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Afternoon Paniolo Ride

From
$155/ person
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Afternoon Paniolo Ride
Duration
3 Hours (2.5 hours in the saddle)
Cancellation
Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice prior to check in will be…
Departs
1:00 p.m.

Who this tour fits

0-23-67-1112-1718+

Age bands that meet this tour's minimum age.

Minimum age
8 years

Verified Sep 9, 2026. Confirm with the operator when booking.

Physical intensity
moderate
Group type
No
Duration
180 minutes
What's included
Equipment, Guide

About this tour

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.

Why book this operator

  • Local operator in Waimea
  • 4.9 out of 5 (694 Google reviews)

How booking here works

What differsBooking hereA typical booking site
Who takes paymentThe local operatorThe booking site
Who handles changesThe operator, directlyThe booking site's support
Whose price you payThe operator's own priceThe operator's price with the site's margin inside it
What you getThe operator's own bookingA third-party voucher

We do not take your payment or set prices, and no operator pays for placement here. What changes is who holds your booking, not what you pay.

What's included

Included

  • Equipment
  • Guide

Tour details

Departure Time
1:00 p.m.
Departure Times
afternoon
Difficulty Level
Easy
Duration
3 Hours (2.5 hours in the saddle)
Food Included
none
Free Cancellation Window
24 hours
Guided
Yes
Hotel Pickup
No
Includes
Equipment, Guide
Meeting Location
Kohala Mountain, Big Island Hawaii
Minimum Age
8 years
Physical Intensity
moderate
Private Option
No
Total Duration
180 minutes
Transport Included
meeting_point_only
Weather Dependent
Yes
What to Bring
Sunscreen, Light Jacket

Frequently asked questions

How long is Afternoon Paniolo Ride?

Afternoon Paniolo Ride lasts about 180.

How much does Afternoon Paniolo Ride cost?

Afternoon Paniolo Ride costs $155 per person.

Is there a minimum age for Afternoon Paniolo Ride?

The minimum age for Afternoon Paniolo Ride is 8 years old.

Where does Afternoon Paniolo Ride meet?

Afternoon Paniolo Ride meets at Kohala Mountain, Big Island Hawaii.

What is included with Afternoon Paniolo Ride?

Afternoon Paniolo Ride includes Equipment and Guide.

What is the cancellation policy for Afternoon Paniolo Ride?

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.

Do I need riding experience to join the Afternoon Paniolo Ride?

All experience levels are welcome on the Afternoon Paniolo Ride. Whether you have never been on a horse or ride regularly, this tour is designed to accommodate you. The ride includes trotting and cantering opportunities, so more experienced riders still have plenty to enjoy during the 2.5 hours in the saddle. Because the ride includes faster paces like trotting and cantering, guests should be aware that this is an active horseback experience rather than a slow walk. Beginners are welcome, but coming prepared to follow guide instructions will help everyone have a comfortable and enjoyable ride on Kohala Mountain.

Will it be too hot for an afternoon horseback ride in Hawaii?

The afternoon heat is not a concern on this ride because Kohala Mountain runs 10 to 15 degrees cooler than sea level or Kona. Visitors often worry about afternoon temperatures, but the upcountry elevation keeps conditions comfortable throughout the Afternoon Paniolo Ride, even in warmer months. Because of this cooler mountain climate, the operator actually recommends bringing a light jacket, sweatshirt, or coat. The tour includes light jackets and Australian Duster Jackets as part of what is provided, so you will have options on hand if the temperature is lower than expected when you arrive at the 1:00 p.m. check-in.

What gear is provided for the Afternoon Paniolo Ride?

The Afternoon Paniolo Ride provides boots, a helmet, light jackets, and Australian Duster Jackets for riders. These items are included with your booking, so you do not need to bring specialized riding equipment. Bottled water is available for purchase on site, and sunscreen is also provided. While the essential gear is covered, the operator does ask that you wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to your check-in. A light jacket, sweatshirt, or coat is also recommended given the cooler upcountry temperatures on Kohala Mountain, though jackets are available on site if needed.

What is the cancellation policy for the Afternoon Paniolo Ride?

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the 1:00 p.m. check-in will be charged 100% of the ride price. If your group has six or more riders, a longer 48-hour cancellation notice is required to avoid the full charge. Guests must also sign a waiver before getting on a horse. For security, the operator requires that you present the credit card used for payment along with a matching government-issued photo ID at check-in. The name on the card must match the booking contact with no exceptions, and each guest must provide a valid ID. Only book through the official website or authorized partners to ensure your ticket is honored.

How is the Afternoon Paniolo Ride different from the Morning Paniolo Ride?

The Afternoon Paniolo Ride is very similar to the Morning Paniolo Ride, according to the operator. Both rides share the same format, the same duration of 2.5 hours in the saddle, and the same inclusion of trotting and cantering. The primary difference is the check-in time, which is 1:00 p.m. for the afternoon version. The setting and experience on Kohala Mountain remain consistent between both rides. Guests who can only attend in the afternoon should not feel they are missing out on a significantly different experience. The cooler upcountry temperatures make the afternoon timing just as comfortable as a morning departure, despite what many visitors initially assume.

From$155/ person
4.9· 694 Google reviews
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Tour details can change. Please review the operator's current schedule, meeting or pickup information, requirements and cancellation policy during booking. If information shown during booking differs from this page, the booking information controls.

Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice prior to check in will be…

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