Sunset Ride
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Who this tour fits
- Physical intensity
- Easy
- Duration
- 120 minutes
- What's included
- Equipment, Guide
About this tour
Watch the sun set over the Pacific from the saddle of a horse on Ponoholo Ranch. The Sunset Ride takes you across the ranch's rolling pastures at 3,000 feet elevation on Kohala Mountain, where unobstructed views of the horizon turn the evening sky into a spectacular display of color.
This 1.5-hour ride (2 hours total with check-in) includes opportunities to trot and canter, and all experience levels are welcome. As the golden light spreads across the landscape, you'll ride through green pastureland with the ocean, coastline, and volcanic peaks as your backdrop - an unforgettable setting for photos.
The elevated ranch is 10-15 degrees cooler than the coast, so the evening ride is comfortable even after a warm day. Check-in time varies by season to align with sunset - you'll see the exact time when selecting your date.
Boots, light jackets, Australian duster jackets, and helmets are provided. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and bring a warm layer for the cooler mountain evening. Ages 8 and up welcome.
Why book this operator
- Local operator in Waimea
- 4.9 out of 5 (694 Google reviews)
What's included
Included
- Equipment
- Guide
Tour details
- Departure Time
- Check in time will be shown when you choose a date on the calendar.
- Departure Times
- sunset
- Difficulty Level
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 Hours (1.5 hours in the saddle)
- Food Included
- none
- Free Cancellation Window
- 24 hours
- Guided
- Yes
- Hotel Pickup
- No
- Includes
- Equipment, Guide
- Meeting Location
- Ponoholo Ranch, Kohala Mountain, Big Island Hawaii (elevation 3,000 feet)
- Total Duration
- 120 minutes
- Transport Included
- meeting_point_only
- Weather Dependent
- Yes
- What to Bring
- Sunscreen, Light Jacket
Frequently asked questions
How long is Sunset Ride?
Sunset Ride lasts about 120.
How much does Sunset Ride cost?
Sunset Ride costs $175 per person.
Where does Sunset Ride meet?
Sunset Ride meets at Ponoholo Ranch, Kohala Mountain, Big Island Hawaii (elevation 3,000 feet).
What is included with Sunset Ride?
Sunset Ride includes Equipment and Guide.
What is the cancellation policy for Sunset Ride?
24-hour cancellation policy. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to check-in will NOT be refunded.
Do I need horseback riding experience to join the Sunset Ride?
All experience levels are welcome on the Sunset Ride. Whether you have never been on a horse or have years of riding under your belt, this tour is designed to accommodate you. The ride includes trotting and cantering opportunities, so more confident riders still have chances to stretch their skills during the 1.5 hours in the saddle. Because the ride takes place at 3,000 feet on Ponoholo Ranch, conditions can vary, and wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes is required for all riders. Paniolo Adventures provides boots, helmets, and jacket options including light jackets and Australian Duster Jackets, so beginner riders have the essential gear covered on arrival.
What should I wear or bring for the Sunset Ride?
You should arrive wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes for the Sunset Ride. A light jacket, sweatshirt, or coat is strongly recommended because temperatures at the 3,000-foot elevation on Kohala Mountain run 10 to 15 degrees cooler than at sea level, which can feel significant as the sun goes down. Paniolo Adventures supplies boots, helmets, light jackets, and Australian Duster Jackets, so you have backup layers available. Sunscreen is also included. Bottled water is available for purchase at the ranch. Arriving dressed for cooler mountain conditions will keep you comfortable throughout the two-hour experience.
What can I expect to see during the Sunset Ride?
The Sunset Ride offers unobstructed views of an authentic Hawaiian sunset from 3,000 feet on Ponoholo Ranch. As the light shifts, you can see a wide range of colors spread across the sky while the glowing landscape and the ocean come together in the background, creating strong opportunities for photos throughout the ride. The vantage point on Kohala Mountain places you well above the coastline, giving you an expansive perspective that is difficult to match at lower elevations. The ride lasts 1.5 hours in the saddle within the two-hour total experience, giving you ample time to take in the scenery as daylight fades.
What is the cancellation policy for the Sunset Ride?
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice before your check-in time will be charged 100% of the ride price for the Sunset Ride. If your group has six or more riders, a longer notice period applies - you will need to cancel at least 48 hours in advance to avoid the full charge. All guests are also required to sign a waiver before riding. When you arrive at check-in, you must present the credit card used during booking along with a matching government-issued photo ID. The name on the card must match the booking contact, and each guest must provide valid ID as well.
How much does the Sunset Ride cost and how long does it last?
The Sunset Ride is priced at $175 per rider and lasts a total of two hours, with 1.5 hours spent in the saddle. The check-in time is not fixed and will be shown when you select a date on the booking calendar, since the timing shifts with seasonal sunset hours. The meeting point for the ride is Kohala Mountain on the Big Island of Hawaii, where Ponoholo Ranch sits at 3,000 feet elevation. The $175 rate covers the guided ride along with included gear such as boots, helmets, and jacket options, making it a fairly complete package for the experience.
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