Waipi'o on Horseback
Waipi'o on Horseback
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Horseback Ride! WOH Ranch Tour is an unforgettable experience! This 500-acre mountain-to-ocean working cattle ranch offers stunning views of the ocean, and a lush landscape of coconut orchards, banana groves, fishponds, and blooming pastures. Along the journey, you’ll encounter baby sheep, horses, and calves on this unique tour. You’ll also get to see the historic Hamakua ditch, and ride through tunnels of guava and ironwood. This incredible adventure is only available at WOH Ranch. We offer a safe and enjoyable ride for people of all ages and skill levels. Our experienced guides will ensure you are comfortable throughout your journey, providing you with all the necessary safety equipment and instructions. Enjoy the stunning views of lush green fields, rolling hills, and blue waters as you explore this rich cultural landscape with knowledgeable local guides. Along the way you can learn about the legends and history of this area while seeing food crops from days gone by.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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13 within 3 miles
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See what travelers are saying
- nancybhtlh1 contributionBest Experience during our Time on the Big IslandAn amazing experience! My family (two children ages 13 and 8) had the best time. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by friendly faces and fresh farm grown fruit and nuts, to the views during the ride, to the unique experience of riding horses - every moment was perfect. None of us have riding experience but they were all gentle and provided the perfect way to see the gorgeous views of the coast and the ranch. Would highly recommend to anyone traveling to the Big Island. It was the highlight of the trip!Best review ever for a happy family. How nice that you and your children had a great time and amazing experience. Come back and ride with us again soon!Written October 23, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 23, 2023
- Fearless398168156842 contributionsvery funMy group went and most of us were all beginners and none of us had any difficulties through the tour. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, the tour grounds were beautiful, good weather too. They have cute cats at the front store and they gave us free fruit they picked from the farms. The horses were calm and well cared for. I would suggest wearing bug spray and making sure you look at the directions to the place ahead of time since it's in a remote location.Thanks for the kind review. The property is beautiful with all its animals and flora. Rides are do much fun for the family. Please come again!Written December 26, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Written November 22, 2023
- peterhussey461 contributionGreat experience!The staff was very friendly and inviting from the moment we arrived. Once we got there and signed in, they offered us all fresh fruit and talked about the ranch. The ride itself was a once in a lifetime experience! We got to see wild horses, cows, different variety of fruit trees, pastures, forests.. everything you could imagine. Overall a great time and would recommend while on the big island!We’re so happy that this is a once in a lifetime experience for you. So much to see and do. Please come again.Written December 26, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Written November 30, 2023
- Doug Luden11 contributionsAmazing Horseback Ride with a viewThe ride and the entire experience was amazing. While the valley was closed the property we toured was beautiful and we learned a lot from our fantastic tour guides. The horses were well behaved and even my son who had never been on a horse was able to have a great time.So happy that your son had a great time with his first ride on the horse. Our horses are great for all riders regardless of their experience. Please come again.Written December 26, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 7, 2023
- laurenpres2nBedford, Wyoming1 contributionAmazing, definitely plan to go with them again next time I’m backThis tour was amazing!!! The guide was so informative and answered all of my many many questions about plant life, culture, the ranch and much much more. Such a pleasure to be around!! The property is stunning and the horses were wonderful!!! So safe, and incredibly sweet!! I really look forward to going with them again next time we’re in Hawai’i!thanks Lauren, Please do come back soon. Sweet is a description we haven't heard. So glad you enjoyed it!Written January 15, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Written January 5, 2024
- joshweaver6Thomaston, Connecticut1 contributionGreat experienceThe guides were extremely friendly and helpful during the tour. The guide leading the group was especially pleasant talking to; she made the ride a blast for me. She also welcomed us to trying various exotic fruits grown on the ranch before, during, and after the horseback riding. The views were absolutely stunning and I would recommend this to anyone looking for an authentic experience on the Big Island!!Love your review “looking for an authentic experience on the Big Island!!” Thanks and come again soon.Written January 17, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Written January 17, 2024
- Ashley BMadison, Alabama15 contributionsLoved this trail ride experience on northern Hawaii!This was a wonderful experience. The trail guides were friendly, hospitable, and informative. The horses were easy to ride and so cooperative. The landscape was beautiful and rejuvenating. The caress of Hawaiian breezes , the beauty of the northern big island, in addition to the samples of the Hawaiian fruit fresh from the ranch, all made for a lovely memory. I would highly recommend it, and afterwards, be sure to check out nearby Waip’io Valley, which is gorgeous and sacred.Thank you for the beautiful wordsmith description of our historic Ahupua'a land divide. Please come back soon,Written January 19, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 18, 2024
- 275rodney1 contributionMost excellent!After a month of anticipation, the weather and the world delivered a warm welcome. Kaleo, Micah, and Scotty made us feel like family and looked after us as we floated around a magical place on the backs of beautiful beasts. Many marvelous memories!Thanks, will make sure they all get your review. They are terrific guides! Please come again!Written February 23, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Written February 22, 2024
- goshenmamaSan Francisco, California4 contributionsThe best horse back ride - do this!!!!Tess took us through the fruit farm and did just the right amount of talking and explaining and then giving us space for being peaceful on horseback. We were in a group with a 7 year-old and a very timid adult horse person and also 2 very experienced riders and we all had fun. I felt safe for the novices and also we had fun too. The landscape and farm was very beautiful and the whole experience far exceeded my expectations. There is also a good tradition Hawaiin food truck 5 minutes away and a place to look out over the valley. an A+ day. The whole experiece was amazing. Well cared for horses and lovely guides and incredible setting.A+ day! Wonderful, it is a worth while experience. This Mauka Makai is an adventure for all ages.Written March 3, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 24, 2024
- Kilo BoyOahu, Hawaii15 contributionsFirst timersTook my 11 year old son for the first time as it was mine (50yrs old) and the staff and horses were awesome, just what we needed. Micah, Duke, Okole, Ki, Pono, Waipio, everything was like old Hawaii. The air was clean, the sounds were peaceful, and the sausage I got from the locals was top notch. Would recommend to anyone that wants to experience such an epic place on Hawaii Island.Epic place in Hawaii! Thank you! Great that you named our guide and the horses.Written April 11, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 31, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,069 reviews
Excellent
899
Very good
115
Average
38
Poor
13
Terrible
4
S F
1 contribution
Jun 2022
The guides were informative and fairly friendly. What I was disappointed with is it's just a ride around their property. Nice but not spectacular. Also be aware that although the time period listed is 9:30-12:30 the ride only went for 2 hours. This is a nose to tail ride format. We felt gyped and at their rates this was an extremely expensive horse back ride. Seemed wrong .Tthey should make this more clear. If we'd known it was not what was listed we would've choosen some place cheaper. Also I had a 10 year old with me and a man on the ride who was extremely talkative was using foul language and the guide closest to her didn't stop it. I was further back and din't hear the man. She was upset he was talking that way and she had to hear it.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
darrah2020
1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Friends
Being in Waipio valley is a special experience. Our tour guides were wonderful! The guide that actually gave the informational part of the tour was raised in the valley and full of historical information. The horses were all well behaved, regardless of our riding level we all felt very safe and were all able to enjoy our time on them. We had a wonderful morning and would definitely recommend it. Mahalo!
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for riding with us!
Written January 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KimWilliams2023
3 contributions
Jan 2023
We absolutely LOVED our horseback ride on January 7, 2023. My husband and I took our nieces, aged 6 and 10, as their Christmas present. The family dog greeted us when we arrived with a wagging tail and friendly demeanor. My nieces LOVED the very friendly cat who made sure she exposed her belly for lots of affection. This is truly a place for kids of all ages.
We were offered fresh fruit from the ranch. We dipped ladyfinger bananas and apple bananas in fresh, local honey (divine). Then we fitted ourselves with helmets (required for all guests - safety first!!) and got ready to ride!!
This was the kids first ever horseback ride…and the 6yo was super nervous at first. But the staff ensured she had the BEST and most calm horse. If needed, they were going to “tow” her horse with a rope connected to the tour guide horse. Not necessary because by the end of the ride, she was saying, “Look, no hands!” Also on our tour was another party of 4 and a woman in her late 50s-early 60s who had also never gone horseback riding before. I could tell she was very nervous…but she rocked it, too, because they found an ideal horse for her. The staff knows what they are doing!
The reason they were able to match up the horses to their guests so well: these horses are their coworkers. They know each horse so well and their likes & dislikes. Each horse had its own personality, just like your family pets do. They also don’t overwork their horses. They have days off and they only do 2 tours a day maximum. So the horses are respected and are quite friendly.
The ride took us into the mountains of their ranch where we saw herds of cattle (including babies!), their taro patches, their varieties of coconuts and fruits, their freshwater fish ponds, streams and domesticated ducks. I could tell our tour guide / owner of this property has immense respect for this planet and his place in it. He practices sustainable farming and told us all about how he is teaching is 7 children the ways of his ancestors so they can live on the land.
Please support this local business. They are doing immense good in this world. Aloha!
We were offered fresh fruit from the ranch. We dipped ladyfinger bananas and apple bananas in fresh, local honey (divine). Then we fitted ourselves with helmets (required for all guests - safety first!!) and got ready to ride!!
This was the kids first ever horseback ride…and the 6yo was super nervous at first. But the staff ensured she had the BEST and most calm horse. If needed, they were going to “tow” her horse with a rope connected to the tour guide horse. Not necessary because by the end of the ride, she was saying, “Look, no hands!” Also on our tour was another party of 4 and a woman in her late 50s-early 60s who had also never gone horseback riding before. I could tell she was very nervous…but she rocked it, too, because they found an ideal horse for her. The staff knows what they are doing!
The reason they were able to match up the horses to their guests so well: these horses are their coworkers. They know each horse so well and their likes & dislikes. Each horse had its own personality, just like your family pets do. They also don’t overwork their horses. They have days off and they only do 2 tours a day maximum. So the horses are respected and are quite friendly.
The ride took us into the mountains of their ranch where we saw herds of cattle (including babies!), their taro patches, their varieties of coconuts and fruits, their freshwater fish ponds, streams and domesticated ducks. I could tell our tour guide / owner of this property has immense respect for this planet and his place in it. He practices sustainable farming and told us all about how he is teaching is 7 children the ways of his ancestors so they can live on the land.
Please support this local business. They are doing immense good in this world. Aloha!
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura
Minato, Japan33 contributions
Jan 2020
We took the afternoon tour and what a good time we had. The valley is gorgeous and the horses are very well-behaved. It was my first time riding a horse and I always felt very safe even though I later found out that my horse used to be a wild mustang !
Both guides are very kind, funny and enthusiastic and will provide all kinds of information about the history of the valley and the plants that grow there. You even get to taste some locally-grown fruits ! I wholeheartedly recommend this experience.
Both guides are very kind, funny and enthusiastic and will provide all kinds of information about the history of the valley and the plants that grow there. You even get to taste some locally-grown fruits ! I wholeheartedly recommend this experience.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for riding with us!
Written January 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Harsh V
1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Couples
Such a beautiful experience in the heart of Waipi'o valley. As part of this experience, we got to go horseback riding right in the heart of the valley for a few hours. We got to experience the natural scents and aromas, see the crops under cultivation and see several wild horses along the way too. The experience really help us connect with nature and our inner quietness. Our hosts were very knowledgeable, kind and friendly and their passion showed from having lived their lives in the valley. The horses were absolute charmers, very well trained and calm and knew the drill - they did all the hard work!. The horses were even matched personality wise with us. My wife rode horseback riding for the first time and she had no problems. Would thoroughly recommend this experience for anyone. Don't miss out!
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review!
Written January 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
beckybarstad
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Family
Tracy and her husband Cecil are the best guides hands down. Their passion for their land,lives, and horses is contagious. The valley is breathtaking. You’ll see wild horses, beautiful fruit trees and a waterfall. The horses were so well behaved. Great for beginner riders and all riders alike!
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie M
19 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We had one of the 10pm flights so we decided to book the morning ride. When we arrived there was a port-a-potty restroom to use, and then we walked to check in. We signed waivers and were offered some locally grown fruit while waiting for others to arrive :) we loaded up and they have us ponchos just in case, then we made the 30 minute ride down to the valley. Tracy was very knowledgeable with history and stories, and Cecil was very funny and entertaining! Upon arrival, we were matched with our horses and given instructions, and then finally got to the ride. As most said, it’s along trails and rivers for about 1.5 hours. They did a great job offering to take photos and telling us about the area along the way! I was near the front for the most part, and unfortunately when I was briefly in the middle, I couldn’t hear anything the guides were saying :( overall we recommend this and would definitely do it again!
Written May 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthStar308036
Farmington Hills, MI7 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Cecil and wife Tracy were excellent hosts! Met at their farm, innumerable fresh fruits growing all around, fresh perfectly ripe bananas on bunch for breakfast. Van ride by Tracy as Cecil ran down the 900’ drop on foot (I’ve never seen a stronger joy of life). Horses were happy to carry us, easily managed. Crossed multiple streams, viewing multiple waterfalls (1246’ high enough?). Taro farming remains primary occupation in the Kings Valley, felt blessed to be there! New appreciation for living off the land.
Wild horses in the valley need support - help Cecil and Tracy with business and contributors!
Wild horses in the valley need support - help Cecil and Tracy with business and contributors!
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
6Vedr0df9Kc
Macungie, PA18 contributions
Oct 2022
This was a good time for two adults and two kids aged 12 and 7. The horses were well-behaved and matched to each person. Experienced riders had different horses than less (or no) experienced riders, for example. The tour takes you around the farm and you get to see lots of different fruits and animals (cows, horses, birds). Micah the main guide (and presumed owner?) is very knowledgeable and talkative. He'll tell you about all the different plants and scenery and makes the time fly with good info. The other two guides (there's one in the front, one in the middle, and one in the back) are knowledgeable but not nearly as free flowing with info as Micah, which can be good or bad depending on what you're looking for. There are fresh Hawaiian fruits you've never heard of at the beginning and end to try to see if you like (free, just sitting there, Micah can tell you all about them). They also maintain a sugar juice stand right next door that I recommend you stop by after to try a few more new things out. The tour was a good time and we would definitely recommend it to others.
Written October 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa B
Bellingham, WA48 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
The guides were wonderful, the scenery was beautiful and being on a horse is always fun. But this is very much an out and back trail with the horses lined up butt to nose. If you have never been on a horse, have younger children or are nervous around horses this is great, otherwise I would just recommend hiking down and enjoying the valley on your own!
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we are splitting our August trip between two locations with accommodations in Volcano and Mauna Lani area. My question is, as far as driving, which location will offer a shorter drive or better drive as far as distance and traffic? How long are the drives? Since this is August is the morning tour more recommended? And does your horseback tour go to the black sand beach or to a an area to view the beach? And are guests on horseback the entire time or is there an opportunity to walk around as well? Sorry for all the questions! Thank you for your reply.
Written July 17, 2019
Mauna Lani will be much closer but it'll still take you a good while. Our GPS travel estimates were pretty accurate, so start there when planning your tour. Morning tours are nice because you can get your tour done early and still have a lot of the day left, but you have to be there early so if you have a long travel time you'll have to wake up early. I never really experienced traffic anywhere except a little in Hilo and a little in Waimea. Our tour did not go to any beaches in the valley because the beaches in the valley are privately owned, at least from what I understood from our tour guide. The tour actually starting up in town and everyone loads into a passenger van that drives down into the valley, then you gather at the stable to get onto your horse. We did not dismount our horses any time during the tour until we got back to the stable. The valley land is all privately owned and working farms. It's worth the tour though. You cannot drive into the valley without a 4 wheel drive vehicle and I would not want to walk down (the road slope is pretty intense) so this is a great way to get down in the valley.
Written July 19, 2019
I am going to the Big Island in August, would it better to book the 9:30am tour or the 1:30pm tour?
Written July 4, 2019
I see pictures where riders go through water. Do we need waterproof shoes? Or, would sneakers suffice?
Written March 28, 2019
You don't need waterproof shoes but it can be muddy or the ground can be damp so a washable pair of sneakers are fine. Water in the streams can be up or down so it will be an adventure.
Written March 28, 2019
A hat, sunblock, pants, and a closed shoe preferably with a heal. I would wear a shirt that shades your shoulders. I loved this experience both times I went.
Written July 22, 2018
What is the max number of riders per tour?
Written June 23, 2018
I would just go to their website SMS ask them.
Written June 25, 2018
Do all riders have to be under 200 lbs?What if a rider is slightly over that weight but in fit condition. Can they not participate?
Written May 5, 2018
Hi, we like to cap it at 200 but we do take people over this weight occasionally. It depends on the horses and who has their shoes, etc. If you think you may want to ride please give me a call at 8087757291. Have a wonderful day.
Written May 5, 2018
How long does it take for the van to reach the valley floor, and how long are you actually riding the horses?
Written January 22, 2018
Hi, it took somewhere between 15 to 30 minutes I'm estimating.
The ride down itself was nice for the views. The ride on the horses seemed pretty long, but probably between 1 to 2 hours.
I would highly recommend it!
Written January 23, 2018
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