Historic Makaha Valley Riding Stables

OMG!!! Just drove an hour with hopes to horseback ride… only to get to the gate and learn that they CLOSED THE RANCH due to an accident. WTF??? They couldn’t call us???

So it was our last day in Hawaii and my two daughters ages 14 and 7 (almost 8) wanted to ride horses. I had called around to a few places and was able to reach Mike at Makaha Valley Riding Stables. He told me that they offered a family ride that was about 40 minutes in length and allowed children ages 7 and up to participate, so I made a reservation. The location was great for us because we were staying at Aulani, and the ranch is about a ²⁰⁄₂₅ minute drive north of Ko Olina. It was originally a little difficult to find because you have to drive up into a hillside gated neighborhood to find the ranch. Once we found the place, we were soon informed that we would have to drive to a secondary location 10 minutes away to start the trail ride. It was a little strange because the person we met at the ranch, a friendly Japanese fellow, I think his name was Yuzu, didn’t speak much English. I called Mike back to make sure everything was legit and he explained to me the reason for the change of location. It made sense, but it still felt a little odd following Yuzu in his truck to a really remote ranch location that was closer to the beach off Farrington Highway. Once we got there, we saw Pistol Pete and the horses waiting for us tied up to some trees. We signed some waivers, Pete gave us some basic instructions on how to maneuver the horses and then we were ready to ride. The horses were on the smaller side (which I really liked) and they seemed very calm before the ride. Yuzu rode in front setting a very slow walking pace, followed by myself and my two girls and trailed by Pete. It seemed like a very private tour ride, which we loved, basically having two guides to support the ride. The ride itself was AMAZING! The scenery and panoramic views of the ocean, lush green mountains and valleys were breathtaking. At one point my 7 year old got nervous trying to control her horse, so Pete tied her horse onto his and led it the rest of the way. This made her and myself feel much safer during the ride. One thing that I would caution riders though is that the trail sometimes is very narrow through the trees and plants, and there is cactus also along the way. I would highly suggest that riders wear shoes, long pants, glasses and caps to have added protection while riding. I also was thankful to bring a back pack to carry our cameras, water and sunblock for our ride. The memories from riding the trail with my kids was priceless. And the guides Yuzu and Pistol Pete were super nice and made the experience that much more enjoyable. I highly recommend this establishment if you want to ride horses in Hawaii.

What a long ride, from central to the west side, I’ve lived on the island all my life and I don’t think I’ve gone that far west!
So in comparison to the pictures, I think I’ve been to a different part of the ranch?
Throughout the ride, minus the modern touches, the view was wonderful. I can’t believe I forgot my camera!
I also noticed that Makaha was it’s own area not really within Waianae. As we neared the entrance, you should be carefully; it’s really hidden so there’s a chance of missing it and having to make a U-​turn somewhere. Of course there is a sign, «Paniolo Country Ranch» –This is where I get confused, so if this review belongs elsewhere…
ANYWAYS, private land. There’s a gate, remember to close it! You don’t want cattle to roam elsewhere. It’s a dirt path from the road to where the horses were.
It really is a farm. Cattle, chickens, dogs and the horses! I did not expect to come here, nor ride horses so my attire wasn’t appropriate (
).
Since it rained, the ground was muddy. There goes my flats!
For riders you need to sign a waiver. I was hesitate but filled it out. Why not right? There were some things though I wish I did not see – horse business. Okay, okay back on track. The horses here though I thought seemed small, they are big creatures. I waited for the guide to «pair» me up with a horse.
Again I am mistaken for another ethnicity. «You look Japanese *shakes head no* but you not Japanese.» I spoke with little Japanese I know. Ha ha.
Got on the horse and learned how to tell them which directions to turn and to go or stop. I’m really nervous. This is my first time! I have my share of fears not knowing what they could do. I was given the illusion that they are just over-​sized dogs. Were they wrong?
Ah yes riding the horse, you can’t really hold anything but I had mastered taking pictures, instagraming while holding on to the reins. Yup.
Starting the trail it took a while to get used to the controls and the motions. They say its like riding a bike… My horse stopped frequently to eat grass. I didn’t get its name so I nicknamed it «Pololi,» Hungry in Hawaiian. Sorry I don’t know whether or not if it was a he or she.
Depending on the time, it can be hot and since it rained the water washed away the mud, leaving the rocks exposed and our horses trying to find a grip. Amazing views. There was only one stop that our guide hopped off his horse and took pictures.
Be careful of low branches, horse wandering a LITTLE too close to the edge and low branches scratching your legs/​feet. Bring hats, sunglasses, water, sunscreen. For belongings, ain’t the horses fault if you drop it! Our ride was on a shorter trail.
At the end, uncle Albert greeted us. He has a lot of stories to share, too bad there wasn’t a lot of time.

What a wonderful experience for myself and my children! My 12-​year old daughter mentioned that her experience was better than what she expected, and that means a lot from a tween who would rather be listening to her music on the beach. My 9-​year old daughter loved it so much that she wanted to return the next day! The trail for families was not difficult, and the view from the mountain was AMAZING!
The staff was very friendly. Our coordinator was late as he was picking up a couple from Waikiki and was held up in traffic. While waiting, Al, the groundskeeper, was so kind to entertain us. He educated us on his organic plants and fish. He even gave us organic eggplants for FREE! So much ALOHA! Our guide was great and ensured that my children were safe at all times.
I definitely recommend Makaha Valley Riding Stables for your horseback riding experience! Breathtaking view, friendly staff and an amazing experience overall.

My family and I LOVED this horseback riding experience. We called Kualoa park first, but they were full so we decided to come here. We are so happy we came here!!! They have beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and lovely horses. It was so relaxing and I actually thought it was the real paradise on earth. Next time I would like to come back for their sunset ride! Thank you for the great Hawaii experience.

Just got back from Oahu, Last week and I have to say the star event of the week was our trip to the Historic Makaha Valley Riding Stables. I am so glad we discovered this ride (Thank you Lee at Affordable Tours). They just started three months ago and WOW!
This was a fantastic adventure of fun, learning and hospitality! We were picked up at 8:30 in the morning at our Hotel and taken to the Riding Stables. Our Driver was the horse trainers wife Laverne, she was awesome. The Makaha Valley bus was clean and comfortable, Laverne was engaging and told us about sights as we were driving and answered any questions we had. The drive itself was almost worth the price.
When we arrived at the Stables it was beautiful so gorgeous and inviting. We were greeted with big smiles by Pistol Pete (Horse trainer and guide) Cathy and Al. We received a history of the ranch and the reason for the Stables. (don’t want to give it all away but they do good works for the children of Hawaii). After going thru the waiver, getting our helmets we were taken out to see our horses. I am in love if Makani could on the plane with me I would of taken her home.
This is a new tour and lucky for my friend Michael and myself, it was just the two of us, our horses and the fabulous Cathy and Pistol Pete (Never Fear, the Black man is here! (don’t forget those words).
We then started on a 1 and a half hour ride of amazing. Makaha Valley is just superb! We weaved our way thru gorgeous forest trails, through streams, up inclines. This was not your typical ride with a stable. The horses were picked for our abilities and mine was like her name Makani «Wind», she was a goer! We took little stops to learn about the various outcroppings, trees, plants and history of the ranch and of the Hawaiian people. Half way through we stopped at an old coral were the views were amazing. We stopped for water, a rest for the horses and some amazing photo opts. On the way up I was enchanted by Cathy and her amazing knowledge of the area, her care of me and our horses and her true love of the ride. Michael was be regaled by stories from Pete. On the way back down my friend and I swapped places and I had a chance to spend some time with Pete. Pete another passionate horse enthusiast and lover of the ride!
They spent years setting up the trails and training these wonderful horses and some of them being rescues from Molokai from a cruel existence. They now have happy happy forever homes!
When we got back to the stables and said good bye to our fabulous horses and trail guides we were taken in for a nice made lunch and a bit of a rest before the next part of adventure began. Wandered around looked at the ranch house (gorgeous) and were ready to roll.
After our lunch Al, wow Al, what amazing knowledge and a love for nature. We headed out for our 1.5 hour hike thru the other side of the property. His knowledge of sustainable farming and traditional ways of raising animals and plants is unparalleled. We checked out the fish and plant growers, the chickens and the exotic birds and then along with one of the dogs (also a rescue) we wandered thru the valley, eating lilikoi, smelling the flowers and plants and learning history and about the area. It was so fantastic, everything grows on the ranch, avocado, taro, oranges, breadfruit, grapefruit so amazing.
The piece of resistance was at the end of the hike before we started to head back! The Heiau! I don’t want to give too much away but wow, this is the best one I have ever seen and people still leave offerings at the temple idol. You can feel the reverence that Al had for the place and for Hawaii and the forest in general.
We then after a stop for fresh stream water, headed back to the ranch house for a little rest, water and then we got to make our own key chain to bring back as a souvenir of our day (besides the photos taken by me and our guides). After such a fabulous day it was great to have Laverne take us home in comfort and listen to our stories of our fabulous day!
Thank you Pete, Al, Cathy and Laverne! Blake you have some amazing people for working with you in this adventure! If you do one thing when you are in Honolulu I recommend booking this tour! It’s a full fantastic day of fun!

Fantastic horseback ride into glorious Makaha Valley! The grounds are fascinating and beautiful. It was a really fun day, and a great way to see a part of Oahu that is mostly missed by tourists and locals alike. The staff are incredibly friendly, and also very knowledgeable about the valley. We’ll definitely be back! One of the coolest experiences on the island.

My wife and I were here for our last day in Oahu — what a great end for our trip!
We started our day with a short hike to a Heiau, a Hawaiian temple built by Hawaii’s original inhabitants. Our guide was really passionate about Hawaiian history and did a great job of bringing us back in time. He had a ton of knowledge about the land and the people and the hike really helps you visualize and understand Hawaiian history better.
After lunch, we did a bit of horseback riding. The horses were well trained and it was really easy to ride even for a city boy like me. The lookout at the end was gorgeous and it was a really fun time.
We’re really glad to have booked a trip out here — we really had no plans that day and booked it last minute. It was one of my best experiences I had in Hawaii.

I just returned from a spectacular day at the Historic Makaha Valley Riding Stables… don’t let the name fool you… it’s waaaaaaaaay more than a riding stable.
Where do I begin… I’ve lived here all my life… and that’s a lot of years… today was one of the highlights… The gang there is incredible!.. talk about heart… it starts at the top, Blake, John, Mike, Al, Pete and Gene… thanks guys!
When you arrive, you feel like you are going to aunty and uncles ranch for the day… the ranch house is beautiful… painted in that wonderful local green with great music in the air.
First stop, bathroom…“please remove your shoes”…how local is that… beautiful and clean… just like you’d expect at aunty’s house.
We met in the equipment house and started with a brief introduction of the staff and an explanation of what was to take place… friendly, clear, and concise. We broke up into 2 groups… hikers and riders.
I got to hike first… our guide, Gene is an adorable blonde guy with the knowledge of a guru and the enthusiasm that warms my heart. He shared his many adventures in Makaha Valley and his discoveries with us… felt like I was talking to Indiana Jones of Makaha Valley. He has a true love and passion for the area and it is contagious. The hike was moderate, a few rocky trails, but mostly nice walking through lush vegetation, cool streams and beautiful scenery. Lots of great information in a fun and exciting way. I won’t tell you all about where we went, you WILL want to go there yourself. It’s great for kids and seniors alike… I guarantee you!
When we returned, they had a refreshing lunch all set up for us… delicious sandwiches with the freshest bread, salad made from the vegetable grown in the aquaponic garden, the sweetest pineapple I’ve ever had. Gene even shared his homemade mamaki tea (it was really good!)
Once we were done with lunch, it was now my turn to go horseback riding. I donned my helmet (highly recommended) and headed out to the corral. Al and Pete carefully matched each of us up with the «right horse» and assisted us in getting on our horses. of course I’m so little, and the horse is sooo big, they had to adjust the stirrups for me.
Once everyone had mounted their horse, they briefed us on the essentials of handling the horse and we headed up the trail. With Al in the lead, Pete (who is a real champion cowboy by the way) followed the last rider, making sure no one got lost. It was a great ride… through the «forest», crossing the stream and deep into The Valley until we reached a special place (again, not gonna tell you), where we could enjoy the beautiful vista of the West side. John was great making sure none of us fell off of our horse.
All too soon, the day had to come to an end… so we all headed back to the ranch where they shared some vegetable from the garden and eggs from their chickens! How cool is that! Organic vegetables and eggs!
Hey folks, this is a must do!.. Take yourself and your family out… what a great way to spend your family time… right here on Oahu!
NOTE…I think it is important to note that Blake has established a Makaha Cultural Learning Center which provides important learning opportunities to the children of Hawaii. Blake has improve the lives of others in the area by providing housing and food. When you are there, you can feel the love and the spirit of the ranch… before the hike, we toured the auquaponic facility… an amazing self-​sustaining garden of PVC pipes, fish ponds and trays of lush green vegetables! What I thought was the best part is the ranch grows these vegetables and gives them to folks who need them on the Waianae Coast! How cool is that!