Hawaii Island - Horseback Riding Experience on the Big Island of Hawaii! Introducing spots and tours where you can experience horseback riding!

Hawaii Island, known as the Big Island

Have you ever visited the Hawaiian Islands? The Hawaiian Islands were created by undersea volcanic eruptions and include the islands of Maui, Lanai, Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai.

Among them, Hawaii Island, nicknamed the "Big Island," is the birthplace of "King Kamehameha the Great," the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands and the famous unifier of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii Island has more natural beauty than the other islands, and places such as Waipio Valley and Kilauea Volcano are important in Hawaii's history.

In this issue, we will introduce the attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii, as well as horseback riding spots where you can experience the great outdoors.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Known as the "Big Island," Hawaii Island is just a short drive from Oahu and offers a completely different Hawaii than the Honolulu area.

The summer season, from May to October, is the best time to enjoy Hawaii Island because of its strong sunshine and low humidity. Although Hawaii has a strong image of everlasting summer, did you know that it actually snows sometimes?

Hawaii Island has a large difference in elevation, with snow accumulating in the higher elevation mountainous areas, and the climate and vegetation differs from region to region. Hilo in the northeast is the rainiest area, while Waikoloa on the west coast is a hot desert area with almost no rainfall.

When visiting the Big Island of Hawaii, we recommend that you bring a jacket and rain gear, as the climate temperature varies depending on the area you visit.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two ways to get to the Big Island of Hawaii from Japan: direct flights or via Honolulu. There are two airports on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kona Airport and Hilo Airport, so choose the one that best suits your travel plans.

Kona Airport has the most flights and is closer to the resort area, while Hilo Airport is more convenient for volcano sightseeing.

If you are flying direct, Hawaiian Airlines offers direct flights to Kona from Haneda, while JAL (Japan Airlines) offers direct flights from Narita to Kona. If you are flying domestically (connecting flights), Hawaiian Airlines offers daily flights to the Big Island of Hawaii, including Honolulu - Kona and Honolulu - Hilo routes.

Also, if you are connecting from Honolulu Airport, allow at least 2 hours. It may take longer to transfer from an international flight to a domestic flight if there are delays due to arrival times at the respective airports.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

There are six islands in the Hawaiian archipelago that are visited by tourists, including Oahu. The west coast of the largest of these islands, Hawaii Island, is home to the exclusive resort areas of Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast, where famous hotels and golf courses are located.

On the other hand, Hilo, with its impressive old townscape, is located to the east, giving the island of Hawaii a completely different appearance from east to west, north to south. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the active Kilauea Volcano, is famous as the most popular tourist spot.

Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, both 4,000 meters high, are located in the center of the island, and snow sometimes falls at their summits. Horseback riding tours are also popular on the Big Island of Hawaii, where visitors can enjoy the spectacular nature.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The Hawaiian Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean are home to many rare plants and a variety of flora and fauna that exist in a harsh environment.

Waipio Valley is also famous for its spectacular natural beauty.

The scenery here can be called some of the most spectacular on the Big Island of Hawaii, and a horseback riding tour in particular is highly recommended. There are many ranches scattered throughout the island, and horseback riding can be enjoyed in the relaxed atmosphere that is unique to the Big Island of Hawaii. Renting a car and driving around the island for as long as you have time is also a good idea.

There are many famous tourist spots and power spots within driving distance from Hilo town, such as Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, so you can explore them at your leisure.

 

A powerful volcano

Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, both towering over 4,000 meters above sea level on the Big Island of Hawaii, are famous for being higher than Mt.

There are five other volcanoes in total: Kilauea, Hualalai, and Kohala. Kilauea Volcano is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is a World Heritage Site.

These five active volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii are very powerful. You can enjoy the spectacular volcanoes of the Big Island of Hawaii from various angles, including visiting the caldera of "Kilauea Volcano," one of the most popular tourist spots, Halemaumau Crater, the visitor center, and the Thurston Lava Tunnel.

You too will be amazed by the ever-changing volcanoes of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Beautiful Beaches

If you want to spend a luxurious time in the natural beauty of Hawaii Island, it's the beautiful oceanfront.

Here is a brief look at five of the best beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii for a relaxing vacation.

 

Kahaluu Beach

The beach is also famous for its snorkeling, and is popular for its high probability of encountering sea turtles.

 

Hapuna Beach

The sandy beach is wide and ideal for relaxing, and there are no buildings around to block the view of the beautiful beach and blue ocean.

 

Kua Bay Manini'owali Beach

You will pass through a rocky area to get to the beach, but the contrast between the white sand and the emerald green ocean is beautiful, and there are not many people, so it is recommended for those who want to spend a quiet time.

 

Magic Sand Beach

The beach is lined with stores and restaurants called Ali Drive and is located along the coastline, making it easy to get to.

 

Kaunaoa Beach

With pure white sand and emerald green, crystal clear waters, the beach is crowded with tourists as there are many hotels near the beach, while the sea is relatively quiet and offers snorkeling and SUP.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

For shopping, there are places for both couples and families to enjoy such as Prince Kuhio Plaza, the largest shopping mall complex on the Big Island of Hawaii, and Kona Inn Shopping Village.

In addition, at the coffee plantation famous for "Kona Coffee," there are spots where you can take a plantation tour, taste the coffee, and experience roasting, so it is recommended to stop by during a drive or when you want to take a break.

Hawaii Island is also famous for its gourmet food, including loco moco and local beer.

You can wake up early and visit a farmer's market or enjoy gourmet food while looking for souvenirs.

Enjoy shopping and gourmet foods unique to the Big Island of Hawaii, such as macadamia nuts, chocolate, honey, and of course, coffee from the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The Big Island of Hawaii is dotted with places that offer a glimpse into the ancient customs and culture of Hawaii and its native Hawaiians.

Typical examples are the Hawaiian "hula" and "luau," which are well-known to everyone.

A hula is a unique Hawaiian dance performed to chants and songs, and a luau is a traditional Hawaiian banquet.

There are many spots and tours organized for travelers.

There is also the legendary Parker Ranch, a 160-year-old ranch in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii, where visitors can learn about the history of ranching on the Big Island of Hawaii.

This will be a good opportunity to learn about the Parker family's involvement with the Hawaiian dynasty.

There are also other facilities where visitors can learn about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture while enjoying traditional food and entertainment, which is unique to the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Horseback Riding in Hawaii Island

On the Big Island of Hawaii, horseback riding can be enjoyed at various places such as resort hotels and ranches. Reservations for horseback riding experiences can be made through each tour company's website.

Many facilities have websites in Japanese, so you will have no trouble making reservations. There are also plans that include transportation provided by each tour company, and even those who are new to horseback riding can rest assured that they will be supported by a Japanese-speaking guide.

Conditions of participation and attire may vary depending on each horseback riding experience course, so please check in advance. Why not join a horseback riding tour to experience the dynamic nature of the Big Island of Hawaii?

 

Horseback Riding Attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii

If you want to enjoy horseback riding on the Big Island of Hawaii, a horseback riding tour in Waipio Valley is recommended.

On this tour, you will ride a 4WD to the bottom of the valley, change to a horse, and enjoy a horseback ride. The tour includes taro fields, Hiilavi Falls, Hawaiian fruits, and creek crossings, so even beginners can enjoy not only the horseback riding but also the Waipio Valley itself.

In addition, horseback riding tours in the open Kohala Mountain ranch lands, which offer magnificent views unique to the Big Island of Hawaii, are satisfying for both beginners and advanced riders. Another popular tour is a horseback ride to Umauma Falls on the east side of Hawaii Island.

Swimming in a waterfall pool, kayaking, and SUP experience are also available, and on the way back to the cowboy town of Waimea Shopping Center. Why not try horseback riding and enjoy the great nature of the Big Island of Hawaii to the fullest?

 

Enjoy horseback riding in a great location.

Horseback riding is a popular activity that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors of Hawaii.

Even first-time horse riders can enjoy the experience, so why not make your horseback riding debut when you visit the Big Island of Hawaii?

On the Big Island of Hawaii, there are popular spots and power spots where you can enjoy the great outdoors unlike any other island, so take a driving or horseback riding tour if time permits. Find a tour that interests you, check the recommended spots, prices, and participation requirements, and book a course that meets your needs.

Horseback riding tours offer the advantage of riding in small groups, where you can receive careful riding instruction and enjoy the great outdoors in a homelike atmosphere while interacting with the horses. We recommend that families, couples, and friends join together.

 

Healing through contact with horses.

Do you have any experience riding or interacting with horses?

Horseback riding, which is a full-body exercise, is said to be effective in toning and toning the body while relaxing the body with horses. The stresses of daily life can be relieved by exercising your body to the fullest while interacting with smart and cute horses.

Although horses do not understand human language, their gentle warmth when you touch them gives you a sense of peace. Horses on the Big Island of Hawaii are well trained by the staff, so even first-time riders can enjoy horseback riding without hesitation.

Why not join a horseback riding tour in the magnificent nature?

 

A sense of running around the earth

Hawaii may have a strong image of ocean resorts, but there are also many activities to be enjoyed in the greenery of mountains and forests.

The canyons and ranches on the Big Island of Hawaii offer a unique opportunity to experience nature and spend precious time in its natural environment. The sights and sights that can only be seen on horseback, and the wind that blows through the forests and meadows, will give you memories unlike any other on the islands.

There are plans to explore several points of interest on horseback, as well as shopping and dining, so take the horseback riding tour that best suits your needs.

 

Ranch where you can enjoy horseback riding

How about experiencing horseback riding while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the North Shore? Here, we will focus on Parker Ranch and Kahua Ranch, two recommended horseback riding spots on the Big Island of Hawaii.

We hope you will feel like a Hawaiian cowboy "Paniolo" and take a walk in the great outdoors.

 

Parker Ranch

The famous Parker Ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii is located in Waimea and is one of the largest ranches in the United States.

The 160-year-old ranch has a "manahele" house on the property, which can be toured on foot.

The entire interior, from the floor to the ceiling, is made of koa wood, and photos of King Kamehameha and Princess Kaiulani from the 1800s are on display, showing their deep involvement with the Hawaiian dynasty.

If you visit here for a horseback riding tour, please stop by. The horseback riding tours here are very scenic due to the high altitude.

If the weather is clear, you can see Mauna Kea and enjoy the beautiful wilderness of the Big Island of Hawaii. The ranch is so large that it is easy to get lost, but the guide will lead you up and down the slopes, so even first-timers can enjoy this tour without worry.

 

Ranch Features

The vast ranch, which is larger than the 23 wards of Tokyo, offers beautiful greenery all around.

You will see free-range cattle, sheep, and other livestock, which seem to be spending their time comfortably in the vast land.

The ranch's visitor center displays tools and other items related to cattle ranching in Hawaii's past.

At the Parker Ranch Store, visitors can purchase cowboy wear, original goods, beef jerky, and other souvenirs, and a variety of leather goods are sold.

 

Access

It is a one-hour drive from Kailua-Kona.

Free parking is available.

 

Kahua Ranch

It is a very beautiful ranch that covers about 34 square kilometers and is located halfway up the Kohala Mountain (about 1,000 meters above sea level).

The mountains and coastline stretching out before you are indescribably beautiful.

The Kahua Ranch's large grounds are used for horseback riding tours, where you can experience trotting and canter as well as single file riding.

Helmets and sweatshirts can also be rented upon request.

The horses are well trained, and they choose horses that are suited to the rider's body type and experience.

The experience program, in which you can ride a horse with a lecture by a guide, lasts about 1.5 hours.

Come experience the ultimate healing experience that cannot be found in Japan, right here at Kahua Ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Ranch Features

The ranch offers spectacular views of the Kohala Coast.

With cows and sheep cavorting around you, this is a truly natural horseback riding experience. Experienced paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) and well-trained horses make for a wonderful riding experience.

Participants can be as young as 8 years old, and it is no wonder that the program is so popular, as it offers horseback riding for all levels, from beginners to advanced riders. In addition to the liberating horseback riding on the vast ranch lands of the Big Island of Hawaii, on a clear day you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean and the mountains of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai.

Riding time is also available to fit your schedule, such as 2.5 to 5 hours, so you can spend private time with family and friends for a memorable experience.

 

Access

It is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Kona and 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from Hilo.

From the Kohala Resorts (Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, and Hapuna), it is approximately an hour drive. From Waikoloa, take Hwy 250 to Havi and after mile marker "11" on the right, enter the entrance to Kahua Ranch.

 

Recommended scenic spots for horseback riding

If you are horseback riding in Hawaii, why not visit Waipio Valley, Umauma Falls, or Waimea, all of which have spectacular viewpoints that we recommend.

These three spectacular viewpoints will be introduced in turn.

 

Waipio Valley

Waipio" means "winding water" in Hawaiian, and is derived from the Waipio River that flows through the valley floor.

The winding Wailoa River that flows through Waipio Valley and the numerous waterfalls that cascade from the cliffs are some of the most dynamic scenery on the Big Island of Hawaii, making it one of the most scenic spots on the island. The Waipio Valley Lookout offers spectacular views of the Waipio Valley.

The observation deck is located just off the parking lot. The parking lot can be crowded at certain times of the day, so it is best to get there early to accommodate your schedule.

Also, if you just want to enjoy the view from the observation deck, there is little waiting, so you can enjoy the scenery to your heart's content.

There are also experience tours that take visitors on horseback or by wagon to must-see points of interest, so couples and families can take a memorable tour of the Big Island of Hawaii. Horseback riding is the best tour you can enjoy on the valley floor of Waipio Valley.

In addition to experiencing the dynamic nature unique to the Big Island of Hawaii, you can also enjoy the mystical scenery of the Waipio Valley cliffs. If this is your first visit to Hawaii, we encourage you to join a tour and try activities that match your goals and physical fitness.

The Wailoa River joins the ocean, so it is possible to enjoy playing in the river, and if you have time, a 30-minute walk from the observation deck will take you to a black sand beach (Waipio Beach). This beach is a real treat that only visitors to the valley floor can enjoy, so if you want to sit back and relax a bit, this is the place to do so.

Other must-see points of interest include taro fields and the 390-meter-high Hiirawe Falls and Kaluahine Falls, which cannot be seen from the observation deck.

 

Access

The observatory is approximately a 75-minute drive from Hilo International Airport and an 80-minute drive from Kona International Airport.

It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the observatory to the valley floor.

Two types of parking are available free of charge: limited parking for 30 minutes and unlimited parking for an unlimited amount of time.

 

Umauma Falls

A new attraction that has not yet been introduced in Japanese guidebooks, Umauma Falls offers a variety of activities.

Don't miss the "3-tiered Umawuma Falls," a 90-meter waterfall that is stair-stepped in three stages. The word "Umawuma" means "constantly flowing.

It is also said that the snow and rainwater that falls on Mauna Kea never runs dry because it gushes out through the mountain's lava.

The horseback riding tour at Umauma Falls is a must-do, and even beginners can join the tour as the guide will carefully teach you how to ride a horse. The tour is open to ages 8 to 74 and includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

Horse trekking in the great outdoors, with views unique to the Big Island of Hawaii, will be an unforgettable and precious experience for you. The horseback riding tour also includes waterfall fun, SUP (stand-up paddle), and kayak water activities.

The tour includes a Japanese-speaking guide, so you can try kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming at a waterfall basin while riding a horse through the virgin forest, and spend a relaxing time watching grazing cows in a spacious grassland. The ride back is a gentle downhill, and the ocean can be seen beyond the grasslands, offering a view unique to the Big Island of Hawaii.

You can also bring your own camera or smartphone so that everyone can take a commemorative photo during the ride.

 

Access

Located about 26 kilometers (16 miles) north of Hilo International Airport, a 30-minute drive from Hilo International Airport, the Umamauma Falls, with a 90-meter drop and three tiers of cascading water, appears after the tropical rainforest.

It is approximately 2.5 hours drive from Kona International Airport.

Also note that the hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

Waimea is located in North Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii and has a large ranch on a plateau about 1,000 meters above sea level.

It is sandwiched between Mauna Kea to the south and the Kohala Mountains to the north, and features a curious diagonal view of rows of trees. It is also a popular spot for horseback riding, the most famous of which are Parker Ranch and Kahua Ranch.

Waimea is a relatively large town on the Big Island of Hawaii, where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

On rainy or inclement days, it is recommended to enjoy the art indoors. For those who enjoy observatories and astronomy, there is the W.M. Keck Observatory HeadQuarters, a free admission observatory, and for those who enjoy Hawaii Island history and art, there is the Isaacs Art Center, which has a variety of oil paintings and contemporary art on display, so you can enjoy Waimea's land You will enjoy Waimea to your heart's content.

In addition to horseback riding, a leisurely drive through Waimea's lands while enjoying the scenery is also recommended.

The Kohala Mountain Road (Highway 250), which runs from north of Waimea to the town of Havi, is a recommended and little-known driving route.

The Hamakua Coastline from the Pololu Lookout is an unforgettably beautiful and unforgettable sight to behold. Other activities include daytime horseback riding tours and off-road vehicle rides to Waimea, and evening barbecue dinners and Evening at Kahua Ranch, where you can listen to music and enjoy a Kahua Ranch lunch.

For shopping, the Farmer's Market is also popular, where you can buy fresh local produce, so get up early and go there.

Also, at the annual spring festival held in Waimea in the northern part of Hawaii Island, deep pink cherry blossoms bloom and people enjoy an atmosphere similar to that of cherry blossom viewing in Japan, with mochi pounding, tea ceremony, and other traditional Japanese cultural activities, as well as Japanese cooking demonstrations.

 

Access

It is about a 50-minute drive from Kona Airport.

Kailua-Kona is about an hour's drive away.

 

Recommended tours to enjoy horseback riding

If you enjoy horseback riding in Hawaii, why not join one of the following tours?

There are also tours where you can see the spectacular viewpoints I mentioned, so relax and enjoy the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Waipio Valley Horseback Riding Tour

On this tour, you can experience the dynamic nature unique to the Big Island of Hawaii and enjoy the mystical view of the sheer cliffs of Waipio Valley.

Another point is that even those who are new to horseback riding can participate with peace of mind, as they will be supported by a Japanese-speaking guide.

You will be picked up from your designated hotel, so there is no need to worry about transportation. There is also a rest stop at a drive-in before transferring to the horseback riding facility, where you can taste the famous Hawaiian sweet "malasada".

After checking in at the horseback riding facility, you will be transferred to a 4WD and driven to the valley where the horses are located. After a lecture on how to ride a horse, it is time to start riding.

After enjoying the horseback riding experience for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, visitors can take a 30-minute break at the Parker Ranch Shopping Center in Waimea.

In the unlikely event of a same-day cancellation, the tour can be transferred to an alternate tour. In that case, the tour will be to Tex Drive-In, Waipio Valley Lookout, Honokaa Town, Waimea Town, and Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory.

Also, be sure to wear long pants and athletic shoes on the day of the tour. Depending on the weather, please bring a jacket, towel, change of clothes, and other necessary items for each person.

The experience of horseback riding in the mystical Waipio Valley will be an unforgettable and cherished memory.

 

Hawaii Island Horseback Riding Tour
Horseback riding on the Kohala Coast!

Why don't you enjoy a relaxing horseback riding experience at a ranch on the Kohala Coast?

Kahua Ranch in North Kohala is famous for its vast acreage overlooking the historic Kohala Coast.

In this tour, the guides have more than 10 years of experience and the horses are well trained, so beginners can enjoy this tour without worries. The tour is also a short one-and-a-half hour ride, so beginners can enjoy this horseback riding tour in conjunction with other plans.

The morning tour offers a refreshing morning ride, while the afternoon tour allows you to spend the morning at leisure and then enjoy a full day of horseback riding. The afternoon tour offers a leisurely morning ride followed by a full day of horseback riding, and includes trot and canter tours for all levels of participants.

The Kohala Coast is an exclusive resort area in the northwestern part of the island, dotted with beautiful beaches, including Hapuna Beach, once voted the No. 1 best beach in the United States. The Kohala Coast is an upscale resort area in the northwestern part of the island, dotted with beautiful beaches, including Hapuna Beach, once voted the best beach in the United States.

 

Hawaii Island Horseback Riding Tour
There is hiking and waterfall play at Umauma Falls!

How about a family or couples horseback riding tour, hiking and playing in the waterfall pool at Uma Uma Falls?

This tour combines horseback riding in breathtakingly beautiful scenery with a water adventure at Umauma Falls, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors of the Big Island of Hawaii to the fullest. The maximum number of participants is a small group of 8-10 people, and you will explore with a guide who has extensive experience and knowledge of the system, so even beginners can participate safely.

After hiking to the base of Umauma Falls and resting (30-45 minutes), visitors can play in the water at the base of the falls. If you wish, do not forget to bring a towel and swimsuit (wear in advance).

Take a horseback ride to see the spectacular natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

summary

What do you think about horseback riding on the Big Island of Hawaii?

In addition to marine activities at shopping malls and beaches, horseback riding is an attractive way to get in touch with nature on land, including volcanoes, natural parks, and vast ranches.

There are so many ways to enjoy Hawaii that no matter how much time you have, it will never be enough.

When you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, we recommend that you join a horseback riding tour that will also give you an extraordinary experience.

It may take some time to get to the ranch, but once you get there, you will surely be glad you came for the spectacular view.

Enjoy a relaxing and wonderful time with a horseback riding experience on the Big Island of Hawaii.