Horseback Riding on the Big Island / Waipio Valley
Jul 15th, 2012, 06:47 PM
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Horseback Riding on the Big Island / Waipio Valley
My wife and I are planning a trip to Hawaii in August and she wants to go horseback riding in the Waipio Valley.
We've found two outfits that look good but would like to hear the experiences of others. The two companies are 'Waipio on Horseback' and 'Naalapa Stables'. How were the guides, the vistas and the overall excursion experience?
Thanks in advance for your help!
We've found two outfits that look good but would like to hear the experiences of others. The two companies are 'Waipio on Horseback' and 'Naalapa Stables'. How were the guides, the vistas and the overall excursion experience?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Jul 16th, 2012, 05:14 AM
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Equitrekking, the PBS TV show, filmed these rides and their expert host also did them. Check out Naalapa Stables Waipio ride at http://www.equitrekking.com/articles...waipio_valley/ and http://www.equitrekking.com/articles...valley_hawaii/ Naalapa also offers a ranch ride, which they also did and looks good. Have fun!
Jul 16th, 2012, 06:03 AM
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We haven't done this, only observed, but be advised: It is a very steep incline into the valley; it will be hot and humid; you'll be on a nice, hot *horse*! LOL You need suitable footwear and long pants for this; will you use them again in your travels?
I think it is a great experience, but not for *everyone*.
I think it is a great experience, but not for *everyone*.
Jul 16th, 2012, 09:30 AM
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The post above by chisue is very inaccurate. It will not be hot and humid traveling down and back up in an air conditioned van. Hiking in and out on your own is a different story. I found the bottom of the valley to be quite temperate in it's lushness, with lots of shade, means the horses won't be hot either. It is very sacred land with a rich history. Due to an injury on that trip I was unable to go horseback riding with Naalapa Stables so did the wagon tour. I would jump at the chance next time we're on BI. I think the magic is being down in the valley rather then looking into it from the ridge trails.
Jul 16th, 2012, 10:35 AM
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We went with Naalapa Stables and it was a highlight! Here is what I wrote in my trip report:
"Thurs 7/8 Morning snorkel at Kahalu'u and trip to the post office to mail things home. We left at 10:30 AM to head to Waipi'o Valley for our 1:00 horseback ride with Na'alapa Stables. Our guide was Keoni and he was our favorite guide the entire trip. He still has family living in the valley and really knows the area. He also has a great sense of humor!
It's a very steep drive into the valley (you must have 4WD) and we saw unhappy-looking folks hiking back up - no thank you! We saddled up and headed out on the most spectacular ride I've ever been on! Riding through streams, seeing waterfalls, taro farms and being in that beautiful valley was a real highlight for me!"
I highly recommend it! We loved the Big Island; if you're interested, here's the link to my TR on another travel site
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...ii_Hawaii.html
it's long, but we did so many wonderful things! BTW we stayed in Kona.
"Thurs 7/8 Morning snorkel at Kahalu'u and trip to the post office to mail things home. We left at 10:30 AM to head to Waipi'o Valley for our 1:00 horseback ride with Na'alapa Stables. Our guide was Keoni and he was our favorite guide the entire trip. He still has family living in the valley and really knows the area. He also has a great sense of humor!
It's a very steep drive into the valley (you must have 4WD) and we saw unhappy-looking folks hiking back up - no thank you! We saddled up and headed out on the most spectacular ride I've ever been on! Riding through streams, seeing waterfalls, taro farms and being in that beautiful valley was a real highlight for me!"
I highly recommend it! We loved the Big Island; if you're interested, here's the link to my TR on another travel site
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...ii_Hawaii.html
it's long, but we did so many wonderful things! BTW we stayed in Kona.
Jul 17th, 2012, 11:05 AM
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Chisue, I never want to accuse anyone of offering false advise unless I am certain. Your insistence made me double check the facts.
I just spoke with Waipio on Horseback and with their over 20 years doing tours have NEVER done a rim to valley horseback ride, nor has anyone else. I expect to hear the same back from Naalapa when they have a chance to get back to me. They have been in business for about 30 years via their website. The horses are stabled in the valley. To have them climb up and down with a human on their back would be inhumane.
It is you that explained that people ride down the steep valley on horseback. That simply is not true. Now you state that you didn't realize people could be 'carried?" by van?
Please be more cautious when you know not what you speak of.
I just spoke with Waipio on Horseback and with their over 20 years doing tours have NEVER done a rim to valley horseback ride, nor has anyone else. I expect to hear the same back from Naalapa when they have a chance to get back to me. They have been in business for about 30 years via their website. The horses are stabled in the valley. To have them climb up and down with a human on their back would be inhumane.
It is you that explained that people ride down the steep valley on horseback. That simply is not true. Now you state that you didn't realize people could be 'carried?" by van?
Please be more cautious when you know not what you speak of.
Jul 19th, 2012, 07:33 PM
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Lookin_Glass is right. There is no "rim to valley ride" You will be taken down in a 4WD vehicle and ride in the valley floor.
Why do people insist on giving false information? If you don't know what you're talking about, move on. There are two posters notorious for bad info on the Hawaii forums. Why?
Why do people insist on giving false information? If you don't know what you're talking about, move on. There are two posters notorious for bad info on the Hawaii forums. Why?
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