Kauai is the fourth largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is famous for its beauty, culture, and attraction.
It is also called the Garden Island- a nickname acquired due to the dense vegetation covering the island’s landscape.
Kauai is divided into four primary regions: the North Shore, the East Side, the South Shore, and the West Side.
There are plenty of ways to explore Kauai. You can cruise the island, lounging on numerous public beaches. You can hike, take a helicopter trip, or use a bicycle.
But for sheer pleasure, nothing surpasses a horseback ride. Visualize yourself on top of a noble steed, taking in the wonders of this stunning tropical paradise. That experience is bound to create treasured memories that will last forever.
Whether a novice or experienced rider, an expert guide will lead you and your loved ones on a relaxing tour of Kauai’s picturesque highlights.
Are you planning a trip to Kauai? Here are some of the best Kauai horseback riding tours.
Best Kauai Horseback Riding Tours
1. CJM Country Stables
Horseback riding in Kauai is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Hawaiian islands. This stable offers horseback riding in a calm and tranquil environment.
Whether you want to ride in a national park, on a beach, or on a private plantation, the horses at CJM Country Stables are prepared to take you wherever you want to go and help you have an unforgettable experience.
CJM Country Stables provides remarkable services to their patrons. They have a team of professionals who will assist you in designing the most suitable package for you and your loved ones.
The Secret Beach Picnic Ride is one of the tours that CJM Country Stables offers. This tour is perfect for visitors eight and above. It allows you to spend the whole afternoon exploring the beaches of Kauai and enjoying a tasty custom picnic lunch.
Your ride will begin with a short lesson from your guide, who will demonstrate how to ride the horse and ensure you feel comfortable before you start.
Even if you have little kids in your group who have never been on a horse or it is your first time, you will be given surplus time to get comfortable before you begin.
You will ride around the local beaches for about 60 minutes before stopping so you can check out the area on foot. During this time, your guide will organize your picnic lunch, including chips, deli sandwiches, and other refreshments. Then, you will all sit together and enjoy a few minutes in front of the beautiful shorelines.
The Secret Beach Picnic Ride tour lasts approximately 3 hours and is held every Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.
The Mahaulepu Beach Ride, another tour, is a shorter excursion but just as thrilling.
This picturesque trip allows you to experience an expansive range of scenery and terrain across the island, which offers a little something for everybody. Of course, you will be taken along the gorgeous coastlines that Kauai is famous for.
The whole ride takes place throughout the Mahaulelepu area. As you travel along, your guide will narrate the intriguing back story of the region. Furthermore, your guide will also tell you everything about the wildlife and native plants you will encounter.
The Mahaulelepu Beach Ride tour lasts nearly 2 hours and takes place every Tuesday to Saturday at 9:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. Check-ins start 30 minutes before the commencement of your ride.
Are you planning to propose to your sweetheart in Kauai or celebrate a special event with your buddies and family? CMJ County Stables will satisfy your needs with a custom private ride, no matter the situation.
Custom Private Rides allows you to work directly with the team at CMJ Country Stables to include all the gorgeous locations you want to experience during your ride.
The Custom Private Rides lasts about 90 minutes. Regardless of the tour you choose, there are some basic things to note to ensure your safety and comfort during your ride:
Covered or closed-toe shoes are necessary for your safety, and although long pants are advised, shorts are also allowed.
CMJ Country Stables advises putting on sunscreen to shield yourself against the warm Hawaiian sun. Visitors can bring a small camera, but selfie sticks are prohibited.
The company also prohibits visitors from bringing rain gear, backpacks, or ponchos. Liquids may be available for purchase, and you can ask for a small saddle bag to put your camera and water.
Address: Koloa, HI 96756, United States
2. Silver Falls Ranch
Silver Falls Ranch is near the Kam’okoa Ridge, a lush valley with natural waterways and beauty. It provides one of the best Kauai horseback riding tours.
It is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy riding horses and are interested in seeing Silver Falls, a private waterfall.
Silver Falls Ranch has tour guides throughout the year, so it is safe and fun for everybody.
This ranch offers horseback riding lessons for all ages and skill levels, including kids. The ranch contains two main areas, one for novices and another for more experienced riders.
The beginner area is ideal for those who are only learning how to ride and would like to have the experience of riding a horse.
Different lessons are offered at Silver Fall Ranch, including private and group lessons.
Private lessons can be organized for 60 or 30 minutes at the ranch, while group lessons can be scheduled for a half-day or full-day. Riding lessons are open for groups of 8 or 12 people.
The advanced rider area is ideal for those who already know how to ride a horse and would love to continue practicing. Riders can choose to ride in a group or ride solo.
Visitors can use the stable’s facilities and enjoy a guided trail ride around the property.
Address:2888 Kamookoa Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754, United States
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3. Princeville Ranch
Princeville Ranch is among the oldest cattle ranches in Hawaii, founded in 1831 during the reign of Kamehameha III. It covers an unbelievable 2,5000 acres.
The ranch features 2,500 acres of rolling pastures facing the Pacific Ocean with views of the Hanalei mountains.
Princeville Ranch is one of the most untouched locations to learn horseback riding in Hawaii. Since 1978, they have concentrated on natural horsemanship, allowing riders to bond with their horses and learn riding skills.
They have been offering horsemanship lessons to kids and adults on the north shore of Kaua’i for more than 40 years. They offer English and Western lessons to riders of all levels.
Their operating doctrine is focused on natural horsemanship. Their tours offer an authentic paniolo experience, as you get to enjoy open spaces and stunning oceans and mountain scenery.
Princeville Ranch offers lesson packages, including trail riding lessons, horseback arena lessons, and waterfall & private horseback lessons. The trail riding lessons are relaxing and available to visitors of all skill levels.
The private instructors work with each group member to pair them with the appropriate horse and educational materials. Here, individuals learn a holistic approach to general horse care and riding.
Once familiarized with general horsemanships, the instructor or instructors lead the group across the ranch’s beautiful private landscapes for a remarkable trail riding experience.
An instructor will lead classes on tacking, groundwork, spatial awareness, grooming, and English and Western-style riding.
The waterfall & private horseback rides are not always available. They tend to be offered only during the off-season, so it is necessary to contact Princeville Ranch directly before scheduling this type of adventure.
Kids are welcome on the tour, but they must be up to 8 years old and meet the height requirement and weight for riding.
Kids 15 years old and below must be accompanied by a guardian and must put on a riding helmet, which is provided. Those aged 16-17 are permitted to ride alone as long as they have a consent waiver from their parents.
Hiking boots and tennis shoes are needed to ride, although visitors can rent them from the ranch for a small extra fee.
Long pants are advised. You will want to bring a swimsuit and towel for swimming in the waterfall.
Bug Spray and sunscreen are also things you should have during your horseback riding trip.
Whether you are a beginner or experienced rider, exploring as a couple, alone or with children, Princeville Ranch offers one of the best Kauai horseback riding tours.
Address: 5-33900 Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I ride a horse in Kauai?
Horses are fantastic companions. They can be a great source of fun, exercise, and relaxation.
Horseback riding in Kauai offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the island’s natural beauty.
You can ride over the mountains, through the jungle, along the coast, and through the coast.
The island has a lot to offer horseback riders. The trails on the north and east coasts are available to the public.
The trails are well-marked and well-maintained, so you can comfortably and safely enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
If you want to see the island’s native animals, you can ride through the jungle and see Kauai’s native birds or visit the Waimea Valley Zoo.
Why is Kauai unique?
Kauai is a tiny island; hence, you will have plenty of privacy. Only about 50,000 people reside on the island, so you won’t feel like you are in the center of a city.
When riding a horse, you will have the perfect views of the mountains and the oceans and be able to relax and appreciate the scenery.
Horse riding in Kauai is something that everybody should experience. You will have the opportunity to admire nature on top of a horse.
How to make the most of your horse riding adventure in Kauai
Kauai horseback riding tours offer an incredible experience. Here are a few tips to make the most of your adventure:
- Pick a reputable tour operator: Research and choose a reputable horseback riding tour operator in Kauai. Read reviews and make sure they have skilled guides and well-cared-for horses.
- Wear appropriate clothes: Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes suitable for rising. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended due to the Hawaiian sun.
- Be familiar with your riding level: Be honest about your riding experience when booking. Kauai offers options for novices and professional riders.
- Pay attention to your guide: Listen carefully to the instructions your guide will dish out to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable ride.
- Respect the horses: Treat the horses with respect and kindness. Follow the guidelines for interacting with them and ask for permission before feeding them.
- Don’t drift from the designated trails: Remain on the established trails to preserve Kauai’s natural beauty and protect the ecosystem.
- Be mindful of the environment: Make sure you don’t litter; if you see any garbage, pick it up. Show respect for the local environment and wildlife.
- Take essentials: Carry essentials like a camera, water, and vital medication in a small bag or backpack.
- Enjoy the views: Enjoy the beautiful landscapes, including mountains, lush greenery, and coastline views. Don’t forget to take pictures with your camera.
- Be ready for any weather switch: Hawaii’s weather can switch quickly, so be prepared for rain. Check the weather forecast for that day and carry a rain jacket just in case.
- Book in advance: Popular horseback riding tours get filled up quickly, so book your adventure early to secure your spot
- Be punctual: Arrive on time for your scheduled ride to ensure you don’t miss out on any part of the experience.
By following these tips, you will have an unforgettable and enjoyable horseback riding experience in the stunning landscapes of Kauai, Hawaii.
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Plan Your Trip to Kauai
Horseback riding is one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences you can have during your vacation in Kauai.
Escape to nature and explore Kauai on horseback. Ride across foothills towards the coast, along bluffs, past hidden beaches and bays, across waterfalls and sugar cane fields.
Some horseback riding companies offer guided tours that range from one hour to five hours, which include stops for pictures, snacks, swimming, picnics, and time to drink in the views.
Many tours carry you into their privately owned ranches, complete with secret vistas and waterfalls seen by only a few people.
Whether you want to propose to your partner or plan an excursion with your family and friends, you are guaranteed to make memorable memories during your ride.