All Maui Horseback Riding Tours (with prices)

Horseback riding is a great choice in Hawaiʻi. When combined with ocean or mountain scenery, the tours are a fun, family-friendly outdoor option that allow you to explore the land and see how ranching still plays a major role in Hawaiʻi’s economy and lifestyle.

The towns of Upcountry Maui, located upon the slopes of Haleakalā, are home to the “Paniolo,” or Hawaiian cowboy, culture in Hawaiʻi. The history of Hawaiians becoming cowboys dates back to the 1830s, when vaqueros from California were brought to the islands to teach locals how to rope, ride, and run a ranch. It’s possible to experience this slice of culture and history when visiting an upcountry town like Makawao, which was built around ranching, plantation, and paniolo culture.

But there are also other areas on Maui that still harbor the cowboy lifestyle, with a variety of horseback riding tours to choose from.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HORSEBACK TOURS ON MAUI

HORSEBACK TOURS ON MAUI

These are our favorite horseback tours for the different regions on Maui:

Triple L Ranch

Best For: Paniolo History/Ocean Views.

Location: South Maui.

Triple L Ranch is a history-soaked outfitter that puts the Paniolo pastime front and center. Located in a remote corner of South Maui, the rides at Triple L explore the privately-owned ranch property, with sweeping views of the coast and ocean. It offers the longest ride available on Maui, a 3.5-hour tour that includes lunch: grilled Triple L Ranch burgers, made from beef raised on site. If you do the shorter tour that does not include lunch, be sure to swing by Bully’s Burgers, the ranch’s restaurant, to try one of their local beef patties.

• Rides Offered: 2-hour open range tour ($200), 3.5-hour lunch ride ($300).
• Age Minimum: 8 years old.
• Weight Maximum: 210 lbs.

Booking information: More information on the 2-hour open range tour and the 3.5-hour lunch ride.

The rides by Triple L Ranch take you down the dormant volcanoes slopes of Haleakalā. Image: Triple L Ranch.

Ironwood Ranch

Best for: Private tours/Pony rides.

Location: West Maui.

Ironwood Ranch is located high in the West Maui Mountains above Napili, between Kaʻanapali and Kapalua. The rides take you through the highlands, including tropical valleys, pineapple fields, and ironwood forests. The routes on the mountainside offer views overlooking the island and ocean. Pony rides are also available for children.

• Rides Offered: 1.5-hour private tour ($150); seasonal group rides; pony rides (4 years old and up).
• Age Minimum: 4 years old (pony); 9 years old (horses).
• Weight Maximum: 190 lbs.

Booking information: on the Ironwood Ranch website.

At the Ironwood Ranch rides, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Maui and the neighboring islands of Molokai , Lanai, and Kahoolawe. Image: Ironwood Ranch

Circle M Ranch

Best For: Coastal ride.

Location: North Shore.

Formerly known as Mendes Ranch, Circle M is located on the western part of the north shore outside of Wailuku. Its rides explore its ranch but also take you down to the coast, where you can overlook the rocky coastline of northern Maui. The views from the coastal ride are spectacular.

• Rides Offered: 2-hour general ride ($180); Private ride ($280).
• Age Minimum: 7 years old.
• Weight Maximum: 230 lbs.

Booking information: on the Circle M Ranch website.

Some of the rides at the Circle M Ranch take you to the coast for views of the ocean and majestic mountains. Image: Circle M Ranch

Maui Mountain Activities

Best For: Waterfalls/Coastal ride.

Location: West Maui.

Maui Mountain Activities’ horseback rides begin high in the West Maui Mountains (2,500 feet above sea level) for a chance to ride in view of waterfalls, then descends down to the coast, where you can ride beside the ocean (but not directly on the sand). We like this ride for its diversity of terrain, and the chance to see both waterfalls and ride alongside the ocean.

• Rides Offered: 2-hour general ride, morning and afternoon ($187.50).
• Age Minimum: 7 years old.
• Weight Maximum: 215 lbs.

Booking information: on the Maui Mountain Activities website.

Thompson Ranch Maui

Best For: Upcountry Maui/Ranch experience.

Location: Upcountry Maui.

Thompson Ranch is located high on the slopes of Haleakalā between 4,000 and 6,500 feet, and the rides take place right there on property. This is not exactly a commercial operation; instead, this family-run ranch opens its property to host private tours (4 riders maximum) of its land. If you’re looking for a horseback riding experience that will give you an inside look into local ranch life, Thompson Ranch is the outfitter for you. We recommend bringing a few layers due to the higher elevation of the ride.

• Rides Offered: 2-hour general ride, morning ($200).
• Age Minimum: 10 years old.
• Weight Maximum: 200 lbs.

Booking information: on the Thompson Ranch website.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A HORSEBACK TOUR

All horseback riding tours share similar underlying qualities, but they are differentiated by the details. Here’s what to consider before booking:

• Horseback rides are generally between 1 and 2 hours in length. Some companies give the option of a longer ride.
• No experience is needed! Although, some outfitters will offer tours for more experienced riders.
• Unless you book a private experience, all tours will take place with a group.
• The location of the ride is the main factor that distinguishes one tour from another. Be sure to understand the terrain and area it explores before choosing a tour, and feel free to ask questions directly to the operator.
• We recommend choosing an outfitter that is associated with an actual ranch. This ensures the horses are well cared for, and allows you to learn about the historical and cultural components of horseback riding directly from the source.
• Each company will have different limits for children and adult riders, including age and weight restrictions. Be sure to take notice upon booking.