Horseback Riding
A great way to experience Kauai's hidden terrain
With the majestic Hanalei mountains behind you, cross open green pastures to reach several overlooks of the vast blue Pacific and Anini Reef, the largest reef in Hawaii.
Princeville Ranch Horseback Riding
It was a warm January morning when my family and I saddled up for some adventure at Princeville Ranch. Our knowledgeable guide Nicole reviewed the riding basics and we were off to our destination, a private waterfall lunch area at Kalihiwai Valley. Imagine undulating pastures, sunshine, 4,000-foot mountains in the background… in short, an amazing setting for some family horseback fun.
One hour on Barney (my trusty steed) and a short hike brought us to this beautiful private waterfall. We enjoyed a swim and relaxed as the kids explored. The healthy lunch and cookies really hit the spot!
The ranchlands at Princeville date back earlier than the great western cattle drives, earlier than the annexation of California and the Southwestern Territories; it is an area rich in Paniolo (cowboy) and Hawaiian history. Donn and Gale Carswell started the working cattle ranch and stables at Princeville Ranch in 1978; today three generations of Carswell ohana manage and share the ranch with visitors.
Interacting with the horses was a real treat. These animals were obviously well cared for (dare I say happy?). The kids, my eight-year-old daughter with friend, handled the ride easily and could have gone all day. My relationship with Barney was really going well.
As we rode back to the stables I didn’t want it to end. Thanks to Princeville Ranch, the Carswell ohana, the horses, and Nicole for a great Paniolo adventure!
Location:
Princeville Ranch – Kauai’s North Shore
Contact:
Phone Princeville Ranch at: (808) 826-6777
Online at: www.princevilleranch.com
What to Bring
- Jeans
- Basic Running Shoes
- T-shirt
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Jacket
- Bathing Suit
Difficulty
Moderate: My seven year old and her friend had a great time. The trail to the waterfall is short and well maintained with some steep sections.
Beach Safety
- Beach Safety Tips
- Lifeguard's Ocean Safety Video
- Changing Ocean Conditions
- Rip Currents
- Seasonal Surf Trends
Beach Activities
Preservation
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Your Questions Answered!
The Explorer's Guide to Kauai was created to help answer your faq's from the discussions below and the things you didn't know to ask...Show me!
Let's Discuss (4 comments)
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Jun 01, 2008 5:04AM
How Much for a family of 7
Is August a good time of year to see whales?
We can also snorkle on this trip?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 02, 2008 6:53PM
Hi Karla. The whales will not be in Hawaii in August. They have a migratory path between the islands and Alaska. We see them around the beginning of December until the end of April. Various boat companies offer snorkeling tours year round and you can contact them for pricing and options. We do not recommend any one company over another, but encourage the users of this site to support our sponsors, some of which offer these tours.
Aloha. J
Jul 03, 2008 8:14PM
we will be there in feb 2009 around the 20th what size boats do you have ...I have been out in calif whale watching on 35 foot fishing boats but know that your tours have to be much better !!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 07, 2008 7:54PM
Aloha Randy. Kauai Explorer does not offer tours, we are a website resource for info about the island. Some of this website's sponsors do offer whale watching tours, which are seasonal. We encourage Kauai Explorer users to support our sponsors. A list of who sponsors this site is on our homepage. You'll see some boat companies there. Aloha. J
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