We had an experienced leader name Natasha who expertly matched up our riding experiences with the horses. They had a step block for those who weren’t able to mount the horse on their own which came in handy for my nephew (beginner). He got a bit teary eyed because this was a new experience for him but Natasha was very sweet and talked him through it. We were told how to hold the reins, how to make the horse turn left and right, back up, and to stop. Natasha held my nephew’s reins until he felt comfortable with his horse and after about 15 minutes he was on his own and feeling confident. She also watched all of us and another couple to make sure we were using our reins appropriately which was a relief to me. The maximum limit is ten people per group but we got very lucky and the group split up to 5 as we were waiting for another couple who were late in their arrival coming from Wailea.

It is a very scenic ride and there was one small section where we rode through tall blades of grass (like in a jungle). Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area (she grew up on the island) and pointed out the native plants and other information about the area. We even tried wild guava right from the trees she picked for us. We got off the horses to let them rest and then walked up to a grassy covered lava tube and had an incredible view of the majestic Waimoka Falls (400 feet waterfall) from a distance. The experience was like something out of the Jurassic Park movie. The view was so amazing.

The retired horses are well taken care and are only rode once during the day. They are fed really well before going out and not fed after their return so you can be assured that they are not running back to the return spot. I experienced this in my younger days when I went horseback riding at the ocean on the mainland. These beautiful horses are well loved by the guides and owners and they show it. It was a most memorable experience that I got to share with my niece and nephew who absolutely loved it! My nephew said he “never went horseback riding up a mountain before.” They told us they would remember this for the rest of their lives!

You also get a three-day pass into the Haleakala National Park so we stopped afterwards to Seven Pools (Oheo Gulch). The Maui Stables is also right across the road from the Charles Lindberg gravesite.

They also mentioned there was a “smoothie” stand that was nearby that you actually have to get on a bike and pedaled to work the blender. It would have been fun to see that but they weren’t open on Sunday.

Ask about the discount if you pay in cash. It was worth it.

This is the place to go If you want to go horseback riding in Maui, look no further. Mahalo!!

FOOD:
The food was OK. Average buffet quality. We didn’t try anything too exotic Personally, I found the pork was a little fatty. But the boys found food they’d eat so we didn’t have to feed them later.

VALUE:
This is one of the lower priced luaus. That might be because of the food. Not sure. Didn’t try the others. But the show was decent, and when you’ve got two children in your group we figured we saved close to $75.00. We were going for the show anyway so the savings made it worth it.

SHOW:
The show was engaging. Loved the fire dancers. I had to explain to the boys, no, you CAN’T do this at home!

SEATING:
Reasonably good views – we were in the center area, off to the left a little. It was a bit crowded the night we went. Sunday night – not sure if that makes a difference.

Overall this activity is recommend for families, but don’t get your hopes up too high!