Guided Waipio Valley Horseback Riding & Waterfall Tour [Closed] reviews, Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here

WISHLIST
HISTORY
TRAVEL GUIDE
1-808-690-9990
Customer Support Hours
Monday - Sunday: 8am - 5pm HST
Reduced hours for some holidays

Current Local Time:

Call our local Hawaii specialists for any questions about our island tours and activities

CUSTOMER CARE

Read the Frequently Asked Questions or send us an inquiry

Back to the activity page

Guided Waipio Valley Horseback Riding & Waterfall Tour [Closed]

Overall Rating

4.79 4.79 / 5

Reviews

38 reviews
Post a review

Relaxing Adventure

Reviewed by: Forrest Family, 2022/04/06

The tour was very nice and relaxing. Listening to the wind and the ocean views was wonderful. The guides were very helpful and told us about the land here and there while we rode. Over all experience was delightful.

Reply from activity provider

Thank you! We are so happy you enjoyed the tour!

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2022/04/04
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Best Horseback Riding Experience so far

Reviewed by: Alina X., 2022/01/10

My sisters and I all enjoyed this horseback riding and waterfall tour. The tour guide is very knowledgeable and nice. He gave us clear riding instructions and an interesting introduction about the valley and the plants. The waterfall and the view of the whole valley are awesome. We got the chance to taste the oranges picked from the valley. The horse I was riding kept eating or drinking while walking on the road or in the creek and was still under control. Thanks to the tour guide for helping us take some nice pictures. Overall, this is my best horseback riding so far.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2022/01/05
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

The Best of the Valley

Reviewed by: Dee & Jake, 2021/07/04

I’ve taken this tour before and knew my family from the mainland would enjoy it as much as I did. They LOVED the tour from the very minute they met our guides, Chico and Tracy. We got the best of everything that day: weather, horses, views, guides and Hawaiian experience. We appreciated the high spirited personalities and the great knowledge Chico and Tracy, valley residents themselves, shared with us of life in the Valley of the Kings from times past to the life of today’s Hawaiian families. I don’t want to give any more details so it will be your own special experience. I guarantee you’ll have FUN and if you don’t, well then, you just don’t know how to have fun!
‘Oe! Chico! Tracy! A hui hou!

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2021/07/02
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

The best adventure on the big island! Just do it

Reviewed by: M.S., 2021/07/01

The best adventure on the big island! We did everything: a helicopter ride, volcano national park, zip lining, snorkeling, swimming with manta rays and this horseback ride through the beautiful waipi'o valley was our favorite activity, hands down. Micah and Eta were excellent and chill guides and just let us get our zen on with the ride while also providing info about all the fruits growing around us.

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2021/06/29
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Great Guide, great view, great trip.

Reviewed by: tiger, 2021/04/17

Great Guide, great view, great trip.
We did it again after two days.

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2021/04/15
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Great trip, great Guide. Decided to do it again after two days.

Reviewed by: tiger, 2021/04/14

Great trip, great Guide. Decided to do it again after two days.

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2021/04/12
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

A wonderful addition to our trip to the Big Island!

Reviewed by: Aaron, 2021/02/17

We knew that we wanted to visit the Waipio Valley and this was a great way to experience it. The hosts were great and very knowledgeable. We were both beginners at riding and the instruction was simple and easy. We had a great ride. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2021/02/13
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

MADE THE TRIP!

Reviewed by: Allie Bellinghauasen, 2020/02/08

This is one of the best horseback riding experiences my boyfriend and I have ever had! The instructions on how to get to the location were very well written out so it was a breeze to find! Our instructors were fantastic! They are the type of people who love what they do and are incredibly passionate and it shows! We were very excited, so it was great to have the energy matched! The ride was absolutely breathtaking! The high mountains that surround the area are a wonderful sight to take in, great for photo ops as well. All of the horses are well behaved and a joy to be around. When we find ourselves back in the area we will definitely be stopping by again. If you tend to get carsick, you may want to take some motion sickness medication before the drive down to the valley. Its quite bumpy but totally worth it!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2020/02/01
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

GLORIOUS

Reviewed by: Linda from Colorado, 2019/11/30

What a marvelous adventure! This is my second time. The first time I did it with my local friend and my older grand daughter. It was stellar and why we opted do do it yet again. This time I brought my 2 grand girls (13 & 16). One is a good rider, one a beginner. Both of them had a marvelous time and had wonderful horses. I'm an advanced rider and loved my horse and the entire experience. The guides are a delight and taught me much I didn't know about the valley and it's contents and history, even though I already knew quite a bit. I can't say enough about how perfect the experience was. I'll do this ride again and again, every time I come to the island. I could not have been more pleased with everything about this adventure.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/11/23
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Experienced and attentive horse people!

Reviewed by: Robin W., 2019/11/26

This horseback riding experience was so amazing! The guides were very experienced and there were experienced riders and first-timers in our group. Each participant was treated individually and to their level of comfort and experience! We rode through creeks and foliage and the slightest rainfall...it was a beautiful ride and gorgeous environment. The guides told us the history of the island and the Hawaiians who settled the valley...we also saw the wild horses along the way. Magical experience! 5-star!

  • Beautiful Valley

  • Her first time on a horse!

  • So fun!

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2019/09/28
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Tried with older parents. Great experience

Reviewed by: Pia, 2019/11/23

Once in lifetime trip with my parents (both in 70s but fit). We went to the ranch (a little hard to find), drove down with the guides in a 4 wheeler......quite a drive. A very scenic but bumpy 30 minute ride to stables, another 30 minutes to get the whole party mounted up on horseback, and then a leisurely 2+ hours trek through magical lush green landscape, splashing through streams and seeing wild horses grazing, surrounded by towering cliffs and occasional waterfalls.

Only issue -- you won't really hear the guides once you start going. So do some reading up on Waipio vallyet beforehand, and then just enjoy what you are seeing. My mom has never been on horseback, my dad maybe 40 years ago, and they did just fine.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/11/20
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

The best!

Reviewed by: The Fesagaiga’s , 2019/07/23

This was most definitely the highlight of my families trip, the scenery is beyond amazing. Nothing like i have EVER seen before and the horses are absolutely amazing. It was my kids and my husband’s first time riding and the horses were great for them! Actually made them fall in love with horseback riding just like I am! So thank you to the ranch for letting us experience that as a family! I would MOST DEFINITELY recommend doing this on your vacation or even if you live there and looking for something to do!

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/07/20
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Great experience all around! A+++++

Reviewed by: Kim W, 2019/06/24

The guides where friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The area was gorgeous, pictures do not do it justice. The horses knew what they were doing so it was simple for all levels of riding. I highly recommend anyone on the Big Island to make the trip to tour Waipio Valley!

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2019/06/20
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Definitely worth the money!!

Reviewed by: Daisy, 2019/05/21

The ride was awesome, the guides were energetic and super friendly, I felt so incredibly welcome, like family The scenery was GORGEOUS and the horses we're amazing!! I'd spend the money again in a heartbeat They matched all of us to horses according to our skill level, so that even I didn't feel like I was just on a pony ride (I've been on horseback many many times) We even got to see the resident heard of wild horses! Best afternoon spent in a LONG time

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2019/05/18
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Best horseback ride ever!!!

Reviewed by: Heidi Hendrix, 2019/05/12

The staff is excellent!!! Horses are beautiful!!! The excursion in and out of the valley by van was just as much a part of the adventure!! The horseback ride was beautiful!!! Would definitely do it again if I ever get back!!!
Thank you all!!! Meeting up with other riders from around the world was even an adventure!!

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2019/05/08
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Totally worth it!!

Reviewed by: NLG, 2019/02/24

Guides provided such a memorable experience and a unique way to see Waipio Valley.
Highly recommend!

Reply from activity provider

Mahalo Nui for your review!

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2019/02/21
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Twice is nice!

Reviewed by: Robin Carson, 2018/02/02

The ride in van to the valley, then back to the top were outstanding as well as horseback ride. Guide was a great driver on the narrow treacherous roads. Horseback ride wonderful, guides informative, horses gentle. Great instructions given on how to "drive" a horse. I've never felt so comfortable on a horse before. Mine was Holoholo, a handsome palamino. He had personality and would nip ar other horses. I could identify with him. I have personality as well. Scenery beautifal. I loved the ride so much that I went back for a second ride a week later.Also saw many wild horses too.
.I would recommend this activity to anyone and everyone.

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2018/01/29
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Everyone was knowledgeable and friendly!

Reviewed by: Kathryn Love, 2018/01/13

My granddaughter and I had a wonderful day! The guide was funny and knowledgeable and we enjoyed learning about the valley and the people that live there! What a great way to learn the history of the valley and the people that live there. I had no idea how tara was grown and the diversity that exists in the valley!!

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2017/12/22
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Wiopoio valley horses ride

Reviewed by: Lorald clawson, 2018/01/07

Guides were great fantastic experience loved it all

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2018/01/04
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Great!

Reviewed by: Sam, 2017/07/30

We traveled with 8, 12 years old boys and wife.
It was so great. It was our one of best tour in BigIsland.

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2017/07/27
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

great ride

Reviewed by: Lisa, 2017/07/22

loved it, great fun! My son enjoyed cracking macadamia nuts before the ride!

Rating:
Attended as:Families with Young Children
Activity Date:2017/07/18
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Excellent

Reviewed by: Kelly Koch, 2017/07/17

We have been on several horseback rides on all four of the major islands and this tour had by far the best views.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2017/06/19
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Horseback ride!

Reviewed by: Kali, 2017/05/24

This was one of our favorite adventures during our time in hawaii! Our guides were awesome and we loved getting to see the beauty of the Waipio Valley while riding horses! Highly recommend this for anyone who loves the outdoors and loves a good adventure!!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2017/05/20
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Our favorite vacation day!

Reviewed by: A. Durnell, 2017/03/02

This was truly a magical day in Hawaii. Waipio Valley is one of those places best seen through the eyes of someone local. This is not merely a tour, but more of an invitation to visit the valley as a guest and get the grand tour from people who truly love it and want you to as well. The horses are happy, healthy, well cared for individuals with personalities and this trail ride is not the dull, narrated nose to tail variety often found in tourist areas. You won't have a "canned" speech and your horses won't be falling asleep from having done a monotonous walk they have done a million times with no hope of change. We left feeling like we really learned a lot from our hosts, who live in the valley, love and know it well, while having seen some of the most spectacular scenery on the island. The snapshot of the view from the lookout point is certainly gorgeous, but go the extra mile and take a ride into the valley to see the taro, the waterfalls, the wild horses, the freshwater streams and amazing landscape. You won't be disappointed!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2017/02/24
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Best experience

Reviewed by: Deb Morris, 2016/12/26

It was my first time on a horse for decades and thanks to the wonderful guides and calm horses, i never felt safer. The scenery is fabulous and the guides have a huge and amazing knowledge of the valley, its inhabitants whether human or animal, as well as the plentiful edible plant life. They really made the trek perfect. Highly recommend whether a first timer or an experienced rider, you will not regret it.

  • Our guide leading the way

  • Getting ready to match horses with riders

Rating:
Attended as:Solo Travelers
Activity Date:2016/12/23
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Horseback Riding Fin

Reviewed by: Grace, 2016/05/23

My sister and I had a great time exploring the Waipio Valley on horseback. The guides wet very friendly and informative regarding the area. The horses were well behaved. It's a must do activity.

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2016/05/20
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

May 2015

Reviewed by: Diane Norton, 2015/05/22

Great experience! Amazing scenery. Guides were entertaining, knowledgeable, made us feel welcomed and comfortable with the whole experience. Highly recommend!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2015/05/19
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

The Best Hawaiian Ride, with a Local Hawaiian !

Reviewed by: Stephanie C., 2014/12/19

This is the best hawaiian experience ever…I have done this twice! Not the typical tour, a local hawaiian Mika, takes you on a personal tour, with local folklore about the menehunas, he shows the local fruit, plants, how the hawaiian grew the taro plant..and then we can eat and taste the local fruit. I ride horses, and have ridden many a tourist rides, all over my travels, but this my favorite, the spiritual Waipio Valley with a local guide. Local horses (and you ride by wild mustangs in the valley) amazing to see.! ,Even my co-worker, from NY who has never been on a horse, loved it and feeling so close to nature and the culture. I will go on this ride every time I come to Big Island!
My favorite Hawaiian experience..you feel very connected with the culture, and nature.

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2014/12/12
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

Always and excellent adventure!

Reviewed by: JSL, 2014/01/23

This was my 4th adventure with Waipio on Horseback, and as always, the guides / handlers and the horses were the best! Despite the frequent rains in Waipio Valley, the horses are in wonderful condition and well matched by the guides based on the skill of the rider from novice through advanced rider. The horses and the valley make for a great adventure and enjoyment in a very special environment.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2013/12/27
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]

What waterfall?

Reviewed by: Peggy, 2013/10/13

My daughter and I really enjoyed horseback riding through Waipio Valley. Just be warned that if it is the dry sesson, you won't see any waterfalls. We did see lots of water though in addition to taro fields, wild horses and plenty of beautiful scenery. Our guides, Dava and Robert were entertaining, yet professional. I highly recommend this tour, as many people try to hike down into the valley and don't get far. Then they have to walk back up that very steep road! One warning. Do wear long pants or some sort of insect repellant. We were told there were no mosquitos but my daughter and I both returned with lots of bites.

Rating:
Attended as:Families
Activity Date:2013/09/17
Was this comment helpful? [Yes]
Page 1 | 2 | Next

Hawaiian Islands

Browse by date

Big Island Categories

Reviewed by

Reply from activity provider

An unexpected error has occurred. Please go back to the previous page and try again, or wait a few minutes and try once again.