Reasonable horseback riding tours in Maui or Oahu
Feb 17th, 2002 | 05:49 AM
#1
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Reasonable horseback riding tours in Maui or Oahu
Hi,
We are a family of four, children ages 9 and 11. They are intermediate riders. Would like recommendation of tours that provide ocean view/mountain view (we don't want ranch only view) in either Oahu or Maui. We heard that Pony Express (Maui) does the Crater tour for about 7 miles round trip. However, it is expensive ($140 per person). Has anyone tried Turtle Bay Resort Stables, Correa Trails, Happy Trails in Oahu? How are those compared to Kualoa Ranch? any other recommendation for Maui that are kid-friendly (some ranch does not accept under 13 years or 16 years).
Mahalo,
Cathy
We are a family of four, children ages 9 and 11. They are intermediate riders. Would like recommendation of tours that provide ocean view/mountain view (we don't want ranch only view) in either Oahu or Maui. We heard that Pony Express (Maui) does the Crater tour for about 7 miles round trip. However, it is expensive ($140 per person). Has anyone tried Turtle Bay Resort Stables, Correa Trails, Happy Trails in Oahu? How are those compared to Kualoa Ranch? any other recommendation for Maui that are kid-friendly (some ranch does not accept under 13 years or 16 years).
Mahalo,
Cathy
Feb 17th, 2002 | 03:50 PM
#2
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Correa trails is a one hour trail ride on the windward side in Waimanalo. You basically go up a hill and then come down. You can see the ocean, but It is definitely not a scenic ride. the two times we went there it was rather dry and dusty.
Happy Trails is in Pupukea on the North Shore. It is more forested and I'd say the view of the ocean is a lot more dramatic as you are higher up. We've gone there a few times and always found it a fun morning trail ride. We followed it with a trip into the Foodland at the bottom of the hill for picnic itemns,then going to Waimea Bay to swim and eat. Last time we went though, the leaders wouldn't let the kids feed the horses carrots or even pet them once we were back at the stable. I'm not sure if they just wanted to hustle us out or if they were looking out for the horses' health.
I have never done the Turtle Bay rides. We took a nice ride on Maui last summer. I can't remember the name but it was right after the beginning of the road to Hana. They let us do a little galloping on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and you go up a long private trail to have lunch under a waterfall. I think it was about $125 . I remember thinking it was cheaper than most, so $140 sounds normal.
Happy Trails is in Pupukea on the North Shore. It is more forested and I'd say the view of the ocean is a lot more dramatic as you are higher up. We've gone there a few times and always found it a fun morning trail ride. We followed it with a trip into the Foodland at the bottom of the hill for picnic itemns,then going to Waimea Bay to swim and eat. Last time we went though, the leaders wouldn't let the kids feed the horses carrots or even pet them once we were back at the stable. I'm not sure if they just wanted to hustle us out or if they were looking out for the horses' health.
I have never done the Turtle Bay rides. We took a nice ride on Maui last summer. I can't remember the name but it was right after the beginning of the road to Hana. They let us do a little galloping on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and you go up a long private trail to have lunch under a waterfall. I think it was about $125 . I remember thinking it was cheaper than most, so $140 sounds normal.
Feb 18th, 2002 | 10:03 PM
#4
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My boyfriend and I went to Kualoa Ranch a couple of years ago and loved it. We were both born and raised on Oahu, but we were still in awe of the beauty of the Ko'olau mountains. The trail takes you to the "other side" of the mountains that you just can't see from the road. (This is where some scenes from Jurassic Park were filmed).
Feb 21st, 2002 | 02:53 PM
#5
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Cathy, my husband and I have done all the rides you mentioned for Oahu (plus couple more), and our very favorite is the Turtle Bay Hilton stable as it's the only one that is mainly along the water and on the beach. Usually we're only riders, or just a very small group. Very enjoyable and reasonable but I'm not sure about age restrictions for children.
Then while we're out there, we like to have a drink out by their pool bar and watch the ocean - incredible!
Then while we're out there, we like to have a drink out by their pool bar and watch the ocean - incredible!
Feb 22nd, 2002 | 04:35 AM
#6
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Last August we paid $35 for 1 1/2 hours at Hilton Turtle bay. Nevertheless the grounds at Kualoa Ranch look inviting. Rides on Kauai North shore are $90 for same time so we felt that what we did was a big bargain.
Tip don't piss the people doling out horses off they might just give you one with a little mustard in his soul. I asked for a younger horse. I always get stuck with geezers that don't run but stick to the path....saddle sinking low on their backs. Of course you can see the lodgic when they don't know your level of riding but this has happened to me in Israel, Upstate NY just stuck some where.
This time I spoke up when I saw that sinking saddle and the guides responded with attitude ok giver her Sparky or whatever his name was. I knew I was in trouble by how they said this and what do you know he was spooked at one point nearly took me back to the barn, kicked other horse and pretty much let me know I did not ride well. LOL. Still a good ride just go with the horses they suggest.
Tip don't piss the people doling out horses off they might just give you one with a little mustard in his soul. I asked for a younger horse. I always get stuck with geezers that don't run but stick to the path....saddle sinking low on their backs. Of course you can see the lodgic when they don't know your level of riding but this has happened to me in Israel, Upstate NY just stuck some where.
This time I spoke up when I saw that sinking saddle and the guides responded with attitude ok giver her Sparky or whatever his name was. I knew I was in trouble by how they said this and what do you know he was spooked at one point nearly took me back to the barn, kicked other horse and pretty much let me know I did not ride well. LOL. Still a good ride just go with the horses they suggest.
Feb 22nd, 2002 | 04:56 AM
#7
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9 and 11 is fine I think the cut off is 9. We abided by the rules (printed on hotel handout) to the tears of our 8 year old. Then we saw them let 6 year olds who never rode up on the horses without an adult to accompany them oh well not their parents.
