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Last Update: 06 Aug 2010

Riding Holidays | Hawaii

The first horses are thought to have arrived on Hawaii in 1803 and cattle ranching developed on the islands throughout the 19th century. There is a proud tradition of ranching on Hawaii and the Hawaiian cowboys are called Panilo's. The term Panilo is thought to be derived from the word espanol which reflects the immigration of cowboys from California and Mexico who were used to redomesticate the herds of wild cattle that roamed the islands. In fact the largest cattle ranch in the USA, the Parker Ranch, which once covered half a million acres, is on Big Island.

Today there are a number of outfitters and ranches offering day trail rides suitable for all levels of experience, on several of the islands including Kaua'i, Maui, Big Island and Oahu. We don't know of any places offering longer multi day trails or ranches where you can stay and ride out and more of a difficulty might be finding something that offers riding for experienced riders.

Although they don't offer riding, Anna Ranch at Waimea on Big Island is worth a visit. This is an historic ranch that has been preserved as a visitor centre. The ranch is named after Anna Perry-Fiske a local character and famed horse rider. She was particularly known as an accomplished pā'ū rider a form of riding developed on Hawaii in which women dressed in very elaborate culottes. Today pā'ū riding is only seen at festivals and parades.

We are always looking for new riding destinations and regularly update the information on this site. If you have information about horse riding or trail rides in Hawaii please do contact us.