Maui Stables

Still the best ride Ive ever been on a horse. Full out ride on the beach and country side.
With in a hour I could no longer make children or walk. Staff were way cool. Not only did I make the Hana highway but I all so made the Horses on the beach full out ride trip. I spit up blood like a man and went fishin. This trip was before people started getting stupid. Now days you will get a slow walk of this side of the island.

This was an amazing experience. They were fully booked, but Lynn called and emailed me telling me I was on the waitlist. We were in contact everyday for 3 days then we got two spots on the ride/​tour on our last day on Maui! The staff are extremely nice and patient with people who don’t ride, answering our questions and explaining things a few times over!
Their knowledge of the Hawaiian culture, horses, weather, geography, history was fantastic! Better than what you could learn in school, I think!
I had found the stables on my own and asked our concierge about them. She said they were far away and expensive. She was wrong saying they were expensive. They were only $ 25 more than the other horseback riding tour which was 1.5 hours long, led by local «cowboys». Maui Stables tour is about three hours long!
Yes, getting to the stables is a long drive from the Sheraton in Kaanapali Beach, but we were aware of that. We set out early with a full tank of gas, drinks and snacks and had a grand time! I followed the directions sent to us in our confirmation email, and they were to a TEE! Don’t count on GPS or cell service or any other way to get there!
Charles Lindbergh’s gravesite is a 2 minute walk from the stables. That was pretty neat to see!
At the end of the visit, you will be given passes to Haleakala National Park, if you would like to visit the park that day.
Please go to this stable. The horses are beautiful, the area is beautiful, and the staff are very kind souls, if you ask me. Make a day out of it and go to Hana, go to the seven sacred pools, visit waterfalls, enjoy the scenery.
I don’t know what else I can say to praise them! GO!

Getting there is an adventure in itself but it was definitely worth it.
We went the back way and made 2 short stops for pictures and got there barely in time. It is a grueling ride so give yourself extra time. After we checked in the guide started to tell us about the history pretty much everything. They were all super friendly and made the whole 3 hour ride very enjoyable. I felt safe the entire time even though the horses need to climb up and down that mountain. The best part of the trip was the fresh guava! Although my knees and butt hurt, it was such a spiritual and relaxing ride. It was money well spent!
PS: Ladies, wear long pants or prepare to be cut by shrubs on the way up and down.

By far, THE most AMAZING experience! And if you’re lucky to have Keoni as your guide, you will post a 5 star review yourself.
BF and I called them the morning of, and were able to book our tour. FYI, cash payment will give you a discounted price. And a tip to tourists — taking the Hana drive in reverse (the way all the locals go) will be faster, you will bypass all the slow, uncertain, and looky-​loo tourists that are driving up the regular route.
Maui Stables’ property is gorgeous! Their restroom facilities are very clean and nice.
First of all, I don’t have any horseback riding experience (other than the pony ride when I was 8). And when we arrived at Maui Stables, the sizes of the horses had me slightly nervous. But they did an excellent job training us and going over safety precautions.
I was in absolute awe with everything we got to see during the ride. The stories Keoni tells will keep you listening and listening…
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS EXPERIENCE!!! You cannot go to Maui and not.
We’ll be back for sure! :)

the horseback riding is great and the weather was perfect. The drive (back road) from grandma’s coffee shop is terrible. unpaved road and winding terrain got everyone in the car sick. a good 3 hour drive one way will get you eventually. We should’ve done is going through the paved hana route. you should too :)
Like how knowledgeable the guide is and how well trained the horse is. we walk upward in a restricted state park area and get to see the waimuku fall. amazing scene.
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we did the lahaina stable ride before it’s also very good. if you have short stay in maui. you probably wanna skip this place. not cheap and long drive.

This was by far the highlight of our trip to Maui. Keone greets you with such a warmth that you feel like family. My first impression of this place was, «wow, these horses have such a beautiful home». These guys are so healthy and lovingly cared for that you know they are the finest quality around. To me, it makes a difference. All these horses were rescued from the meat markets and shipped over from California where there lives were transformed in a paradise. The setting… spectacular. We were greeted with fresh local fruits, home made banana bread, juices and bottled waters with granola. During our guided tour through the Haleakala National Forest, we received tutelage on Hawaiian Cultural traditions, herbal medicine, botany lessons and a beautiful setting of Hana peace and tranquility.
Do not fear the drive. I was a bit worried after hearing others troubles with finding the place. We had zero problem. When making our reservation we were given very explicit and detailed directions. And we listened carefully and didn’t attempt to find via google maps. It’s Hana after all. Listening to the locals who know the ins and outs if the island geography is worth it’s weight. And Maui Stables warns you in advance «give yourself plenty if time». We got a forty five minute late start and still made it there early thanks to their directions. It’s simply ridiculous if you can’t find it.
I will definitely be recommending this to all my friends. Do not go anywhere else. This operation is top of the line.

This is a once in a lifetime adventure and is great for all levels of riders. I’ve worked with horses in the past and new I would have no problems on this trek BUT was kind of worried for my husband (since he has never rode a horse before). I figured what better time to learn than on our honeymoon, right! Well there was no need for me to worry cause our guide walked my husband through all the basics of riding. I was very interested to learn that the horses we were riding were actually brought in from the states and had been rescued from slaughter houses as well. These horses have the life and are taken care of very well.
We were even so lucky that the time of the year we visited Maui, which was around Halloween, was when this hidden gem isn’t very busy. We had the tour guide, Keone, all to ourselves and the three of us spent a little over three hours in the hills/​mountains of Maui. I definitely felt like I got my money’s worth. It was sort of a true Hawaiian cowboy ride, in which you guide your own horse through the thick of the forest. Keone was very knowledgeable about the history of the area (since he grew up there) and even shared entertaining stories about his childhood. We even got to taste some of the local fruit and learn about common remedies that the people use.
There isn’t really a downside to this place. I’ve read some of the prior reviews about some of the people getting lost on the way to the stables and I hate to say this but those people are idiots. Its like going back in time, remembering the days when you use to use a map when you are lost and NOT a GPS. Its really isn’t a big deal. Maui Stables website actually will tell you to use the southeast road around the island. In my opinion the best route. We found that road to be the quickest, and most adventurous route. But travel with caution. The road is very winding, steep, and unpaved in some areas. If you do plan to travel that route it may be wise to upgrade to a jeep or some type of off-​roading vehicle. Our jeep handled it with ease, and we had a blast driving it. DON’T try to take the road to Hana (the north road). It will take forever and add about an hour or so to your trip. We made the mistake of taking that back to our hotel and was so exhausted after the drive.
Regardless if you want the most for your money and the least area where a lot of tourists will be, this is the place you will want to go. They will take great care of you. Just make sure to tip at the end to show your appreciation — I know we did and wish we could have given more.

This was one of the highlights of our trip to Maui. It is definitely worth the drive and you will get to see a part of the island that the rest of the public does not.
First I will start off by saying that I am a very experienced rider (I used to be a trail ride guide and riding instructor). We chose this ride because from other reviews I’d read, this isn’t the typical «nose-​to-​tail» ride, and it wasn’t. These horses are all rescued from the slaughter houses. There is something to be said for that and when Keone mentioned it, I appreciated it. The horses were VERY well taken care of, all with round bellies, round hips, and gleaming, clean coats, which I also appreciated. Because I was the most experienced rider, he put me on the most «difficult» horse. If this was their most difficult horse, no one has anything to worry about! She plugged along and was a dream. There were numerous first time riders in the group, and they all did just great, no issues at all. I saw in a previous review, someone mentioned one of the horses panicked and the rider fell off during a ride. This probably has nothing to do with the fact that these horses are rescues. When you are riding through nature on an ANIMAL, something can spook them at any time and they can freak. Even the most trained, quietest horses can have moments like that. That’s something that, as a rider, you have to know is a possibility. At any rate, Keone was awesome, and Jaime was very friendly also. Their knowledge on the plants and Hawaiian culture blew me away.
The stables are a little tricky to find, but we didn’t think it was nearly as difficult as others said in previous reviews. We were staying in Napili, so we opted to drive to Hana the day before and stay overnight (I highly recommend this, there is so much to see on the way to Hana, it took us half a day to get there!) If you just continue on the Hana Highway southbound past Hana, you will run right into it. The sign was perfectly visible from the road. And it is only like a mile south of the Haleakala State Park.
This is a must-​do while in Maui, and as much time as you can spend in Hana, the better, in my opinion. One thing I would like to mention is, it is common courtesy to tip the guides (not only for trail guides but for guides of ANY kind.) From what I noticed, we were the only people of the 10 on the ride that tipped them. I know everyone on the ride had a great time and I don’t think the other riders were intentionally trying to snub the guides. I don’t think they were aware that they should tip.

Highly recommended!
The drive here is definitely not the best route in the world though. Maui Stables sit at the South East of Maui near the Haleakala National Park entrance. You can choose either driving the Hana Highway or Highway 37 along the Southern part of Maui. We did the latter, and drove Hana Highway on the way back. Definitely need to leave early, especially if you live in the resort area along the West side of Maui. The twist and turns along the highways will make your drive much longer than expected.
The horseback ride was both fun and educational. It was actually my first time riding and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. Our guide, Keone, was a fun, interesting, and knowledge guide, probably as best as it gets. He explains every bit of detail on both the history of Maui, including the tribes and rituals, as well as any plants along the ride. The end of the ride is actually peak where you can see the waterfall that appears in the Jurassic Park opening. It’s just pure spectacular.
You’d return to the stables around 1pm, which leaves you sufficient time for hiking in the Seven Ponds in Haleakala National Park.

Great experience but driving was one of the worst experiences I had during my whole stay on Maui. The stables are located in a pretty remote area, so a drive from any resort area will take a while. I drove from Kihei, and encountered some traffic and we actually about 45 min late. I was super worried that we were going to miss the whole thing and was panicking pretty hard. I believe their actual «address» is 177 Hana Hwy but the numbers around the area are all messed up. I remember driving past one place marked 176, so I naturally stopped the car because I thought 177 would be nearby but I did not see it all. I kept going and saw 179 so I really started to get confused. Just make sure you look out for the Maui Stables sign because it can be hard to see since the whole road is covered in trees.
Anyways, we got there RIGHT on time when the guide (Keane I believe was his name) started to teach us how to control the horses and gave us the right horses to use. I’m basically a first time rider so being on the horse was scary for the first time since it didn’t seem to be listening.
Once we started riding the nervousness went away. Most of the people seemed to be novices which this tour accommodates since you’re moving pretty slowly most of the time. The horses move on their own most of the time so you don’t really even have to turn them very often, you usually just have to control them to make sure the distance between you and your fellow riders isn’t too close. People who are advanced horse riders might but get too much fun out of this besides the scenery but for novices horse riders like me and my girlfriend it was a lot of fun, and the view at the top is amazing. Keane is an extremely knowledgeable guide and very passionate about Maui. It felt like you could ask him anything about Maui and he would know everything there is to know about it.
It wouldn’t be something I would do more than once because of the drive and the fact that all the rides lead to the same place but for a one-​time experience, it was great!

This place took a while to get to. So leave a little earlier than your GPS suggests. Took us about 2 hours and 15min to get there from Kihei.
Kione (I’m not sure how his name is spelled sounds like «Key Oh Knee») was our guide. He’s also the Operations Manager there. He’s a very knowledgeable guy and super chill. Ask him anything!
The ride is not timed or anything and it’s at the pace of the group. Any questions or what not will all be answered. The tour has a great view and lets you into the Haleakala state park, into areas that the public are not normally allowed.
Kione showed us all sorts of different fruits and plants that are edible as well as poisonous etc… It was really awesome. I totally recommend this if you go to Maui!

The owners and staff are the most dedicated and passionate ambassadors not only of the immediate area, but of the archeological and geological heritage of Hawai’i. No where else in the state can one better appreciate the uniqueness of the paniolo traditions that shaped this region.
All their guides, but Keone in particular, conveyed the importance of protecting indigenous customs, flora and fauna while providing us with an interactive, natural and minimally invasive experience that highlights the best of Hawaiian hospitality, nature and culture.
Their approach to their business is a model for the tourism economy: they balance embracing tourists while honoring tradition and respecting a harmonious relationship with the environment.
The staff and owners are gems; we need more businesses like these in the world, and in Hawai’i in particular!

Our experience with Maui Stables was unforgettable for a few reasons explained below. Lets start with the positives. Keone (or John) our guide deserves 5 stars. He is absolutely the best guide you could possibly have. He was incredibly knowledgeable about Hawaiian culture, history, and all of the plants. We tasted some really good wild berries and some type of leaf that tasted like carrot. Not only did we get to tour Hana on horseback through Haleakala National Park, we had a great history and culture lesson as well as plant identification. The views are spectacular at the area you stop to see the Waimoku falls. The riding time was pretty long, at some point my knee joints started to ache! Amazing views the whole trip. A few more perks that really make the trip nice are: snacks before and after (local fresh fruit, drinks, snacks), good heavy rain jackets (it does rain a lot in Hana), and a complimentary 3 day pass to enter Haleakala National Park.
Here comes the negatives (I was torn with rating this a 3 star, but decided to rate 4 because of the great guide and spectacular views-​but I may not ride a horse in a long time).
1) We rode in a group of 12 with only 3 guides. One in the front to lead, one in the back to make sure no one is left behind, and Keone riding up and down (sometimes) talking about the plants we passed. I rode once before in Oahu about 1.5 years ago, and we only had a group of 6 with 2 giudes. So there was a guide right next to you at all times-​pretty much. In this large group, if you were having trouble with your horse not listening (as some of us did) there was no guide near you, most of the time, to assist. Also, because of our large group, we got split up a few times.
2) My first time on horseback was in Oahu and my horse was SO great. I felt very comfortable from the start because Trigger (my horse) listened to all commands with ease. The Oahu horses were retired polo horses. Maui stables horses, as I learned, are rescue horses from the slaughter houses. So when you think about it, their personalities can be unpredictable since you dont know how they were treated. Sort of like pound animals. From the start, I never felt comfortable with my horse because he never responded to what I wanted him to do. He wouldn’t back up when I pulled, go forward when I kicked, and just starts to move when the other horses started to move all on his own and wouldn’t stop! He was a little responsive with the turns, but barely.
3) A rider in our group fell off his horse after his horse when nuts. I was directly in back of him and witnessed the whole thing, so now I may not be riding horses again. It was a bad scene and needless to say, a bit traumatic. No one really knows what happened-​whether the horse was spooked or if the rider kicked him to go and he went too fast and slipped. What I saw was that the horse jetted off all of a sudden and the rider pulled the reigns to stop him and then they spun around in a circle about 2 times. It looked like the rider lost grip on the horse and fell off screaming in pain once he hit the ground. My horse got a little antsy during the whole incident and almost started to run after his horse when he jetted off a couple of steps, but I pulled back really hard to stop him and by that time i was shaking in fear that my horse was going to go ape shit, too. I was about to jump off my horse, but decided to hold on for dear life. Link to news story:
4) Immediately after the accident, none of the staff told any of us what to do. We all just watched in horror and didn’t know if we could get off our horse or to move. They gave no instruction on what the rest of us should do or to calm the situation. Only the guide jumped off his horse to tend the injured. The other two guides were quietly watching, tying up the horses, and not knowing what to do. At some point, one guide was told to just lead us back, but nothing was said to us. They just started to herd us and started going back.
5) An older man back at the stables who also helps with the horses told us that this is the first accident they’ve had in 3 years-​which doesn’t seem that long to me, but just food for thought when you consider any horseback riding. Be cautious, and it really is at your own risk!

Tip 1: DO NOT USE YOUR GPS! Get an old fashioned map out and use that bad boy when driving. Go through Ulupalakua onto the dirt road. It is not as twisty as going all the way through Hana.
I really didn’t expect much. Just a typical horse back riding experience with nice scenery. I am so glad that our guide blew my expectations out of the water.
Not only were there amazing views throughout the trail but our guide was incredibly knowledgeable on Hawaii and it’s culture, traditions, homeopathic remedies, etc.
I would recommend this for anyone planning to drive out to Kipahulu. The curvy paved then dirt then paved roads are quite a journey but trust me it is worth it. Next time we’re in town with people who had never been horseback riding before, we are definitely riding again.
***Bring your camera. You are going to want to capture everything. Don’t worry about refreshments and snacks. Apple bananas, granola bars and water are provided.
***Kama’aina Discount available. Book with a credit card but pay cash the day of tour.

Maui Stables offers a unique experience that will whisk you away from the commercialism and the perfectly manicured beaches/​resorts of Lahaina and into some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes of Maui.
Be careful of the switchbacks on your way to Hana… they offer an incredibly scenic drive but can be a bit stressful, especially in the dark. If you’re driving from Lahaina, I would suggest taking the southern route on the way there (it’s faster and the roads are slightly better… minus the unpaved part) and stopping by Grandma’s coffee. Be sure to leave the coffee shop by 8:15am if you want to make it to Maui Stables on time. On the route home, go the northern route so you make a loop of the island.
Now for the actual tour. Keone is the perfect guide. He draws upon his own experiences and knowledge as an oral historian to teach you about the island and shares the spirituality and culture of the Hawaiian people through chants and stories. My friend and I stayed and chatted with him well after our tour and learned so much about traditional medicine and his experiences living on Maui.
Perhaps the most nerve racking part of the trip for me was actually having to ride a horse. Our group of 6 had varying degrees of expertise ranging from very experienced to absolute beginner (myself). Keone did a fantastic job of pairing the horses with their riders based on experience and now that my ride is over, I find myself wanting to take riding lessons.
To fully appreciate everything that Maui Stables has to offer, come with an open mind, a willingness to discover, and a camera. It’s a tour you absolutely will not regret.

Maui Stables could not have been better. This was my best experience on Maui. It’s not just about the horseback ride… the entire day was my best on Maui.
I left early in the morning to do the gorgeous drive to the stables, stopping for breakfast along the way. The views on the drive are simply amazing.
I arrived at the stables in time for the tour at 9:30. The stables are located in a beautiful, tropical area of the island. The area is green and lush, filled with exotic fruits and plants. I ate some apple bananas and other snacks before going, and I grabbed a few for the ride.
The ride started along a paved road, and then ascended into Haleakala National Park, along a path that was inaccessible but on horseback. I was able to pick and eat Guavas straight off the trees, while learning about all of the plants and surroundings from the all-​knowing guide, Natasha.
Then, the «payoff» (as if the rest of the ride wasn’t amazing enough) — a scenic overlook of Waimoku falls and the surrounding valley. Unbelievable. All I could hear was the sound of the wind and nature. Silence is golden.
After the ride, I got a complimentary 3-​day pass to the national park. The stables are very near the hike to Waimoku falls and the Seven Pools, so I went ahead and did that after stopping for Thai food at a roadside stand.
Maui Stables is extremely professional. The tours groups are small and very personal. The horses are well trained, and Natasha was a wonderful guide. They make sure you have a great time.
If you visit Maui, DO NOT MISS this experience!

Keone led our small group through the streets of Hana and onto a stunning table top inside of the National Park. By far the best activity and adventure on the island. Thank you for an amazing time.
I had ridden horses a long time ago, and my girlfriend was completely new to it. With a little coaching from Keone and Natasha, we both had a splendid and safe time.
Thanks guys!

This is a great choice for horseback riding! Our guide, Keoni was great! He was able to answer all our questions about the horses and Hawaii! He shared a lot of history and informaiton with us a log the way and is very well educated about island history, plant life, etc. He shared a few chants with us as well.
They give you snacks and drinks, but not a full meal. Still good. The horses were great! We were all beginners and had an awesome time. You go down the road, and then up the mountains. The guide taught us about all the plants we saw around the way and different areas. We even tried some of the guavas that were growing!
The trail took us to the top or a hill with a gorgeous view of the mountains and waterfalls! Then back to the stables for more snacks! Definitely recommended!

Just got back from an afternoon at Maui Stables. The guide is well versed on everything in the area, all the plants. He tells wonderful stories of the history of the area.
Give yourself a lot of time. We were told to start at 1030 and expect 2 hours. It was 11:15 by the time we started, and didn’t come back for 4 hours.
Remember to kiss your guide and tip your horse.

I’m really not sure where to begin. But this entire trip was truly spiritual. Thanks in no small part to our guide (THE guide at Maui stables) Keoni, who traces his entire family back to the original discoverers and inhabitants of Hawai’i.
I think my favorite moment was when we were atop this bluff overlooking the falls cascading down to the sacred pools. When it started to rain. As the rain birds took off into the sky, the rest of the group scurried back to the horses. But seeing that Keoni hadn’t budged, neither did I. He told me about how these birds only come out when it rained. How this rain was immediately at a slant, which meant the wind was right behind it, and it would over before the others even got to their horses.
he was dead-​on.
they barely made it back for one of the most spectacular rainbows I’ve ever witnessed.
this ride really makes you feel like you a very small speck in an enormous and beautiful world. you’ll laugh, you’ll eat, you’ll chant, and you’ll be dying to come back for more.