Make sure to check hours of operation and availability at: https://waileahorsebackadventure.com/

Wailea Horseback Adventure, formerly known as Waipio Ridge Stables LLC, offers a unique horseback riding experience in Hakalau, Hawaii. With over 30 years of guiding tours, their local guides provide an informative and enjoyable ride through picturesque landscapes, including private access to Umauma Falls for a refreshing swim break. Whether you're a beginner or experienced rider, their well-trained horses and friendly staff ensure a memorable adventure for families, friends, honeymooners, and solo travelers. Don't miss out on this hidden gem in Hawaii!

TRAVEL TIPS:

• Weather: Wailea’s upland pastures are cool and breezy, with a mix of sunshine and passing showers. Mornings typically offer the clearest views of Mauna Kea, while afternoons may bring mist or clouds.

• Pack a Day Bag: Bring sunscreen, a hat with a chin strap, sunglasses, a light jacket or windbreaker, water bottle, and a small camera or phone for photos. A small backpack or waist pouch is best to keep your hands free during the ride.

• What to Wear: Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes (preferably boots or sturdy sneakers). Layers are recommended—it can be chilly in the morning but warm up quickly.

• What to Bring: Bring your confirmation email, ID, and any required waivers. Optional: gloves for comfort holding reins, and a change of clothes if the weather is wet.

• Phone Service: Cell service is available in most areas, but can be weak or drop out along the ride depending on location.

• Bathrooms: Yes—restroom facilities are available at the ranch before your ride begins.

• Parking: On-site parking is available at the ranch. Arrive early to allow time for check-in and a safety briefing.

• Check-In Booth: Check in at the ranch office or main staging area when you arrive. Staff will go over safety, riding basics, and assign you a horse based on your experience level.

• Photography: Bring a phone or small camera, but keep it secure during the ride. Staff may take photos for you at scenic stops if requested.

• Accessible for Disability: Call ahead to discuss accommodations. Riders should be able to mount and dismount with minimal assistance; not all tours are suitable for those with limited mobility.

Wailea Horseback Adventure – History and Experience

1. Location and Legacy

Wailea Horseback Adventure operates out of the Waipiʻo Valley area on the Hāmākua Coast of the Big Island, near Honokaʻa. The experience takes place on private ranch land above the legendary Waipiʻo Valley, once home to Hawaiian royalty and still considered a sacred and culturally rich landscape.

This land has deep roots in both Native Hawaiian history and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) traditions. It’s part of the broader legacy of cattle ranching that shaped much of the Big Island’s uplands, blending indigenous land stewardship with influences brought by Mexican vaqueros in the 1800s.

2. The Horseback Experience

Wailea Horseback Adventure offers guided trail rides through rolling pastures, native forests, and ridge-top lookouts with breathtaking views of Waipiʻo Valley and the Pacific Ocean. The rides are suitable for:

• Beginners and families

• Intermediate and experienced riders

• Anyone looking for a slow-paced, scenic journey through Big Island country

Riders are matched with well-trained horses and led by local paniolo-style guides who share stories about the land, culture, and ranching lifestyle.

3. Cultural and Scenic Highlights

The tour showcases:

• Panoramic views of Waipiʻo Valley’s cliffs and coastline

• Native plants and trees

• Occasional sightings of wild pigs, native birds, and hawks

• Stories of Hawaiian royalty, agriculture, and ancient trails

This unique mix of natural beauty and cultural storytelling makes it a meaningful alternative to busier tourist attractions.

4. Wailea Horseback Adventure Today

Today, Wailea Horseback Adventure is a family-run operation that honors both the heritage of the land and the spirit of aloha. They prioritize:

• Small group experiences

• Horse and rider safety

• Environmental stewardship

It’s a perfect activity for travelers who want to connect with the land, learn from locals, and experience a quieter, more soulful side of Hawai‘i on horseback.