Afternoon Paniolo Ride

Experience the life of a Hawaiian cowboy on the Afternoon Paniolo Ride at Ponoholo Ranch. This 2.5-hour horseback adventure takes you across 11,000 acres of working cattle ranch at 3,000 feet elevation on Kohala Mountain, where rolling green pastures stretch to the horizon and cattle graze in the cool mountain air.

This ride includes opportunities to trot and canter, making it a great fit for riders of all experience levels who want more than a walking tour. Your wrangler guides the group through the ranch's scenic trails while sharing stories of Hawaii's deep paniolo (cowboy) heritage.

Don't let the afternoon timing fool you — the ranch sits 10–15 degrees cooler than the coast, so conditions are comfortable even on warm days. The afternoon light brings out the rich greens of the pastures and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Kohala and Kona coastlines, and the volcanic peaks of Hawaii Island.

Boots, light jackets, Australian duster jackets, and helmets are provided. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and bring a light layer for the cooler mountain temperatures. Check-in is at 1:00 PM. Ages 8 and up welcome.