What To Do In Kauai – Horseback Riding – Princeville Ranch Adventures
Update: Unfortunately due to changes during the Covid pandemic, most of the following rides are not available anymore. However, you may still enjoy riding around the 2000 acre Princeville Ranch with a guide who will give instructions at your riding level. Give them a call for available days and times, and enjoy the beauty of the north shore from a saddle.
When you’re thinking about what to do in Kauai, think horseback riding at Princeville Ranch Adventures. Cattle ranching first started at the Princeville Ranch in 1831. With cattle, come the horses needed to operate the ranch. The Carswell family started the trail riding operation in 1978 and have been operating it ever since on Princeville’s private working cattle ranch. They treat their horses extremely well, giving them Sundays off and a month vacation every year. I’m proud to call them my friends.
There are four ways to enjoy these wide open spaces on horseback:
PANIOLO RIDE
This 2-hour adventure begins with a brief horsemanship orientation at Princeville stables. In contrast to the usual nose-to-tail experience, you’ll ride (walking only) across the open pastures of the ranch.
You’ll enjoy panoramic views of stunning mountains and valleys with a striking blue ocean in the distance. You might even ride through their herd of cows and calves! Along the way, the guides will share ranch and paniolo (cowboy) history with the spirit of Aloha. They’ll also stop at special spots with spectacular scenery.
A memorable day will be yours on this Princeville Ranch adventure. Be sure to bring a camera!
DETAILS
Total tour time – 2 hours
Available Tuesday-Saturday
Check – in 10:00 a.m.
$119 per person + tax
Please note that the tours go out rain or shine.
AGE/WEIGHT/PHYSICAL CONDITION:
- Ages 8 & older in good physical condition.
- Maximum weight 250 pounds.
- Maximum height 6′ 5″
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING:
- Sneakers or hiking boots. No “5-finger” toe shoes, aqua socks or Crocs.
- Rental shoes available (all-terrain @ $5.00 per pair).
- Long pants recommended
- Hat & sunscreen
WATERFALL PICNIC RIDE
The tour starts with a leisurely ride through Princeville Ranch. Your guide will share ranch and paniolo (cowboy) history with the true spirit of aloha.
Then enjoy the sights and sounds of a lush rainforest, as you wind your way to a private 80-foot waterfall. It’s all yours for an hour! Explore the falls, and swim in the fern-lined pool. Then relax and enjoy a delicious picnic, before the 15-minute hike out. This hike includes a waterfall crossing and a scramble up a 10-foot rock wall, where you’ll be secured by a safety belt and assisted by your guide. You’ll be amazed at the view of the waterfall tiers—from the top down!
Your adventure ends with a leisurely 30-minute ride back across open pastures, enjoying the spectacular scenery. Total time on horseback is one hour, round trip; the waterfall swim and picnic lasts one hour. Total hiking time is 30 minutes. Guests must be in good physical condition. The hike is rated moderate-to-difficult and includes a steep trail, up and down (500-foot gain) rough hewn steps with rope handholds.
GUIDES AND TACK:
All rides are led by trained professional guides certified in First Aid and CPR and equipped with two-way radios and first aid kits. Princeville Ranch Adventures provide western saddles only. Helmets are available upon request and are required for children ages 8-12.
DETAILS
Available Monday through Saturday.
Tour departure times vary by season. Total tour time is approximately 3.5 hours Includes a full picnic.
$149 per person + tax
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING:
- Completely closed shoes are required (tennis shoes or hiking boots). No Crocs, aqua shoes or 5-finger toe shoes. Rental shoes available (all-terrain @ $5.00 per pair).
- Long pants recommended
- Bring a swimsuit for swimming
- Towel and sunscreen
- Hat and insect repellent
TOUR FEE INCLUDES:
- Experienced guides
- Delicious picnic: make-your-own deli sandwiches (with veggie option), chips & cookie
- Drinking water
- Raincoats provided on horses for our guests
AGE/WEIGHT/PHYSICAL CONDITION:
- Ages 8 & older in good physical condition. No expectant mothers. No recent injuries or surgeries.
- Maximum weight 250 pounds.
- Capacity: 4 guests minimum
- For comfort and safety all riders must be within our height-to-weight ratio guidelines. Please call for details or click here to view a chart.
- Guests must be in good physical condition. The hike is rated moderate-to-difficult and includes a steep trail, up and down (500-foot gain) and rough hewn steps with rope handholds. The hike out hike includes a waterfall crossing and a scramble up a 10-foot rock wall, where you’ll be secured by a safety belt and assisted by your guide.
CHILDREN ON TOUR:
- Children age 16 & 17 may tour without an adult. A parent must sign a liability waiver at check-in.
- Children age 8 to 15 must be accompanied on tour by an adult who is at least 18 years old.
RIDE N’ GLIDE
This unique three hour horseback riding adventure combines a ride with the thrill of three fun, fast ziplines! After brief horsemanship instructions, you’ll start riding across the spectacular Princeville cattle ranch which is graced with incredible mountain and ocean scenery.
Next, you’ll tie up your horse, and get ready to glide like a bird on three ziplines! You’ll step off the edge of a valley and soar over tree tops to the other side. Your final zipline is called “Big Kahuna,” because at 700 feet long, it’s a big thrill!
This unique zipline adventure wraps up with another peaceful horseback ride, allowing for incredible memories to sink in.
GUIDES AND TACK:
All rides are led by trained professional guides certified in First Aid and CPR and equipped with two-way radios and first aid kits. They provide western saddles only. Helmets are available upon request.
DETAILS
Check-in 1:30
(tour ends at approx. 4:30)
Tour days vary by season – call for availability.
Approx. riding time – 1.5 hours
$149 per person + tax
AGE/WEIGHT/HEIGHT/PHYSICAL CONDITION:
- Ages 10 & older in good physical condition.
- Not afraid of heights.
- No expectant mothers.
- No recent injuries or surgeries.
- Weight between 75 and 250 pounds.
- Maximum height 6’5″.
- For comfort and safety, all riders must be within our height-to-weight ratio guidelines. Please call for details or click here to view a chart.
- Guests not meeting these requirements at check-in will NOT be permitted on tour & no refund will be given.
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING:
- Completely closed shoes are required (tennis shoes or hiking boots). No Crocs, aqua shoes or 5-finger toe shoes. Rental shoes available (all-terrain @ $5.00 per pair).
- Long pants recommended
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, hat
TOUR FEE INCLUDES:
- Experienced guides
- Drinking water
- Raincoats provided on horses for our guests
INFORMATION NEEDED FOR ALL RIDERS:
- First name
- Age
- Body weight & height
- Experience level: beginner, intermediate , experienced
PRIVATE RIDES
Inquire about exclusive Private Rides. Whether you’re a first time rider or true equestrian, Princeville Ranch has the private ride for you! Imagine a personalized Kauai horseback ride with a private guide!
You’ll have several exciting choices to customize your adventure, including secluded areas of the working Kauai ranch. Choose a 2.5-hour tour across the north shore ranch lands, with amazing mountain and ocean vistas. Request to ride through the Brangus cattle herd or up to the top of pu’u o’ henui. Stunning 360-degree views await you here!
The 3.5-hour adventure includes a picnic with your choice of special places. A brief hike through a tropical rainforest brings you to majestic Kalihiwai Falls. Explore this private 80-foot Kauai waterfall, and enjoy a refreshing swim! Another option is the most secluded destination, overlooking a verdant valley, tucked away deep into the ranch.
GUIDES AND TACK:
All rides are led by trained professional guides certified in First Aid and CPR and equipped with two-way radios and first aid kits. They provide western saddles only. Helmets are available upon request and are required for children ages 8-12.
DETAILS
2.5-hour tour: $189 per person + tax
3.5-hour tour: $259 per person + tax
AGE/WEIGHT/PHYSICAL CONDITION:
- 8 years or older
- 250 lbs. maximum weight
- 6’5” maximum height
- No expectant mothers
- In good physical condition.
- Height-to-weight ratios apply. Please call for details or click here to view a chart.
The 3.5-hour Private Ride offers an optional hike to a waterfall. The hike is rated moderate-to-difficult and includes a steep trail, up and down (500-foot gain) and rough hewn steps with rope handholds. The hike out includes a waterfall crossing and a scramble up a 10-foot rock wall, where you’ll be secured by a safety belt and assisted by your guide.
CHILDREN ON TOUR:
- Children age 16 & 17 may tour without an adult.
- A parent must sign a liability waiver at check-in.
- Children age 8 to 15 must be accompanied on tour by an adult who is at least 18 years old.
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING:
- Sneakers or hiking boots. No “5-finger” toe shoes, aqua socks or Crocs. Rental shoes available (all-terrain @ $5.00).
- Long pants recommended
- Wear a swimsuit under clothes or bring along for swimming
- Towel and sunscreen
- Hat and insect repellent
PICNIC INCLUDED (3.5-HOUR TOUR ONLY):
A delicious picnic is included: make-your-own deli sandwich on pita bread (with veggie option), potato chips and a cookie.
CHECK-IN TIMES:
Available Monday through Saturday Please call to arrange a private ride.
- 2.5-hour tour: check-in 9:30
- 3.5-hour tour: check-in 12:30
- 3.5-hour tour includes a full picnic.
RESERVE NOW
Because the goal at Princeville Ranch Adventures is to match you up with just the right horse, please call them directly to book a horseback ride. The phone lines are open every day between 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM Hawaii Standard Time. Call 808-826-7669. You may also email them at info@princevilleranch.com.
For more information go to https://princevilleranch.com/horseback-adventures
Horsemanship lessons are also available. Horsemanship lessons are available for ages 4 & up by appointment only, Tues. through Sat. For more information, please call 808-639-9084.
WEATHER:
Tours go out rain or shine. In the event they determine weather is hazardous, they may cancel the tour and guests may be rescheduled.
CHECK-IN OFFICE LOCATION:
Princeville Ranch Adventures is located on the island of Kaua’i, on the north shore in Princeville. The GPS coordinates for the Check-In Office are 22º12’32”N 159º27’44”W. The Office is on the ocean side of Highway 56. Look for the green and yellow flags and the circular “Princeville Ranch Adventures” signs.
From Princeville Resorts & North, including Honu Point: PRA is located on the left hand (ocean) side of Kuhio Highway. If coming from the Princeville resorts, turn left onto Kuhio Highway, and they are the next left (Kapaka Rd.) off the highway. If you are coming from destinations north of Hanalei, follow the highway south into Princeville, and go ½ mile past the Princeville Shopping Center. Turn left at Kapaka Rd. at the yellow and green flags.
CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES:
- 24-hour notice of cancellation for groups of 5 or less.
- 72-hour notice of cancellation for groups of 6 or more.
- Cancellation/changes or no-shows that fall outside of these policies will be charged the FULL AMOUNT of the tour.
A Review from Yelp:
Here’s what Andrew had to say on 3/8/17: Went to the Princeville Ranch Adventure for the horseback riding tour with our amazing tour guide Beth. She did a wonderful job keeping us safe with the horses and instructed us on how to properly direct the horse. We rode through the ranch looking at some beautiful scenic areas. Some of the horses misbehaved, but Beth got it under control quickly.
I would recommend anyone to experience the horseback riding with Princeville Ranch Adventure. It was my first time riding a horse and Beth made it stress free. It was also a fun experience for all of us. Will definitely return if I ever come to Kauai again!
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go riding!
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