Horseback Riding Activites for Visitors

Ocean Rides

If you have never ridden a gaited horse before, be prepared for the thrill of a lifetime!  The excitement and joy of riding your first Paso Fino in the scenic surroundings of Hawaii will stay with you forever, and it will be our pleasure to introduce these amazing horses to you.

Each activity is a private one-on-one interactive experience, taking out only two riders at a time.  In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with our recently born Paso Fino babies and yearlings in their natural environment.

The scenery of the North Kohala area is some of the finest in the entire state.  Our ranch is situated oceanfront on old sugar cane plantation land, with dramatic cliffs, sea caves and lava rock formations just offshore.  When the Humpback whales are migrating around the islands, they can be seen easily with the naked eye breaching and playing just off the cove.  The island of Maui and majestic Haleakala Mountain are visible in the distance, as well as the top of Pololu Valley and the beautiful Kohala mountains.  There is a "photo op" at every turn!

Focused mainly on the ancient Hawaiians, King Kamehameha, Paniolo cattle ranchers, and the sugar plantaion industry, the history of the Big Island and North Kohala in particular is fascinating, and we enjoy sharing it with our special visitors.

 

For the Big Island visitor, we are pleased to offer the following activities:

 

Plantation Ride:
$110 per person, tax included

Approximately 1 1/2 hours.  Whatever your prior riding experience, we begin with an introductory lesson in our round pen and arena on the basic handling of the gaited Paso Fino horse, including ground work, then progressing to riding under saddle.  You will then be guided out on a scenic ride around the shady trails and open pasture land of Rancho Vitorino, with a bit of old local history woven in.

Suited for those with some prior riding experience.

King's Ride:
$160 per person, tax included

Approximately 2 1/2 hours.  Whatever your prior riding experience, we will provide you with specific instruction on how to safely and effectively ride our gaited Paso Finos, beginning with introductory handling on the ground and progressing to riding under saddle in our round pen and arena.  Afterward you will be taken on a guided tour around the pastures of our working horse breeding and cattle ranch.

This historical horseback experience will have you "talking Paso Fino" by the end of the day.  We will also take time to "talk story" about the ancient and modern history of North Kohala and our property, a truly magical paradise.

Ideal for those with some prior equestrian experience.

'Iole Upcountry Rainforest:
$225 per person, tax included                                                                                                                                             

Approximately 3 hours.  An off-site ride to one of Kohala's best upcountry open space preserves.  Ride the Ahuapua'a- an ancient Hawaiian land division encompassing the entire area from sea to upland ridgelines. 

Our ride begins at Rancho Vitorino for introductory instruction on the basic riding technique for the gaited Paso Fino, then we trailer over to 'Iole to mount up and begin our trek up the mountain through orgainic macadamia nut orchards, cool gulches and shady pine forested trails.  Rainforest canopy surrounds the trails, and the views down to the sea are magnificent!

Situated on a 200 year old missionary estate, the area is steeping in history.  Stop by the visitor's center after the ride to get more information about this very special property.

Suited for those with some prior equestrian experience. 

Nervous Novice:
$75 per person, tax included

Approximately 1 hour.  Beginners are welcome to try out riding a Paso Fino horse in this fun activity for all.  Guided with personal attention, you will be shown the basics of horsemanship, proper equitation and riding techniques suitable to learn how to safely handle one of our gentle horses, gaining confidence along the way.

This can be a non-riding activity for those who wish only to get close-up to horses, learn their special communication and experience the spiritiual and healing effects that they have on humans.

Suited for the inexperienced or non-rider.

Ranch Tours:
$50 per family, tax included

Approximately 1 hour.  Everyone of all ages is welcome to tour our working Paso Fino horse training and breeding ranch.  See a riding demonstration and get more in-depth information on the breed, it's history and traits, with some local Hawaiian history added in.

Immersion Courses:
Price varies

Customized immersion courses ranging from two to five consecutive days can be designed for those who wish to take a more fast-track approach to learning gaited horsemanship.

 

Contact us to book an appointment to go "Gaiting in Paradise", an exclusive gaited horseback riding activity by Hawaii Paso Finos, LLC.
 

Shady Trails

Whale Watch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**Riders must be at least 12 years old and in good health.  Maximum number of riders per activity is two.  Weight limit 225 lbs.  Long pants and boots or closed toed shoes required.  Due to the unpredictability of Kohala weather, schedule adjustments or cancellations may occur at any time.

 

Top right photo courtesy Winston Welborn, Wasabi