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Horseback Riding

Big Island Horseback Riding

The scenic Big Island of Hawai‘i is mostly country, and by country, we mean horse country. The Big Island is a heaven on earth for equestrians, with literally hundreds of miles of trails and thousands of acres of pastureland to ride on. The sense of peace and oneness with your steed and the diverse island environment leads many visitors to feel that a day spent on horseback was the best part of their Big Island vacation. Read on to learn how you can enjoy horseback riding on the Big Island!

Big Island: God’s Country

Numerous working ranches encompass thousands of the Big Island’s acres, including the famous Parker Ranch. Today, you can still see paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) working cattle herds on horseback, though some ranches have modernized and now use ATVs for the job. But what a place to be a cowboy! It’s not unusual to see a sweaty, hard-working paniolo gaze lovingly at his spectacular surrounds and softly say, “This is God’s country.” And you too can experience what every Hawaiian cowboy knows to be the best thing in the world: horseback riding on the Big Island.

Stables and Horseback Tours

There are several stables and horseback riding Big Island tours available, each offering different riding experiences. Waipi‘o on Horseback in Honoka‘a has rides that will take you into the remote interior of lush Waipi‘o Valley. Experience the breathtaking views of 3,000-foot cliffs and towering waterfalls that embrace this ancient hidden valley and taro farming community. Na‘alapa Stables at the historic Kahua Ranch in Kamuela offers a glimpse of the Big Island’s rich paniolo history during your ride through their working cattle ranch. Dahana Ranch offers a number of great Big Island horseback riding opportunities for all skill levels on their picturesque working ranch; you can even join in real cattle herding! Paniolo Adventures at Ponoholo Ranch provides some of the island’s most awe-inspiring scenery. Stretching from the mountain to the ocean, Ponoholo Ranch offers five different rides on their 11,000-acre working cattle ranch. Almost all horseback tours on the Big Island also offer sunset rides.

Get Back in the Saddle

Ride into the sunset, or gallop full-tilt across ranchlands herding cattle. Make your way down a mountain trail to a waterfall while munching on wild guava and mango. Whatever your horseback riding dreams, contact our Big Island vacation specialists at ILoveHawaii.com today to reserve your place in the saddle and enjoy a day of horseback riding on Hawai’i’s Big Island!

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