PIIHOLO RANCH

HORSEBACK RIDES UPCOUNTRY
here are many horseback trail rides offered on Maui, but only one offers the traditional Hawaiian paniolo cowboy adventure. Now you can live the legacy of the Baldwin family, who has ranched on Maui for six generations. Piiholo Ranch borders the paniolo town, Makawao, and lies at the edge of the Upcountry rainforest. Owned and operated by Peter Baldwin and his family, Piiholo Ranch horseback rides will share the family’s experience in cattle ranching and caring for the land for more than one hundred years.

As you ascend the lush landscape of towering Eucalyptus trees and green Kikuyu and Pangola pastures, you’ll notice across the panoramic vista that there’s not a roof in sight. From Haleakala Crater to the blue Pacific, your eyes will feast on nature’s magnificent beauty. Piiholo Ranch provides a horseback ride with plenty of open range to move freely and see spectacular views from 2,000-foot elevation. Along the ride, you’ll see many native plants and indigenous trees of Hawaii, and sometimes colorful, endemic forest birds. The Baldwins have also developed a preserve and nursery for the Hawaiian Nene goose (the endangered state bird).

Days that the ranch moves cattle present a unique opportunity for guests to get involved. Ranch hands call the cattle through the gates, allowing you to participate in moving the herd from one pasture to another. If you’d like to experience a cattle drive, it’s a good idea to phone ahead and schedule your ride.

Piiholo Ranch has a variety of horses, from retired polo ponies and roping horses to stouter types which can accommodate bigger people. The wranglers will first match a horse to your height and weight, and then give a briefing about the horses along with basic horseback riding instruction at the beginning of the ride. Rides are limited to six people, ensuring that guests have a quality adventure and can easily talk one-on-one with wranglers.

The Morning Picnic Ride is a 3.5-hour adventure out on the ranch, from the corral and pavilion to Twin Koas and up to Piiholo Hill—check-in at 9:30am. A gourmet BBQ lunch is spread on a picnic table in a small pavilion tucked back in the trees. A 2-hour Country Ride roams through the open range and includes refreshments—check-in at 8:30am and 1:00pm. The 2-hour Private Ride is available but we also recommend a 3-hour ride for enough time to enjoy lunch, explore hidden pools and a secret water tunnel found on the ranch. Required attire is long pants, layered top or jacket, and closed-toe shoes. To book a ride, call (808) 357-5544 or visit www.piiholo.com