Every time horseback riding is on the agenda when I'm traveling, I first get excited, and then I sigh. As an experienced rider (I used to teach horseback riding and even ran a riding program and two different facilities) I love to ride any chance I get. So why sigh? Simply because litigation and safety issues have made it virtually impossible to find a hacking stable in the United States that allows clients to actually ride a horse (as opposed to passively sitting on on a horse that is plodding along at a pokey walk). I'm about as interested in doing that as I am interested in watching paint dry.
Princeville Ranch in Kauai, Hawaii is no exception: If you sign on for a trail ride in a group at this 2,500-acre working cattle ranch, located at the foot of the Hanalei Mountains, you'll be pretty much walking the whole time. That's great for families and beginning riders, not so great for experienced riders. But Princeville Ranch has a few surprises up its sleeve, including options for experienced equestrians.
Combination Horseback Rides and Ziplining
The ranch's newest offering is a combination "ride-and-glide" program where visitors ride horses to a series of three ziplines that traverse ravines and valleys on the ranch. They then ride back to the starting point. This is a great option for families.
There's a minimum of two guests per tour, and a maximum of 8. Height, weight, and age restrictions apply.
Private Ride Options for Advanced Riders at Princeville Ranch
It's expensive ($175 per person for two hours, as opposed to $125 for the three-hour group waterfall ride or $145 for the three-hour ride and glide.) But the best way to get around the problems of trail riding in groups is for advanced riders to book a private ride. You'll still ride with a guide, which is a good thing, because you'll have a chance to learn about the ranch, the region, and horseback riding (or "paniolo") culture on Hawaii, not to mention find your way around the 2,500-acre property. But you'll be able to walk, trot and canter (assuming you can show your guide you know how to). One of the beauties of riding in Kauai (and all the Hawaiian islands) is that with no gopher holes, it's relatively safe to ride cross-country, even at a trot or a canter.
You can book a ride for two or three hours, and it can include a picnic and even a stop at one of the ziplines on the property (although if you want to actually zip, you'll have to sign up for one of the ride-and-glide tours). Note: if it's been a while since you've ridden, take the two-hour tour: Your legs will thank you.
Waterfalls, Kayaking, and Hiking at Princeville Ranch, Kauai
For the non-horsey set, Princeville Ranch also offers trekking, zip-lining (without the horseback riding), kayaking, waterfall hikes and picnics. Most tours go out rain or shine, although activities may be re-scheduled if the ranch management determines weather conditions are hazardous.
Kauai is an adventure travel mecca, with a wide variety of interesting activities all over the island. Here, on the north shore, one facility offers a selection of some of Kauai's most popular activities, all in one place.
Karen Berger - Karen Berger is the author of 15 books. Please click on her name to read her full bio.
