Happy Trails Hawaii
Happy Trails Hawaii
5
This location was reported permanently closed
About
Aloha! Join us as we celebrate our 29th year of providing a top quality guest experience on Oahu's scenic north shore of Hawaii. Nestled on the hilltop above picturesque Waimea bay, our well trained horses and professional guides escort you through our hidden island paradise. Explore nature's rustic charm as you ride along trails that weave through sun-filtered forests, fern laced valleys and organic tropical fruit orchards. "Enjoy a "taste of Hawaii" as you sample our seasonal ranch grown varieties of bananas, guava, star and passion fruit. Capture panoramic ocean and mountain views at scenic vistas along your trail ride. Come, share in our spirit of aloha and the pleasure of horseback riding with Happy Trails Hawaii.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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
727 reviews
Excellent
661
Very good
46
Average
11
Poor
4
Terrible
5
jocep78
1 contribution
Jan 2020
My husband and I wanted to do something other than a romantic dinner for our 1 year anniversary celebration. We decided to try out horseback riding since both of us have never experienced this before. After researching, we decided on Happy Trails due to its scenic location and affordable pricing (especially for Kama'aina). From introductions to goodbyes, the staff of Happy Trails were professional, friendly, and totally warm and inviting. There was not one moment I felt they did not have our safety and enjoyment as their number one priority. They were also very accommodating and thoughtful when it came time to capture scenic photos of us. Thank you Happy Trails for making our anniversary so memorable and exciting! We will definitely find ourselves visiting again.
Written January 22, 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.
It is exciting to read that you chose to share your first anniversary and first horseback ride, ever, with us!
We appreciate you placing your confidence in our team of guides and horses. I'll be certain to pass along your praise and a few extra carrots for our four-legged crew. We look forward to welcoming you back, until then Happy Trails to you!
Written February 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
真矢子 渡
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Family
The staffs were cheerful and helpful, and some explanations were in Japanese. Wearing helmets are not required, which was one of the reasons I chose this ranch. I was a little bit disappointed to the fact that most part of the course were in the woods so I only got to enjoy the view of the sea for the last 10 minutes. But once again the staffs were very friendly, there weren’t too much Japanese tourists, and overall I had a great time.最低限必要な馬の扱いについては日本語で説明もしてくれます。ただ、道のりはぬかるみで馬に声をかけ続けてひたすら森の中。馬とのスキンシップをはかれて楽しいけど、眺望は最後の10分以外、望めませんのでそこをご理解の上、行かれると良いでしょう。
Written February 27, 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.
Ashley P.
6 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
I cannot stop talking about how pleasant my experience at Happy Trails was. The crew from start to finish was professional, well-trained and welcoming. Marc and Casey made our party feel very comfortable by thoroughly explaining every step of the process. Casey guided the tour and was a DREAM! She is smart, funny and took the best photos along the way.
Tammy, who works in the office, made buying a gift card super easy as well. I cannot imagine a better experience elsewhere and will be sure to visit every time I’m in Oahu.
Happy Trails is also taking all COVID-19 precautions and I felt extremely safe during uncertain times. You’re in great hands whenever you decide to visit.
Mahalo and many many blessings to the Happy Trails team!
Tammy, who works in the office, made buying a gift card super easy as well. I cannot imagine a better experience elsewhere and will be sure to visit every time I’m in Oahu.
Happy Trails is also taking all COVID-19 precautions and I felt extremely safe during uncertain times. You’re in great hands whenever you decide to visit.
Mahalo and many many blessings to the Happy Trails team!
Written November 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.
KarisJones1991
London, UK1 contribution
Oct 2019
I had such a great experience horseback riding with Happy Trails.
I'm not super confident on a horse and Mark made me feel fully at ease. Super lovely guy.
It was myself and a family of 4 and I felt like enough support and attention was given to me.
The trail is really beautiful.
I would definitely recommend and I will 100 percent be going back if I ever find myself in Oahu.
Mark went above and beyond and gave me a ride to the bus stop as I don't drive and the journey up to the ranch is not very well pedestrianized.
Thank you so much! I hope business is able to go ahead as much as normal during these times!
I'm not super confident on a horse and Mark made me feel fully at ease. Super lovely guy.
It was myself and a family of 4 and I felt like enough support and attention was given to me.
The trail is really beautiful.
I would definitely recommend and I will 100 percent be going back if I ever find myself in Oahu.
Mark went above and beyond and gave me a ride to the bus stop as I don't drive and the journey up to the ranch is not very well pedestrianized.
Thank you so much! I hope business is able to go ahead as much as normal during these times!
Written June 22, 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.
Aloha and mahalo for taking the time to write a review of your experience! We are delighted to read that you enjoyed your horseback ride. Mark, our ranch manager is an awesome horseman and full of aloha. After months of being closed, we are thrilled to be back in the saddle. We hope to see you when your travels bring you back to our island paradise. Be well and happy trails to you!
Written July 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nHonolulu
Honolulu, HI1 contribution
Jun 2020 • Family
Our group included myslef, my 8 year old daughter, anther 7 year old friend. the 2 hr ride was so wonderful. The views at the end were breathtaking, staff was so friendly, and professional. Happy Trails is a locally owned small business that clearly takes pride in running a safe, and friendly establishment. My daughter loved it so much, she wants to return asap! xoxo Mahalo for the memories
Written June 29, 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.
We are so appreciative of the continued support from our local community during this challenging period in time. It is a special joy to see the faces of children light up as they ride on these beautiful creatures. Mahalo for riding with us! Aloha and Happy Trails to you until we meet again.
Written August 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
venessa808
Honolulu, HI1 contribution
May 2022 • Family
Happy Trails was EXACTLY what I was looking for! I took my daughter and a couple friends for her 10th birthday. They had a great time. My 17 year old son loved it too! It was the first time horseback riding for a couple of the kids but everyone made them feel comfortable & safe. Even offered helmets if they wanted! The trail & views were beautiful & peaceful. The group was small. There was constant communication & support during the entire ride. We didn't feel like we walked into someone's business or workplace. We felt like we were welcomed into their home as guests, not customers. Mark truly loves his horses and adds a personal touch to each rider as he explains everything. I totally recommend this trail! My daughter wants to go again!
Written June 5, 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.
Rich Becker
Las Vegas, NV45 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We took an unforgettable 1 1/2 hour ride on along forested hill trails that eventually led to a breathtaking view over the North Shore of Oahu. The horses are well mannered polo ponies (with a bridle but no bit), which makes them especially easy to handle for riders of all skill levels. The saddles and outfitting are well maintained so we experienced no soreness following day (despite flying back stateside later that afternoon).
The guides are easy going, providing some amazing pointers and conversation along a looping trail (so no part of the ride is repeated). The horses are equipped with velcro saddle bags (over the horn), providing riders with some easy storage options for a phone or a bottle of water. There is no problem with taking your pictures during some segments of the ride, and the guides will prompt you when to do it. They will also take pictures of you and your party.
We already plan to try different rides the next time we are on Oahu, especially one that leads the horses right down to the beach. The rates are very reasonable for the value of the ride, and the guides are very accommodating. As someone who has riden at least once or twice a year with his daughter, I can safely say that Happy Trails lands toward the top of our list of favorites.
The guides are easy going, providing some amazing pointers and conversation along a looping trail (so no part of the ride is repeated). The horses are equipped with velcro saddle bags (over the horn), providing riders with some easy storage options for a phone or a bottle of water. There is no problem with taking your pictures during some segments of the ride, and the guides will prompt you when to do it. They will also take pictures of you and your party.
We already plan to try different rides the next time we are on Oahu, especially one that leads the horses right down to the beach. The rates are very reasonable for the value of the ride, and the guides are very accommodating. As someone who has riden at least once or twice a year with his daughter, I can safely say that Happy Trails lands toward the top of our list of favorites.
Written August 18, 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.
Nakia Mclean
Mililani, HI22 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
Mark was our guide he was warm, welcoming, and friendly . Instructions were thorough I . We felt safe informed and comfortable. We took the 1.5 ride . The horses are very well behaved . When arriving you are greeted by peacocks and other birds . Mark had star fruit prepared for us very tasty . Each horse walks in a single file line there is a guide in front of the line and a guide in the back of the line so you feel very safe . The trails is very serene , the views are beautiful , and the conversation is great . Cameras and water bottles are allowed . Mark took pictures of us individually and as a group over the beautiful lookout area right before the ride ended . Highly recommend! If you are from out of town you will need to show your negative COVID test results before you ride .
Written December 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.
hanakaulani7
1 contribution
Jul 2021
We went on a 1pm tour, the older man at the end of the tour who was one of the guides, said bye to all of us and then I saw him hit one of the horses with a hydroflask very hard multiple times to make it go away from the loading pad. He looked angry when he did it too. Makes me think that it can't be the only time he takes his anger out on the horses.
Written July 20, 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.
saraOmike
Yokohama, Japan5 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
My daughter and I took a trail ride on a Sunday for her 8th birthday. It was beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful. Most of the ride was through the forest, but part of it was through a mango grove with a beautiful view of the ocean. Mark and his team lead a great ride. They are friendly and just fun to be with. Highly recommend this smaller ranch where you will get personalized attention! They are also adhering to all COVID mitigation measures.
Written February 11, 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.
Nina Z
New York City, New York
Hello! I am an experienced rider, and I wanted to ask if there are any chances during the trail to canter/gallop? I've been on many trails during which it was strictly walking at all times. I understand this may be a safety issue, but I just wanted to ask. Thanks :)
Written July 17, 2015
Manager7433
Haleiwa, Hawaii
Aloha Nina, and thank you for your question.
We are unable to allow guests to canter/gallop our
horses as it presents a possible unsafe situation with mixed
ability riders in the group. Our trail rides are walking with some
trotting as we ride mountainside of Waimea Bay.
Best wishes and Happy trails to you!
Written July 19, 2015
Manager7433
Haleiwa, Hawaii
Aloha Evelyn B.,
I was very surprised to read the review of your experience of our horseback trail ride. The joy that comes from being around these majestic, intuitive creatures along with riding through our kua aina is
an experience to be treasured. To think that we missed the mark for you to embrace this special mana is heartbreaking.
I welcome the opportunity to speak with you further. As we retire our horses far younger than you refer to, ride in bit less tack, and are praised for the quality of our herd of horses, this is most out of character for our operation. Upon speaking with you I will address the issue immediately. Likewise, I would like to provide you with your choice of a refund for your trail ride, or extend a complimentary ride to you. We embrace the aloha spirit , and upon your decision will do what is pono.
Blessings be upon you.
Written April 3, 2015
Manager7433
Haleiwa, Hawaii
This is actually our reply to the post made by Evelyn B. To date we have not
got any response, and are unable to find a booking made by guest anytime in 2015.
Written April 12, 2015
I was wondering what the minimum age limit is and if you allow small children to double ride with a parent?
Written March 21, 2015
Manager7433
Haleiwa, Hawaii
Aloha and mahalo for your inquiry. The youngest age we take on our guided horseback tours is 6 years. We are not permitted to allow doubling in the saddle due to strict insurance specifications. Safety first! Best wishes and Happy Trails to you!
Written March 22, 2015
Manager7433
Haleiwa, Hawaii
Your interest to horseback ride with your daughter at our Happy Trails Hawaii horse ranch is appreciated. Regret to advise that we are unable to accommodate a 4 year old rider. As only one rider is permitted in saddle on a horse, she is just a bit too young - our minimum age is 6 years, to navigate the trails with you and our other guests. Best wishes to you for a most delightful vacation in our island paradise.
Written March 31, 2015
What is the approximate cost for the tours? Thanks.
Written February 24, 2015
Manager7433
Haleiwa, Hawaii
Aloha!
Our 1.5 hour guided horseback rides are $79 p.p.+ tax
and we charge $ 99.00 p.p. + tax.
Minimum age 6 years, all guests ride their own horse!
Taking small groups of 6 - 10 riders per tour, give us a call to reserve your horseback ride in paradise when you are ready!
Mahalo and Happy Trails to you!
Written March 22, 2015
HatshepsutQoE
Kaneohe, Hawaii
I am an experienced rider, having my own horse (Arab Mare) for 10 years. Do you offer non-bunny trails to explore?, lol. What are your hourly rates and how long is one able to trail ride?
Thank You.
Written December 24, 2014
Manager7433
Haleiwa, Hawaii
Mahalo for your inquiry. You owned your own horse, what a special treat!
We are most fortunate to have a couple dozen at our Happy Trails Hawaii horse ranch, that provide guided horseback rides year around.
We offer 1.5 and 2 hour tours ( tour times include a 15 minute riding overview & tack adjustment) to our guests, 7 days a week if the weather permits.
Rates range from $79 - $99 per person + tax. Both active duty U.S. Military and Kama'aina discounts are offered to those that qualify; government issued indentification required.
Likewise, simply mention you saw us on "TripAdvisor" when you make your reservation and we"ll give you a "TA5". That's $5 off our non-discounted rates for just sharing where you read about Happy Trails Hawaii!!
We hope to share our spirit of aloha and passion for horses with you soon.
Written December 31, 2014
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