A Horseback Riding experience by Paniolo Adventures. Back to all Big Island tours.
Tour Summary: Four guided rides on a working 11,000-acre cattle ranch in North Kohala at 3,000 feet: a 1-hour beginner ride ($135), morning and afternoon 2.5-hour rides ($155 each), and a sunset ride ($175).
Large photoRides at Paniolo Adventures run open-range style: riders spread out across the pasture rather than following each other in a tight line.
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Group of horseback riders on Ponoholo Ranch with a full rainbow arching over the Kohala hills behind them
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Riders fan out across the pasture rather than riding single file — the ranch is big enough that there's room to move.
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Riders fan out across the pasture rather than riding single file — the ranch is big enough that there's room to move.
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The ranch sits in the Kohala highlands, with the green ridgeline visible from most of the riding terrain.
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North Kohala's elevation and afternoon mist make rainbows a regular feature — not a guaranteed one, but common enough.
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Rides run open-range style: riders spread out across the pasture rather than following each other in a tight line.
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The walking only City Slicker ride is geared toward folks who want a calm and relaxing tour of paradise as seen from a perspective like no other
Tour Highlights:
- Open-range riding on 11,000 acres of working ranch land
- Five ride formats from beginner-friendly to experienced wrangler
- 3,000-foot elevation keeps temperatures cooler than the coast
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 across 926 TripAdvisor reviews
Important: Riders must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes; bring a light jacket, as the ranch runs 10 to 15°F cooler than the coast.
Tour Information:
| Price: | Adult |
|---|---|
| (excluding taxes & fees) | $135 |
Tour Provider: Paniolo Adventures
Activity: Horseback Riding
Tour start time: 9:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM
Duration: 1 - 2.5 hours
Departure from: Ponoholo Ranch
Pick-up available? No
Included: Boots, hat, chaps, and Australian duster
Cancellations: Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice prior to check in will be charged 100% of the ride price. Six (6) or more riders requires 48 hour cancellation notice. Guests must sign a waiver before riding.
Read more: about horseback riding in our Big Island horseback riding guide.
Ponoholo Ranch sits at 3,000 feet in the North Kohala highlands. The grass stays green year-round, the air is cooler than the coast, and on a clear day you can see the Kohala shoreline, Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa from the saddle. When we rode here, what stood out was how quickly the ranch absorbs you. within ten minutes the road is gone and the only sounds are wind and distant cattle.
Paniolo Adventures offers four rides on the ranch’s 11,000 acres. The standard Paniolo Ride (morning or afternoon, 2.5 hours, $155) is the most versatile option and suits all skill levels. The City Slicker Ride (1 hour, $135) is walking-only and works well for true beginners or mixed groups with young children. The Sunset Ride (roughly 1.5 hours, $175) times the return with the light dropping over the coast and is consistently the most-booked option. All four run open-range style rather than nose-to-tail.
Morning Paniolo Ride
The morning ride covers open pasture in the cooler part of the day, with the best light for photography and typically lower wind. Guides match horses to riders before heading out — paying attention to experience level and build — and the group moves at a pace that works for everyone. All experience levels welcome.
The ranch sits in the Kohala highlands, with the green ridgeline visible from most of the riding terrain.
Afternoon Paniolo Ride
The afternoon ride covers the same terrain and route as the morning option. Temperatures at 3,000 feet stay comfortable even in warmer months, so the later start rarely means heat. A good choice if your morning is already committed or you prefer a slower start to the day.
Rides run open-range style: riders spread out across the pasture rather than following each other in a tight line.
City Slicker Ride
A walking-only ride designed for first-timers and anyone who hasn’t ridden before. The pace is unhurried, the horses are selected for calm temperament, and you still get the ranch setting and the views. A practical option for mixed groups where some riders want a shorter, lower-stakes introduction before committing to a longer ride another day.
Rides run open-range style: riders spread out across the pasture rather than following each other in a tight line.
Sunset Ride
The Sunset Ride times the return to match the light dropping behind the horizon over the Kohala coast. At 3,000 feet, the view extends far enough that you catch the color before it hits the water — which is different from a beach sunset in a way that’s hard to describe until you see it. All experience levels welcome. Book early: this is the most-requested ride on the calendar, and spots fill ahead of weekends and holidays.
The Sunset Ride times the return so you catch the color before it hits the horizon.
What other people think
Guides rate 4.8 out of 5 across 926 TripAdvisor reviews. Reviewers consistently single out patience with nervous riders and good horse-to-rider matching before departure. The recurring practical caveat: the ranch is remote on Kohala Mountain Road with no taxi service nearby. A rental car is necessary, and the Sunset Ride ends after dark on a winding mountain road.
Paniolo Adventures operates on Ponoholo Ranch, one of the largest working cattle ranches on the Big Island, which means rides cover real open range rather than a groomed trail loop. The 3,000-foot elevation delivers a panorama most Big Island activities can’t touch: Kohala coast, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and green highland ridgelines all at once.
Guides have a strong reputation for matching horses to riders carefully and keeping a pace that works for the group. At $155 for 2.5 hours, it holds up well against comparable operators. A good fit for first-timers, families, and anyone who wants a ranch experience with real character behind it.
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