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Maui Horseback Riding
People just love horseback riding in Maui.
Though horseback riding is not an activity unique to Maui there are lots of reasons why horseback riding is exciting in Maui.
 Ironwood Ranch Price Range: (From: $79.99 - To: $109.99) |
Horseback riding stables and working ranches are located from Kapalua in West Maui to Makena in South Maui and from Waihee Valley to Hana. All will want to know your level of experience so you can be matched up with a horse that will be appropriate. If you're a beginner, don't worry, we've seen your kind before. If you're a veteran equestrian we have rides that are a bit more challenging.
Maui horseback rides will take you:
- Through a tropical rain forest and down to windswept cliffs of the Pacific Ocean
- Into the crater of Haleakala (like riding on the moon)
- Up into the Hana highlands near the famous Oheo Gulch
- Onto the ranch lands high above the central valley, with views galore
- From the beach at Makena to the winery at Ulupalakua
All in all, we can safely say that your Maui horseback ride will be one of the most beautiful and fun rides you have ever taken.
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Tips from Tom Barefoot - Maui Horseback Riding and Maui Horseback
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Here are a few of the Horseback riding companies we offer on the island of Maui:
Ironwood Ranch - If you’re already on Maui’s West side you might consider riding at one of Maui’s most beautiful stables, the Ironwood Ranch. Located in Napili, these Maui horseback rides cover a variety of terrain from tropical pineapple fields, to lush jungle valleys and wonderful Ironwood forests. You will enjoy the views as well which open-up across the channels to both Molokai and Lanai.
Lahaina Stables - is the only horseback riding company to be found in the Lahaina area of Maui. Their trail rides lead back into the Kauaula and Launiupoko Valleys where you will find incredible views of the islands of Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe. The owner, Ray Fuqua, is a former High School history teacher and his love for Hawaiian history makes these trail rides more than just a beautiful ride but also an educational experience as well.
Makena Stables - One of the oldest stables we have on the island is the Makena Stables, established in 1983 by Pat and Helaine Borge. This small and personalized company takes intimate groups of six or less along the beautiful outreaches of the Ulupalakua Ranch offering spectacular views of La Perouse Bay and the Ahihi Kinau Reserve. This is an adventurous ride and participants should be in generally good health.
Maui Stables - is the only horseback ride we have in the beautiful Kipahulu District of Maui. This area is well known for its lovely views of the Hana coastline and its gorgeous green valleys. There will be a strong emphasis on Hawaiian history and Hawaiian culture throughout this tour. Please be aware that the Maui Stables are about a 3 hr ride from the West and South side hotels and condos so it will be important to plan your day out well in order to work one of these tours into your day.
Mendes Ranch - The Mendes family runs an active cattle ranch on Mauis Kahakuloa coast. In recent years they have operated a horseback ride on their ranch that has brought the local color of their paniolo roots to Mauis visitors. The Mendes Ranch is one of the few horseback rides that actually allows experienced riders to do a bit of running and they are also very good at providing a riding experience for those who are novice as well.
Piiholo Ranch - arguably may be the single most beautiful horseback riding location on the island. Located in the Upcountry Olinda area of Maui just above the cowboy town of Makawao, its rolling hills and lush pasture lands make it a spectacular location for a ride. The area is steeped in history and this ranchland has been owned for six generations by Maui's famous Baldwin family. There is plenty of open range to navigate and riders will see many native plants and trees indigenous to Hawaii and occasionally endemic forest birds as well.
Pony Express - Haleakala Crater today, is just a reminder of its former geologic heritage. This once active fiery volcano is now cool and covered with cinder cones. Ancient lava ash and cinder flows can be easily traced on the crater floor with their streaks of red, yellow, gray and black. This truly amazing natural wonder can best be viewed by horseback and the oldest and most popular of Maui's horseback companies that make this daily tour is Pony Express.
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Hearing Impaired - Read the full transcript for this page's audio narrative.
Horseback Riding in Maui - Horseback riding is a big favorite on Maui as evidenced by the eight of so different horseback riding stables we have on island. What is it about the combination of horseback riding and Maui that people find so intriguing? My guess is that it's because of a number of reasons. Obviously at the top of the list is the fact that some people just plain love horses and want to ride them wherever they go and where better to ride than on one of the most beautiful places in the world. A second guess would be that Maui has so much incredible ranchland that has been traveled by horses, paniolos and cowboys for now over two centuries. Hawaii is steeped in the tradition of the riding of horses. A third reason would be the sheer practicality of touring Maui on horseback. Maui is such an up and down place. The sliding sands trail going into Haleakala Crater descends 3000 ft in the course of a few miles. It sure makes life easier to see the spenders that the Crater has to offer and then enjoy the benefits of riding horseback back up to the top instead of having to hoof it on your own. Whatever your reason for wanting to ride make sure you contact us early to make reservations during the busy seasons because your not alone in your love of horses and our rides are often booked days in advance.
