Whether you are someone who rides and works with horses regularly or has barely touched a saddle, there’s plenty to love about them.
With a good guide, the right path, and, of course, the perfect scenery to gawk at!
And when it comes to Hawaii!
Also known as Hawai’i in the native Hawaiian language, this tropical archipelago is home to one of the most diverse environments in the tropics, from gorgeous beaches to dense jungles, local towns and cities, and even volcano hotspots (pun intended).
Many people visiting this young and vibrant state end up visiting the state capital of Honolulu, located on the island of O’ahu.
However, at the same time, many people end up worrying that, by choosing to go to the hustling and bustling big city, they’re going to end up missing some of that natural beauty that Hawai’i has to offer.
We’re here to tell you that this is not the case. And there’s no better way to see that beauty than on a horseback riding tour!
In this guide, we are going to show you some of the best tours that you can get on horseback on the state capital island of O’ahu.
We are also going to cover some of the other things that you should keep in mind while you are planning your horseback tours, as well as what you can expect whilst you are out on them.
Horseback Tours On O’ahu
So, without further ado, let’s cover some of the best horseback tours that will show you the natural beauty of O’ahu!
First up in this list, we have a trail that is perfect for the horseback sports fan who loves to travel, especially if they love to learn something whilst they are there!
Hawaii is known for its world-renowned polo clubs, and there might not be a better way to experience this love than with a horse ride along with one of the most important beaches and polo clubs itself!
Not only does this particular tour take you across one of the many gorgeous beaches that O’ahu has to offer, but also allows you to ride on a polo horse itself!
And with polo lessons available too, you’ll get an experience that you won’t soon forget!
And with plenty of options for when and how you ride, whether that is in the beautiful heat of the midday sun, or under a jaw-dropping sunset, whether you want to ride with others, or have a nice private session with you and a significant other.
So, whether you love polo, or just love the feeling of trotting across sand whilst marveling at the stunning blue ocean, this is a great tour for you!
With so many beaches to choose from on this beautiful island, it’ll be hard to narrow it down to just one horse ride!
Located in Waialua, like our previous entry, this beachfront tour gives you all that you could ever want to see whilst you are visiting this beautiful state.
Run by North Shore Stables, this is a horse ride that lets you enjoy the natural beauty of O’ahu’s delightful seafront, and without breaking the bank too!
You’ll also learn a few things about bonding with horses as mounted animals, making this an ideal for people who aren’t exactly sure of themselves when it comes to riding animals.
And with over 15 acres of ranch land by the seafront, there’ll be plenty of space to get used to these amazing animals. And with a stunning view to boot!
The only thing that you should keep in mind with this particular trail is that the rough time for a ride on this trail comes in at around 45 to 50 minutes.
Whilst that may be a turn away for some who want an hours-long experience, this makes it perfect for people who are on a tight schedule whilst O’ahu, or for people who aren’t sure about horseback tours, but want to try them.
So, if you know someone who’s been thinking about visiting Hawai’i and trying their hand at horseback travel, you know where to send them!
This one is perfect for kids that want to get around and see the great outdoors.
Located on the iconic Turtle Bay, this particular horseback tour trail is the only trail on O’ahu that is offered a resort as well.
This means that it is the perfect extra activity to add to your itinerary if you plan on staying at the turtle bay resort.
As we already mentioned, this is the perfect horseback ride for kids of all riding experiences.
Not only that, but there are also tons of extra activities that your kids can do with the horse, such as riding (obviously), handling, feeding, and general care. It is a great way for children to discover a new passion or hobby! It’s the perfect activity for kids between 7 and 14.
This is also on top of this great experience for the young ones, the stables also come with a variety of options for adult rides too.
You can opt to go with a midday or evening/sunset ride, as well as whether you want to do it with a larger group, or as a quiet private session.
Don’t worry if you’ve just come from another activity, as locker space for your other gear is also included.
This is a must-consider, especially for people who want to experience more of turtle bay!
This tour is perfect for the moviegoer in your life, whether that’s yourself, or someone you love!
Many fans of the silver screen may recognize the stunning mountain backdrop of the Kualoa ranch from many movies, including blockbusters such as Pearl Harbor and Jurassic Park.
So not only is the scenery amazing, it’s like seeing the behind-the-scenes of your favorite cinema experiences.
Of course, the Kualoa Ranch and its trail through the Ka’a’awa Valley has much more to offer than just simple star power.
The tour won’t just take you through the valley and show you filming spots, but will also give you a deeper appreciation and understanding of the valley and island itself.
And for a state with a history as colorful and expansive as Hawai’i, that’s more than able to match any feeling a movie can leave you with!
And, of course, all of this will be done in the safety and comfort of your experienced tour guide and horse wrangler.
Last, and certainly not least, we have the Happy Trails horseback tour. If you love the ocean, and its majestic beauty, then this is absolutely the horseback trail for you!
The riding trail takes you across so much stunning terrain, from tropical wooded areas, to open fields. And all of this with the beautiful Pacific Ocean always within eye shot.
There are certainly plenty of photo opportunities for a stunning memory to take home with you, that’s for sure!
The horse wranglers of this trail are both incredibly experienced, as well as friendly and approachable too.
If you are unsure as to how exactly to get comfortable on a horse or to get them moving, then you’re in safe and reliable hands while you’re riding along this trail.
And with horse riding options for children as young as six, it is an experience that the whole family gets to enjoy.
If you want a view of the island paradise of O’ahu that you won’t soon forget, make sure that you check out this amazing trail tour!
Things To Keep In Mind On A Horseback Tour
So, you now have a great sample of different tours that you can choose from. Of course, there are a plethora of other trails that you can take on O’ahu, with many of them being excellent experiences in their own right.
However, whilst you are planning or considering booking a horseback tour for yourself, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
Most horseback tours will be in a group with other people. If they do offer private tours, then they will likely note it during the booking process, so try and clarify before you decide on a final option.
Most Horseback trials will take between 1 and 2 hours to finish. With many of these happening in the hottest time of day, make sure that you have plenty of sunblock and water packed and prepared for the journey.
Heat stroke and sunburn might not just leave you feeling sore or drained, but can leave you with some nasty other effects that can spoil the rest of your vacation.
Most horseback tours are safe for beginners to try, though feel free to clarify and contact your chosen trail provider if you are experienced at all. Most stables and trails will be very accommodating to many experience levels, and may have other options for you
Conclusion
With so many options out there for horseback rides, the real question isn’t whether you can find one, but picking just a single ride!
Hi, my name is Richard Ennis and I have been to Hawaii eleven times so far. I have always been fascinated with the world of Hawaii, ever since I was a young boy learning about it in school.
So, please enjoy my website and marvel at the state of Hawaii - if I convince you to plan your own trip out there, hope to see you soon!
