We will be leaving for Maui this week and I am booking several activities before we leave. We would like to do a horseback riding tour and the Mendes Ranch tour looked interesting. Any feedback on this ride would be appreciated.

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Message: Has anyone done any horseback riding on Maui? We leave tomorrow, I would like to book the ride before we go. Thank you.

We were in Maui last February for our honeymoon. We booked a trail ride with Mendez Ranch but when we showed up, they informed us they had to cancel the ride because the rain from the previous few days made the trails too dangerous. Although we were disappointed, we were glad that we drove up there because the scenery was breathtaking. They invited us to enjoy their ranch and walk around for a while. I would highly recommend trying it as I can't imagine being able to ride in a more picturesque setting, though I would suggest calling to verify that it isn't cancelled. Good luck!

You might want to try Pony Express on Maui. According to their website they have a ride into Haleakala crater and some on their ranch.

website:

www.ponyexpresstours.com

They also appear to allow online reservations.

No, I am in no way shape or form affiliated with them, I'm just anxiously awaiting my trip to Hawaii next summer and this is one activity I am considering doing.

Thank you JAKcruiser and Johnwaron for your replies. I did do some research on Maui horseback riding and the Mendes Ranch ride sounded like it had beautiful scenery, also sounds like one gets to ride along the beach. I have ridden horses for many years and have always wanted to ride along the beach,so weather permitting maybe next week. Again, thank you for your great help.

I worked as a concierge at the Hyatt on Maui for a couple of years and was able to try out every single horseback ride on Maui. In my opinion, the best horseback ride on Maui is Piiholo Ranch. Here's why... They are the only ride on Maui where the horses (and Wranglers) are trained in Natural Horsemanship. The approach is based on mutual respect rather than dominance and their care for their horses is the best I've seen. Unfortunately, so many of the other tours I've experienced don't treat their horses very well. One company actually handed out sticks to the riders to hit their horses with! Another company allowed their guide to smoke a cigar in front of us. You won't find that with Piiholo. There is no smoking (or cell phones) allowed. The terrain and views are awesome!!! The ride takes place on an 800 acre private ranch over 2000 ft. above see level. (Which also makes for a much cooler more comfortable ride then those found by the shore line). Groups are limited to 6 riders and Piiholo is the only horseback riding company on Maui with a Natural Resource Manager on staff. The ranch even has an endangered species protection program with a Nene (Hawaii's state bird) sanctuary and protected Koa trees on site. The ranch also has an extensive family history to it dating back over 100 years. It's great fun for the whole family, as they allow children as young as 8 years old to participate in the ride. The tour is worth every single penny!!! Their website is www.piiholo.com if you want any more info. on the ride or the company.

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