Kohala Na'alapa, on Kohala Mountain Road (Hwy. 250) at mile marker 11 (ask for directions to the stables at the security-guard station; tel. 808/889-0022; www.naalapastables.com), offers unforgettable journeys into the rolling hills of Kahua and Kohala ranches, past ancient Hawaiian ruins, through lush pastures with grazing sheep and cows, and along mountaintops with panoramic coastal views. The horses and various riding areas are suited to everyone from first-timers to experienced equestrians. There are two trips a day: a 2 1/2-hour tour at 9am for $89 and a 1 1/2-hour tour at 1:30pm for $68. No riders over 230 pounds, no pregnant riders, and no children under 8 permitted.
Experienced riders should sign up for a trip with King's Trail Rides, Tack, and Gift Shop, Highway 11 at mile marker 111, Kealakekua (tel. 808/323-2388; www.konacowboy.com). These 4-hour trips, with 2 hours of riding, are limited to four people. The trip heads down the mountain along Monument Trail to the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay, where you'll stop for lunch and an hour of snorkeling. The $135 weekday ($150 weekends) price tag includes lunch and gear.
To see Waipio Valley on horseback, call Waipio Na'alapa Trail Rides (tel. 808/775-0419; www.naalapastables.com). The 2 1/2-hour tours of this gorgeous tropical valley depart Monday through Saturday at 9:30am and 1pm (don't forget your camera). The guides are well versed in Hawaiian history and provide running commentary as you move through this historic place. The cost is $89 for adults. No kids under 8, pregnant riders, or riders over 230 pounds.
Riding Parker Ranch -- Visitors can explore Parker Ranch (tel. 808/885-7655; www.parkerranch.com/horseback.html) and its vast 175,000-acre working cattle ranch. You'll learn firsthand about Parker Ranch, its history, and its variety of plant life, and you may even catch glimpses of pheasant, francolins, or wild pigs. Rides (suitable for beginners) are available three times daily at 8:15am, 12:15pm, and a sunset ride at 4pm for $79 per person. Morning and noon rides are 2 hours, and the sunset ride is 1 1/2 hours. Kids must be at least 7 years old. Riders will feel like Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys) as they ride through stone corrals where up to 5,000 Hereford cattle were rounded up after being brought down from the slopes of Mauna Kea. A visit to the racetrack where Parker Ranch thoroughbreds were trained and still hold the record for speed is included in the excursion. The rides all begin at the Blacksmith Shop on Pukalani Road.
