Horseback Riding Experiences Available on the Big Island

Pololu Valley Lookout. Visitors on horseback enjoy the scenic end-of-the-road view of the vertical jade-green cliffs of the Big Island's Hamakua Coast and two offshore islets. Photo by Kirk Lee Aeder.

Hawaii Island offers a fun variety of ways visitors can saddle up for an unforgettable paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) experience, from scenic storytelling tours by horse-drawn wagon to taking the reins yourself for a guided gallop through real cattle country. It’s your choice. Choose too from a diverse selection of beautiful environments: tropical Waipio Valley stream and waterfalls trails, the wide open green spaces of Parker Ranch at sunset, the far upcountry pastures of Kahua Ranch or the southern reaches of an historic trail to Kealakekua Bay – complete with swimming and snorkeling.

Horseback Trail Rides in Waimea. Photo by Kirk Lee Aeder.

Our paniolo culture is an authentic, historical part of Big Island life, not something we’ve invented as a “visitor attraction.” Ranchers are waiting to saddle up with you and share their world. They have years of experience — some of them 3rd or 4th generation paniolo — a wealth of stories, and a real feel for the land they take you through. So whether you’ve never sat in a saddle or you run a ranch of your own, please join us for a memorable trip you’re not likely to experience anywhere else.