in a remarkable sight – even Haleakala on neighboring Maui.
Aloha Horseback Tours – Drive an hour south from Volcano to the southern tip of the Big Island, where you’ll be only 18 degrees from the equator and at the southernmost point in the United States. More or less a one-woman operation, tour guide Jackie brings her decades of horse riding experience to her intimate tours along the southern coast, which is undeveloped and features stretches of beaches famous for their unspoiled beauty. Call Jackie at (747)285-6575 for a quote for the day, duration, and size of your horse-guided tour. Choose from a 1-2 hour trip to the southern coast or a longer 4-5 hour adventure to Papakolea, the legendary green sand volcanic beach.
Ho’omau Ranch Riding Tours – Head south on Highway 11 out of Volcano, and 90 minutes of scenic driving later, you’ll arrive at Ho’omau Ranch. Three standard horse-led tours are available daily, in addition to specialized longer tours that feature routes through their cattle pasture (their Black Angus cattle herd is impressive) and stands of endangered palm trees. Their land is extraordinary – it includes the southwestern rift zone of Mauna Loa and new-growth forests flourishing in the volcanic soil, where native Hawaiian birds like the ‘elepaio and apapane make their home and butterflies flock.
Relax after a long day of exploring the beauty of Hawaii at our Boutique Hotel in Volcano. Stay with us and saddle up for the Hawaiian horse ride of a lifetime!
