Giude to Horseback Riding on Kauai

Autumn Skies
If you want to see more of Kauai, but are tired from all the hiking, why not let a horse take you. Horseback riding is a nice leisurely way to see the island of Kauai. There are many ranches on Kauai that offer horseback riding tours. The following is a guide to horseback riding on Kauai.

Silver Falls Ranch in Kilauea on the north shore features several rides through the interior lands of Kauai. On the Hawaiian Discovery Ride you will ride through Kilihiwai and Kamookoa Ridge and get a close-up view of Makaleha mountain range. This trip is about ninety minutes long and costs $95. The Silver Falls Ride takes you to see the beautiful falls where you will sit and relax while listening to the sound of the falls. This ride takes about two hours and is $115. The Tropical Trails ride also takes you to Silver Falls, but includes a ride deeper in the interior or Kauai along the base of the Makaleha mountain. This is a three hour tour for $135. At Silver Falls Ranch, they welcome riders seven and up and have a 300 pound weight limit.

The Princeville Ranch, in Hanalei on the north shore, promises an adventure on one of the oldest cattle ranches on Kauai. The Princeville Ranch offers four horseback rides. They have a four hour waterfall/picnic ride that will bring you to a beautiful waterfall where you will relax and enjoy a beautiful meal and some swimming. The ocean bluff tour takes you along the ocean to view the magical surf and the Anini reef; this is a ninety minute tour for $80. The Princeville Ranch is the only ranch on Kauai that lets you drive cattle. For an hour and half, and $135, you can help the ranch hands move the cattle onto a new grazing field. If you would like a more private tour, the Princeville Ranch features a design your own horseback ride which will take you on a tour created by you. They offer a three or four hour private tour for $135 and $185. The Princeville Ranch takes horseback riding very seriously and offer a great experience to the Kauai visitor.

Esprit de Corps Riding Academy in Kapa'a on the east side of Kauai is designed for the more experienced rider, and I would not recommend them for the beginner riders. They offer fantastic tours that vary in length and trail. Because the riding academy is on the east side, expect a lot of rain, but if you can handle getting a little wet and muddy, their tours are worth it. Prices range from about $120 to $375 depending on the length of your ride.

Horseback riding on Kauai is a fantastic way to see the natural beauty the island has to offer. Each facility offers a different adventure. This guide to horseback riding on Kauai will help you choose the right tour for you.

Published by Autumn Skies

I'm a Registered Dietitian with 10 years of clinical experience. I am also a freelance travel writer, who focuses on the Hawaiian Islands.  View profile

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.