All Reviews for Outdoor Adventures

Whether or not to go horseback riding here largely depends on how much you enjoy the drive to get there. You will ascend a narrow mountain road with many twists and turns (the road itself is well-paved, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your car). While navigating the continuous curves where you can't see ahead, if you encounter an oncoming vehicle, one of you will have to stop or back up until you find a spot to pass each other. There is basically no shoulder, but there are places where you can pass each other closely without having to back up for long distances.

I stayed in Ka'anapali, so I took the clockwise route and returned the same way. The scenery along the way was truly stunning. Before entering the aforementioned narrow road, Highways 30 and 340 have plenty of space and beautiful viewpoints where you can safely stop your car, and even after entering the narrow road, there are spots with great views where you can pull over. There are shops selling crafts and various souvenirs, as well as a sculptor's garden and shop.

Google Maps indicated it would take just over an hour by car, but I recommend planning for about three hours, as the drive is so enjoyable that you might find yourself rushing at the end. Ultimately, the horseback riding became the highlight of a day-long drive.

Even for those who don’t want to ride, there is a gazebo on the ranch with plenty of plants, and you can play with rabbits, chickens, goats, and peacocks while you wait, so you might not be dissatisfied if you come along just for the drive.

Now, regarding the horseback riding itself, the experience may vary depending on the participants. Riders are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels based on self-assessment. At my session, everyone except me was a beginner, including several children around four years old, so the content was adjusted accordingly. Therefore, I can't say how it would be with a different group.

Even with such a group, those who wish to can canter a bit. The horses know where to run and where to stop, so no special handling is required. It feels very safe.

The scenery along the course is fantastic. You can reach places with breathtaking views of the ocean that you can only access through this activity, along steep paths.

In conclusion, if you enjoy going up and down hills on horseback, you will have a great time. However, if you are expecting a thrilling ride, it might be a bit disappointing depending on the group you are with.

ここでの乗馬をするかどうかは、到着までのドライブを楽しめるかどうかがけっこう鍵になると思います。対面通行できない細い山道を九十九折に登ります（道路自体はよく舗装されているので、車を傷める心配はありません）。
先が見えないカーブの連続を走りながら、対向車に出会ったらどちらかが止まって、あるいはすれ違えるところまでどちらかがバックして、すれ違います。基本的に路肩はありませんが、それほど距離をおかずにギリギリすれ違える場所があるので、長い距離をバックすることはないと思います。
私はカアナパリにステイしていたので、時計回りのコースを行き、帰りも同じ道を帰りました。それほど道中の景色が素晴らしかったです。上に書いた対面通行できない道に入る前のハイウエイ３０や３４０には、十分な広さがあって車を安心して止められる美しいビューポイントがいくつもありますし、細い道に入ってからも景色のいい場所には車を止められるスペースがあります。クラフトものやさまざまなお土産品を置いているショップ、彫刻家のガーデン＆ショップもあります。
グーグルマップでは車で１時間そこそこの表示でしたが、３時間みてドライブしても最後は急いだというくらい、道中が楽しいです。結局、１日かけたドライブの山場としての乗馬という感じになりました。
乗馬をしたくない人でも、牧場内にガゼボがあり植物も豊富ですし、ウサギや鶏、ヤギ、クジャクと遊んで待っていられるので、ドライブのつもりで同行してもらっても不満はないかもしれません。
さて、肝心の乗馬ですが、そのときの参加者によって内容が変わるのかもしれません。自己申告でビギナー、ミドル、アドバンスに分かれます。私のときは私以外は全員初心者で４歳くらいの子どもを何人か含むメンバーだったので、それなりの内容になりました。ですのでほかのパターンだったらどうなるのかは私にはわかりません。
そんなメンバーでも希望者は少しキャンターもします。馬がどこで走りどこで止まるかをわかっているので操作は必要ありません。とても安全です。
コースの景色は最高です。このアクティビティでなければ行けない様な、険しい道から海を見渡す場所に行けます。
結論として、馬で丘を下ったり上ったりするのが好きな人なら楽しいですよ。颯爽と駆ける外乗を期待するなら、そのときのメンバーによっては期待はずれになるかもしれません。

This hike takes you through the rainforest side of Maui. Our guide, Sarah, was very knowledgeable. She was able to answer our questions about the plants and animals along our hike. The waterfalls were beautiful. The jumps into the pools were a lot of fun and the guides gave good instruction on jumping which made me feel confident. The food was substantial for the duration of the hike. We were provided bananas and pineapple, both which were delicious. I had the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which was hearty for a PB&J. My husband had the turkey sandwich, and the slice of turkey was surprisingly thick making for a filling meal. Take advantage of the bug spray they provide. My husband didn't get bit, while I, not being as diligent with coverage, got a few bites. This was the last activity we decided to add to our itinerary and it turned out to be our favorite tour of our vacation.

The Yamapi guide is fun! They also provide details about Haleakalā. The sunset isn't just about the sun setting; there are explanations about the color gradients in the sky and the Earth's formation, which were very educational. I can't go to Maui often, but this is a tour I want to join again next time. The sushi in the bento was delicious!

やまぴーガイドは楽しい！ハレアカラの細かい部分も教えていただけます。サンセットとは日が落ちるだけじゃなく、空の色のグラデーションや地球の作りなども説明があり勉強になりました。マウイ島はなかなか行けないけど次回も参加したいツアーです
お弁当のお寿司美味しかったなぁ〜

We participated as a family of four, and we were extremely satisfied with our half-day tour, thanks to our guide, Yamauchi (Yama-chan). At the Krispy Kreme store where we gathered, Yama-chan's excellent talk created a sense of camaraderie among the participants. To acclimatize to the altitude, we aimed for 3055 meters while taking breaks. On the way, when we stopped at a supermarket to buy sushi for dinner, I cleverly got Kona coffee at a discount using Yama-chan's card. (When I got home and drank it, it turned out to be delicious coffee!)

Yama-chan's talk in the car was entertaining, and I kept saying "Wow!" at the stories I was hearing for the first time. After witnessing a magnificent sunset, we were treated to a sky full of stars! Everyone was captivated by the detailed explanations using a laser pointer. Did you know that the Big Dipper actually has eight stars? This tour was not only about the beauty of nature but also about the charm of Yama-chan, who is full of humanity. My whole family wants to visit Yama-chan again.

家族４人で参加、もう何といっても山内さん（山ちゃん）のガイドに大満足の半日でした。最初に集合したクリスピードーナッツの店でツアー参加者の紹介、山ちゃんの絶妙なトークで連帯感が生まれました。気圧に慣らす為、休憩を取りながら３０５５mを目指します。途中スーパーで夕食のお寿司を買う時、私はちゃっかりコナコーヒーを山ちゃんのカードでディスカウントして貰って調達しました。（帰って飲んだら、これが大当たり！の美味しいコーヒーでした。）
車内での山ちゃんのトークが面白く、初めて聞く話に「へぇ～」の連発。素晴らしい日没を見た後の満天の星！！レーザーポインターを使ったマニアックな解説にみんな釘付けでした。北斗七星はホントは八星ですって！自然の素晴らしさは勿論人間味溢れる山ちゃんの魅力にはまったツアーでした。家族全員また山ちゃんに会いに行きたいです。

Our guide Kate was very knowledgeable. Had a wonderful time. The hike was well paced for our family, ages 5-70.

We were blessed with great weather and were able to see the best views from Haleakalā. The sunset over the sea of clouds and the starry sky were both so wonderful that words can't express them. More than anything, our guide, Mr. Yamauchi, was simply amazing! He talked to us during the drive, but his storytelling under the starry sky is something I will never forget. Of course, I want to see the views and the starry sky at Haleakalā again, but I also want to meet Mr. Yamauchi again. This tour makes you feel that way. There seem to be other tours of Haleakalā, but please consider joining this one with Maui All-Stars. It will cleanse your soul.

天気に恵まれ、ハレアカラからの最高の景色を見ることができました。
雲海の中の夕焼け、満点の星空、どちらも言葉で表現できないほど素晴らしかったです。
それよりも何よりも、ガイドの山内さんの対応がともかく素晴らしかった！。運転中も色々お話してくれるのですが、特に星空の下での山内さんの語りは一生忘れられません。
ハレアカラの景色、星空がもう一度見たいのはもちろんですが、また山内さんにお会いしたい。
そんな気にさせてくれるツアーです。
ハレアカラのツアーは他にもあるようですが、マウイ・オールスターズのこのツアーに是非参加してみて下さい。心が洗われます。

Awesome adventure, Larry was great! He knew so much about the area and the people that live there. Larry answered our questions as best as he could. He told us funny stories, history and folk lore about the plants and land formations as we came upon them. He was entertaining and we felt safe and comfortable with him at the wheel. We had quite a few times where we could get out and take pictures or explore the area at our many stops during the day. Our lunch was delicious. It was a great opportunity to get to know our fellow travelers while taking in the scenery.

We signed up as a family of four. Our six-year-old was especially excited as it was their first experience, but on the way to the location in the rental car, we got lost and it became clear that we wouldn't make it in time for the meeting. We contacted the ranch, but they said they couldn't wait because there were other participants. It was completely our fault, so we gave up and headed to the location with a heavy heart, hoping at least to show the kids the horses. However, during the drive, I received a call from a VELTRA staff member who said they would negotiate with the ranch. After a while, they informed us that the other participants would go ahead, and we would start late and catch up with the group, which the ranch agreed to. We started 40 minutes late, but thanks to that, the kids were overjoyed. I am very grateful to the VELTRA staff for their persistent negotiation. I could feel their dedication. Thank you very much.

家族４人で申し込みました。特に下の６才の子は初めての体験で、とても期待・興奮していたのですが、朝レンタカーで現地へ向かう途中で道に迷い、集合時間に間に合わないのが確実となりました。牧場へ連絡を取ったのですが、他の参加者があり待てないとのこと。完全にこちらに非があるのであきらめて、せめて子供に馬を見せるだけでもと思い沈んだ心で現地に向かいましたが、その途中でVELTRAのスタッフさんから電話があり、先方と交渉してみますとのこと。しばらくすると他の参加者には先行してもらい、僕たちは遅れてスタートしてグループに追いつくことで牧場側が考慮してくれたということでした。４０分遅れのスタートでしたが、おかげさまで子供達も大喜びでした。VELTRAのスタッフさんが粘り強く交渉してくれたおかげで、とても感謝しています。スタッフさんの本気を感じました。本当にありがとうございました。

If you want to sit back and relax and hear about the history of the island, then definitely book this tour! You get to experience the back side of the island, the hike is definitely worth the 1000ft climb, but it's not for beginners! It is muddy and there is rocks everywhere, so you definitely want good shoes and be able to hike uphill/steps for about 2 hours! The climb down only took about as hour but we didn't stop for any breaks! Tony was an awesome guide and if you are looking for a tour with waterfalls and history, do not hesitate to book this! Well worth the money!

Bruce was our driver.. he was very informative and we enjoyed our day greatly !!

Good but very very long day so hard on the younger kids. Glad we did it but wouldn't do it again.

I was relieved to have made a reservation in advance from Japan since it was fully booked at the time. I was captivated by the eloquent guide and had a wonderful time. I learned that Haleakalā has no "sound," which was a very strange sensation. I also enjoyed a magnificent sunset and had a great time stargazing. Lastly, I was able to hear the guide's heartwarming stories, and I truly felt that participating in this tour was a great decision.

当時は満席との事で日本から事前予約をしておいて一安心。お話の上手なガイドさんに魅せられ、楽しい時間を過ごしました。ハレアカラは❝音❞がないと教えていただき、とても不思議な感覚でした。素晴らしいサンセットも鑑賞し、星空観測も満喫。最後にガイドさんの心温まるお話をう伺うことが出来て、本当にこのツアーに参加してヨカッタと思います。

Butch and Destiny were outstanding with my 7-year old grandson, who had only ridden a horse with me walking next to him. He actually went for a trot - all by himself!! Between the views, the entertaining guides and aloha spirit, my daughter and I would recommend the Mendes Ranch to any and all riders, from beginners to advanced.

It was a nice ride, beautiful scenery. The barbecue afterwards was delicious. :)

We had a very good time on this tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. More mud than expected but very enjoyable just the same.

I recommend participating if you can enjoy a relaxed stay in Maui!
It seems that a permit is required to reach the summit, making it a valuable experience that you can't do on your own.
As everyone has mentioned, the tour included a sunset, mountains, clouds, and stars, all allowing you to feel the beauty of nature.

マウイでゆとりある滞在ができるなら参加をお勧め！
山頂までは許可証が必要のようで、自力ではいけない貴重な体験ができます。
内容はみなさんが書かれている通りで、サンセット、山、雲、星すべてが大自然を感じられるツアーでした。

Highly recommended tour. This is a Private tour so there is no rush and the views were spectacular. Not only did we get to see the island's secret spots, we also gained a new friend, Gustavo our tour guide. Awesome guy that was as knowledgeable as he was kind and friendly.

The sunset and starry sky were an unmissable part of the plan. My husband was on his first trip to Hawaii and was looking for optional tours that could only be experienced in Hawaii. The vast sky filled with countless stars was beyond words! The people who joined the tour were all very pleasant, which further elevated the mood.

The lunch included in the tour allowed us to choose our favorite items from a supermarket along the way, and there were chairs, blankets, and warm tea provided, making it perfect for a toast with tea! The location for stargazing was also fantastic, but I feel it was made even more enjoyable thanks to our guide. The guide was very friendly and attentive, and with their encouragement to "take it slow," I didn't feel any anxiety about my condition at the summit. Instead of just saying, "Let's go back after seeing the stars," they taught us various ways to enjoy the experience at different points. They shared stories and made the time enjoyable.

On the way there, the guide talked about various sightseeing spots, and on the way back, they curated music to help us soak in the afterglow and kept the conversation minimal to allow us to rest our tired bodies, which I really appreciated. It became a time to relax and reflect on the emotional experience of the starry sky.

I truly felt that the time spent with my loved one was made even more wonderful, and I'm so glad I participated! The guide Yamachan was amazing!!

サンセット＆星空は外せないプランでした。
主人は初めてのハワイ旅行。ハワイでしか味合わないオプショナルツアーを探していました。
広い空に満点の星空！感動は言葉にできないくらいのものでした(≧▽≦)一緒にツアーに参加した方々も、とっても気持ちのいい方ばかりで更に気分が盛り上がりました。
ツアーに含まれるお弁当は途中のスーパーで自分が好きなものを選べたり、椅子やひざ掛けや温かいお茶が用意されていて、みんなでお茶で乾杯！は最高です！！
星空のロケーションも最高でしたが、それよりもガイドさんのおかげで更に楽しいものとなった気がします。ガイドさんはとても気さくな方で、細かい気配りや「ゆっくり登りましょう」との言葉に山頂でも体調に不安を感じませんでした。星を見ました帰りましょうではなく、要所要所で色々な楽しみ方を教えられた気がします。また、経験話などをしてくれて楽しい時間でした。行きの車内では色々な観光スポットの話をしてくれ、帰りの車内では余韻に浸れるよう音楽の選曲をしてくれたり、疲れた体を休めるよう言葉少なめにしてくれたところが私にとってはとってもありがたく、星空の感動と温まった体を休められる時間となりました。
大切な人との時間をさらに素晴らしい時間としていただき、本当に参加してよかったです！山ちゃんのガイド最高です！！(*^-^*)

It was a wonderful starry sky as it coincided with the new moon. I was grateful for the chairs, blankets, and warm tea that were provided. The guide, Yama-chan, spoke passionately, and it brought tears to my eyes.

新月に合わせて　参加したので、素晴らしい星空でした。椅子、ひざ掛け、温かいお茶が用意されて有難かったです。ガイドの山ちゃんのお話も熱がこもっていて、うるっとしました。

This was an amazing adventure to take! The only thing I would want to change and suggest is to bring a cushion. The seats on the bus were extremely uncomfortable. Also, I wished we would have stopped at more waterfalls, seemed to rush through them pretty quickly, but I figured they have a set schedule and placement with all the other tours. It might be better to be different and step out of the norm of all the other charters? Anyway, I did enjoy the driver Larry, he was so knowledgeable and sometimes funny!

I highly suggest taking this fishing cruise! Not only was the Captain and crew very knowledgeable on all the types of fish, the Captain put us in the perfect spot so that practically everyone on board caught at least one fish. I myself caught 4, and two of those were keepers. They were all cleaned and ready for me when we departed the boat and I was even given the perfect way to eat them. What a fun time!

our guide was very informative of the plants & trees which made it a treat as he picked fresh guava which we all ate, delicious! The trail was a little muddy as it had rained the night before, no big deal. The waterfalls were beautiful, but the water was murky because of the rain the night before. So, we didn't swim in the pools, but the guide more than made up for it due to his knowledge an histories of the area. Very much enjoyed the tour!

The sunset, the stars, and the guide were all wonderful. I've participated in various tours during my travels, but this was the best one. The night sky was amazing, and I was particularly moved by the shooting stars and the largest and most magnificent Scorpius I've ever seen. There were explanations about constellations and planets, which were educational, and above all, the guide's attentiveness made me feel very secure, creating a warm atmosphere for the tour. I also climbed Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii last year. While I understand there may be weather conditions to consider, I was more satisfied and moved by this experience in many ways. I highly recommend it.

サンセット、星、ガイドさん、すべてが素晴らしかったです。今まで旅行ではいろいろ参加してますが一番良いツアーでした。星空は素晴らしく、個人的には流れ星と、今まで見た中で一番立派で大きなさそり座に感動しました。星座や惑星、色々な説明があり勉強にもなりましたし、何よりガイドさんの気配りでとても安心でき、温かいツアーだと感じました。ハワイ島のマウナケアにも昨年登りました。気象条件などもあるかとは思いますがこちらの方が色々な面で満足し感動しました。おすすめします。

The weather was pretty bad and it meant we didn't get to swim in the pools or take the backside road back from Hana however, our driver Wayne was superb and incredibly knowledgeable and friendly.

My wife and I were kept entertained by his stories and information about the local cultures, plants, animals and food for the entire journey and despite it raining heavily and being very foggy, we always felt safe and in good hands.

The only downside was the lunch at the Trevasa hotel, it was very poor quality and despite being a buffet, you were ushered out after a single plate. I would recommend you select the non lunch option and take your own food!

Our guide George is a very cool and easygoing guy. He Made sure that we were having an awesome day and made us feel safe at all times.

We participated as a newlywed couple during our honeymoon!
"I don't want to just show you the stars and say, 'Isn't it beautiful? Now, let's move on,' like a conveyor belt."
These were the impressive words from our guide. While gazing at the truly star-filled sky, the guide's storytelling (which you'll have to enjoy for yourself) made me forget the cold at the summit and brought a lump to my throat. I believe this experience is definitely more than just an optional tour... Highly recommended!

ハネムーン期間中に新婚カップルで参加しました！
「ただ星を見せてキレイでしょ？さ、移動しましょ、と流れ作業のように皆さんをお連れしたくないんです」
ガイドしていただいた方の印象的な言葉です。他、満天（本当に満天です）の星空を見ながらのガイドさんの語り（内容はお楽しみ）に山頂の寒さなど忘れて目頭があつくなる感じでした。きっと単なるオプショナルツアー以上の体験ができるかと思います・・オススメ！

We took our time climbing the mountain by eating donuts and stopping by souvenir shops. Since there’s not much walking involved, it’s quite easy. They will take you to a spot where you can leisurely enjoy the sunset and starlit sky. The sunset sinking into the great outdoors was sparkling and very beautiful. The changing colors of the sky were also lovely. You can borrow a warm jacket and a blanket, but it gets quite cold at night, so I think it’s a good idea to prepare a little on your own as well.

ドーナツを食べたり、お土産屋さんに寄ったりして、ゆっくり山に登って行きました。ほとんど歩くことはないので、楽です。夕日・星空をゆったり鑑賞できる場所に移動してくれます。大自然の中に沈んでいく夕日は、キラキラしてとても奇麗でした。刻一刻と変わっていく空の色も素敵です。防寒ジャケットや膝掛けは貸してもらえますが、夜はかなり冷えるので自分でも多少準備をしておくと安心と思います。

Did the road to Hana tour today in Maui. We had the pleasure of getting Peaches as our tour guide. She was one of the friendliest and most knowledgeable individuals I have ever encountered. Being in the people business myself it was a breath of fresh air to find someone like her that takes pride in her job and her island. The information that she gave made the tour not just amazing for the scenery, it was very educational and personal. I would 100% recommend this tour to anyone who visits Maui and I would highly recommend Peaches! Thank you for all that you do and making this a trip to remember!

This was our first time riding horses and running with them. It was so fun. The guides Freddy and Taryn were awesome. They truly cared about the people they took out. The views from this ride were amazing.

We ended up not going on this trip. The pick up was scheduled for 6:30 at a hotel we were not staying at. After 15 minutes we called the company. Oh our driver was on his way. We called again after 7. Same response and no apologies. We called and canceled . The driver didn't show up until 7:40!!! We did get our money back.