Paniolo country on the slopes of Kohala
Operating on the 11,000-acre Ponoholo Ranch in North Kohala for over 25 years, Paniolo Adventures offers rides ranging from a gentle one-hour City Slicker amble to a four-hour Wrangler trek across open rangeland. The panoramic views of the Kohala coast are breathtaking.
One of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the United States, Parker Ranch has defined Waimea’s identity since 1847. Guided horseback tours wind through rolling pastures with views of Mauna Kea, offering a window into the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) tradition that shaped the Big Island.
Horseback rides through the lush back valleys of the Kohala Mountains, crossing streams, discovering hidden waterfalls, and learning about the area’s history from knowledgeable guides who grew up on this land.
Tip Open Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. 1.5-hour rides from $125, 2.5-hour rides from $165.
A more intimate horseback experience on a working cattle ranch on the slopes of Hualālai. Rides range from beginner-friendly to advanced cattle drives, and the smaller group sizes mean personalized attention from experienced paniolo.