As an active traveler, you will discover no shortage of adventurous recreational activities on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Expect to explore climates as diverse as the rainforest and the desert in this enchanting destination. Horseback riding on Maui offers a novel mode of viewing the legendary sights, hearing the sounds and feeling the warm breezes. Note that individual horseback riding companies have weight and age requirements; check with the companies for more details.
Types
Ride by the moonlight on Lahaina Stables' tour, or take a romantic ride to some of Maui's largest waterfalls with the guides from Mendes Ranch. A working ranch, Mendes' rides provide views of the Blue Ocean and Hakaekala Crater. Or, take a combination tour that includes a helicopter ride and horseback riding, all in the same day. You can decide what time of day to enjoy your horseback tour, with sunset offering stunning views and cooler temperatures. Lahaina Stables' sunset tours provide unforgettable views of the Pacific and surrounding areas.
Levels
Beginners may want to start with Piholo Ranch's one-hour rides. Advanced riders may consider the rigorous 12-mile Haleakala Crater outing offered by Pony Express. A suitable option for beginners to veterans is the Mendes Ranch ride. It takes you high enough on a bluff to experience ocean views, and you travel the trail from the ranch down to the ocean. Whatever option you select, the horseback riding company will match you with a horse based on your skill level.
Scenery
If you seek a completely different vantage point for absorbing Maui's scenery, consider a horseback tour. The landscape that awaits you is diverse, ranging from pastures to forests and, of course, beaches. Some trails descend to the ocean below and provide views of the surrounding mountains and lush landscape. Just one option is a horseback riding tour up to Haleakala Crater, which is a dormant volcano higher than 10,000 feet, located in Haleakala National Park.
History
Horseback riding guides often provide you with historical information and local lore, making horseback rides on Maui not just great adventure but educational opportunities as well. The word "paniolo" means cowboy, and is a testament to Hawaii's cowboy and ranching tradition --- a tradition you will experience as you head out on your Maui horseback ride and hear the tour guide's words. Maui Stables starts tours with prayers and a call to ancestors, then includes chants, which recorded Hawaiian history, throughout their excursions.
Length
You have numerous choices when it comes to lengths of horseback riding tours on Maui, whether you want to go for a quick ride or an all-day adventure. Mendes Ranch in west Maui, for example, has two- or three-hour rides in the mornings and afternoons, with or without lunch included. Shorter, one-hour rides are options for those wanting just a taste of horseback riding. For skilled riders who are up for a journey, the Kapaloaoa Cabin Ride treks for 12 miles to the Haleakala Crater. Morning, before the temperatures rise too much, can be an ideal time to horseback ride on Maui, but sunset is also a can't-miss time to soak in the wonders of nature.
Cost
Costs vary based on variables such as length and type of tour, with the all-day tours and those that include food being most expensive. As of September 2010, you can go on a horseback ride for as little as about $45, and the tours that provide a combination of a horseback ride and helicopter tour cost upward of $300. Cost for a tour lasting about two hours can be around $100. Added cost for lunch is about $10 or $20. Some horseback riding companies offer specials, sales, group discounts and special rates for children and seniors. Secure your spot in advance of your trip, if you can, because rides take place in small groups and can book quickly.
Attire
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes on Maui horseback rides. Bring a jacket and extra layers of clothes if you are headed to cooler destinations at higher altitudes. Other important items to bring include sunscreen, water, a change of clothes and, of course, your camera.
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