Horseback Riding on Maui?

Not too many horseback riding reviews in these great TA forums. I was told you MUST take a trail ride in Maui.. a highlight of the mystical island.. If there is anyone who has done that and would like to share, I (and others, I am sure) would love to know your experience. We will be sure to post our trail ride for those who are struggling with choosing what to do. So many great activities, so little time....Thanks again for all the great tips and comments...

Horseback Riding on Maui?

Rode with Pony Express several years ago into the crater of Haleakala. It was beautiful, but a long day. Horses travel one behind the other down a trail, lunch at the bottom, and then back up. It was great, but I%26#39;m not sure I would do it again. Only because it was an exhausting day.

Horseback Riding on Maui?

We also did the Haleakala ride with Pony Express - really enjoyed and recommend it. Long but incredible experience IMO.

On this forum I have also read a lot of good comments about rides offered by Mendez Ranch - you may want to do a forum search to read more about the Mendez option.

we also used pony express to go into the crater and it was the best thing we did by far.

In 2004 we went horseback riding with Ironwood Ranch which is about 20 minutes north of Kaanapali. We really enjoyed it/had a good experience. In 2000 we went with a company (don%26#39;t remember the name) that has since gone out of business on the northwest side of Haleakala/East Maui Volcano.

A few pictures from our 2004 family trip:

barefoot-in-maui.com/maui-attractions-and-ac…

We are going riding on Maui, but off the beaten path. (Near Oheo Gulch/Kipahulu area at Maui Stables) Will post info when we return. Have heard great things about the ride down the Sliding Sands Trail in Haleakala crater.

We just did the Pony Express ride last week down Haleakala. As mentioned by someone else, it is a LONG day. From Wailea, it takes about 45 mins to get to the base, then another 45 mins to the summit. Once up there, you get on the horses, ride down 2 hours, take about 30-45 min lunch break, and then 2 hours back up the crater. It truly is an all day event.

I have heard many, many good things and Mendez ranch and would have definitely done it if we were staying over in the Kaanapali area. It%26#39;s my understanding the trail ride there is about 90 mins.

My sister did horseback riding years ago out of the Makena area (Makena Stables, perhaps?), and since she was a more experienced rider, her trek across the slopes of Haleakala were the hightlight of our trip for her. They didn%26#39;t follow any specific trails, just rode the horses freely across the countryside, while looking out over La Perouse Bay. Not sure if you%26#39;d be up for that rather than just taking a trail ride, but for the experienced rider, I think it would be more thrilling than just following a trail.

here is a link to Makena Stables:

http://www.makenastables.com/

Have fun whichever ride you choose.

We did a lot of research on Maui trail rides and did not want an all day, exhausting one but a beautiful scenic ride (not to use up too much precious time) for the memory. We decided on the Mendes Ranch which has valleys, waterfalls, cliffs and beautiful scenery in a short (2 hour) morning ride or afternoon ride OR a ride and barbecue lunch. Possiboly some other options..? We are skipping the lunch for a 2 hour morning ride and will post our experience when we get back in mid May,.. (IF we can get on the plane with our cast..) Aloha

Make sure you all stretch your legs before you ride. The last time Wife and I rode horses, neither of us could walk normal for a few days.

Have a great time, T

I rode with Makena Ranch one year. The horse was AWESOME. (I%26#39;ve been riding since age 3, so it makes a big difference to me.) We rode out on the south flank of Haleakala and up to one of the old cinder cones. Fascinating to see that terrain up close. The ride was only three of us plus the leader - virtually a private outing.