Nat Riding a horse across the sands of some of the world’s most beautiful beaches can feel like you are living in your very own movie! But many people forget that sometimes the best views come from above. In this post, we will share what to expect from the experience, what to pack, and options for booking one of the best horseback riding tours in Maui.
Please Note: We partner with affiliate programs to support the expenses of running this blog. This post contains affiliate links for my personal recommendations; therefore, we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
What is it?
We decided to book our tour with Mendes Ranch. However, there are many companies that offer horseback tours and rides at many different locations across the Pacific islands.
Mendes Ranch offers two different trail rides, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Since the ride lasts about an hour and a half, you can easily add this excursion on a day with multiple other activities.
Aloha Morning Ride
Upon arriving to the ranch, the guides walked us through the basic safety procedures and provided each rider with a saddle and pack for the horse. Once the entire group arrived, we were each paired with a horse based on our riding experience, height, and weight.
They allowed us to have some time to get comfortable with our horses and taught us the basic commands we needed to know for the ride (thank goodness because I would have had no idea!).
Once everyone was paired up and ready to go, the guides led the group down the trail to the cliff’s edge overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The ride stayed at a casual pace so that we could soak in all the spectacular views along the way.
After a while, we arrived at a stopping point where we had an opportunity to water the horses and take photos. The views are stunning, and we got fabulous photos on top of our horses with the cliffs and ocean in the background!
What to bring?
Since you will be riding horseback, it is important to consider your attire, not just for yourself but also for the horses. Close-toed shoes will absolutely be necessary, and I recommend a hat of some sort so that you don’t have to squint looking out on the breathtaking views.
Comfortable clothes are also recommended as it is still a very physical activity! And finally… lots and lots of sunscreen. You’re on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, so hopefully you already packed some!
What is the cost?
The cost is based on a per person price which may change based on the time of year. I recommend taking a look at their website to determine what their rates are for the dates you are planning on visiting. Additionally, they do have the option for private led tours for an extra fee if you would prefer a more exclusive experience!
You can expect the per person price to range anywhere from $120-$175 depending on the company you choose to book with and the time of year.
If you choose to do a horseback riding tour with a different company or are traveling to a different island, I would recommend a few of these options below:
- Waterfall and Ocean Horseback Ride – Maui
- Two Hour Horseback Tour – O’ahu
- Ride Waipio on Horseback: Mountain to Ocean Working Cattle Ranch – Hawai’i
- Beachfront Horseback Trail Ride at North Shore Stables – O’ahu
Overall, the experience is one I will cherish forever and absolutely plan on doing again in the future!
Also, if you are interested in upgrading your devices before your trip, read the Ultimate Digital Gear for Beginner Travelers for details on the gadgets I use to capture all my experiences!
