My 11 year old daughter has always wanted to ride horses on a beach. Are there any places to do this on the Big Island or Kauai? Are there other places that would be really cool to ride?
hapata

I'm pretty sure there's no riding on the beach on either island, just jungle trail rides. Pretty, but slow.

Not on the beach, but if you guys are experienced riders, I'd recommend this place:
http://www.kauaihorses.com/
But, they make you PROVE you can ride first in their arena. The appeal of this place is that you get to trot and canter along the trails-it's not the nose to tail experience of other places.

WE took our then 6 and 3 yr old girls to Dahana Ranch on the B.I last year and they LOVED it. Its up in the hilss of Waimea and you ride in a pack. No nose to tail riding there. U could see to the ocean from those hills on a clear day. I bet your 11 yr old would enjoy it also.

Several years ago (like 13), I took a horseback riding excursion through the rain forest on the Big Island. I had no idea what to expect, and I have to say this was one of the most incredible, unforgettable experiences of my life. I have no memory as to the name of the company or anything...but if you can find this type of thing, it's amazing.