Question 1

Do I need a reservation?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Most of the time it is easier for us when we know what our day looks like so we can prepare. Of course, we know that sometimes spontaneity strikes and that is fine too! For last minute reservations you may book with us by calling directly, or check on our website for availability to book online. Please call us if you have any questions about availability, as there are occasionally extra hands available. If you call earlier or later at night please leave a message with your name, number, and email and we’ll get back to you as soon as we open. We can accommodate same day bookings if we have available horses and wranglers.

SAME DAY BOOKINGS LAST MINUTES RESERVATIONS ARE WELCOME

Please call by 7:30am the day of the ride to get your reservation confirmed for the 9am check-in and 10:30am to get your reservation confirmed for the 12:30pm check-in.

Please make your reservation 24 hours in advance by clicking here or calling us directly at 808-775-1007. For any questions on availability please call.

SAME DAY BOOKINGS LAST MINUTES RESERVATIONS ARE WELCOME

Please call by 7:30am the day of the ride to get your reservation confirmed for the 9am check-in and 10:30am to get your reservation confirmed for the 12:30pm check-in.

Please make your reservation 24 hours in advance by clicking here or calling us directly at 808-775-1007. For any questions on availability please call.

Question 2

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We are located on the Big Island of Hawaii, on the eastern side of the island about 20min North of Hilo.

Conveniently located between the Umauma Falls Zipline & Rappel Experience and Botanical World Adventures in Hakalau, Hawaii, we are also only about 2 hours from Kona or Waikoloa Village and 25 minutes from Honoka’a and Waipi’o Valley. Our address is 31-313 Old Mamalahoa, Hwy. Hakalau, Hawaii, 96710.

Please do not drive to Waipi’o Valley to ride with us; we have recently relocated to Umauma Falls. We are 5 minutes away from Akaka Falls. We offer Horseback Rides and Waterfall Swims at our private location. Only through booking with us can you enjoy the experience of Hidden Hawaii! We look forward to seeing you.

Question 3

When are you open?

Accepted Answer

We are open Monday through Saturday year-round. We are closed on New Years Day, Christmas Day, 4th of July, and Thanksgiving Day.

Please call ahead to check availability for holidays and Sunday rides which can be privately arranged with enough notice.

Question 4

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

We recommend everyone wear long pants, close-toed shoes, and a light sweater or jacket to bring. Don’t forget your bathing suit and a towel if planning to swim, kayak, or paddleboard at the waterfalls! Please do not use any loose hats, if you have a loose hat make sure it has a chin strap! Branches and the trail can make short work of hats that aren’t snug. Long hair should be tied back for your safety.

Question 5

What should I bring for my ride?

Accepted Answer

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU BRING YOUR POSITIVE ALOHA VIBES AS WE TAKE YOU ON OUR EPIC HORSEBACK ADVENTURE!

We suggest you bring a light snack and drinks to take on your horseback tour. A water bottle is highly recommended for all riders due to the remote area. Water and a variety of other drinks and snacks may also be purchased right next door to us at the Umauma Falls Visitor Center Snack Shack! Please arrive early to get your snacks ready so you are on time for your scheduled ride.

No backpacks are allowed on the ride, so bring only what you need (we do provide a saddlebag for everyone but space is limited). Feel free bring your camera, and don’t forget your towel and swimsuit if you plan to swim. Please leave valuables locked in your car. You may wear your swimsuit underneath your clothing or switch into it later: we have a bathroom above the water where you can change.

Question 6

When should I arrive for my ride?

Accepted Answer

Please know that Highway 19 is often busy with road work. Try to allow for at least 20 minutes of delays from Waimea to Umauma, especially on the weekdays.

Please plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your reservation time so you are able to get your snacks and drinks from next door and get your things together for the ride. Once you have met your wrangler you will sign a waiver form, receive a demonstration on safety and the basics of horseback riding, and then get ready to head out for adventure!

Question 7

Is there somewhere nearby to get food or drinks?

Accepted Answer

Yes! For lunch or snacks we highly recommend you visit the The Umauma Falls Visitor Center, located right next door to our stables. The kitchen is not open till 10am but you may purchase snacks and drinks there to bring with you; for the morning ride a light snack should do. By the time we get back from the morning ride it will be lunch and you can order from the yummy fresh-made menu at the Visitor Center and enjoy your meal at the cafe overlooking the waterfalls there.

The snack bar and deli offers a great menu of sandwiches, burgers and other refreshments. For the afternoon riders: please make sure to arrive around 25 min early to place your order to bring with you on our horseback ride.

It can be busy in the afternoon, please call the cafe at the Visitor Center to learn more about the menu and inquire about options for food allergies. Call the Umauma Falls Visitors Center at (808) 930-9477 and hit extension 1, ask for Isaac or the kitchen. You can place your order in advance and pay for it when you arrive.

Question 8

Can I ride if I've never ridden a horse before?

Accepted Answer

Yes! NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!! WE WELCOME ALL SKILLS AND LEVELS. From first-timers to advanced riders; all have a blast with us! We will match you up with your trail partner according to your experience: we have a horse for everyone. Our experienced guides will help you learn the basics and ensure your ride is safe and enjoyable.

Question 9

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Accepted Answer

Children 13 years and under are required to wear a helmet, but are optional for adults. We have helmets of all sizes available free of charge for your convenience.

Question 10

Is there a weight limit or other requirements for people riding horses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our weight max is 225lbs/102kg. We can accommodate an additional 3 persons at 200lbs weight for each ride. All participants should be in good general health.

No pregnant women are allowed on our rides. We do not recommend those who are pregnant, elderly or otherwise medically restricted to engage in horseback riding at our stable.

All medical/physical restrictions must be declared at the time of reservation. If you have questions, give us a call – we would be happy to assist you!

Question 11

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the minimum age requirement is 8 years old. All minors MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times on our property and during trail rides.

Question 12

How long has Wailea Horseback Adventures been operating horseback riding tours?

Accepted Answer

E komo mai! We welcome you to our newest location. We opened our stable and trails in Wailea on April 5th, 2019. Our ohana has owned and operated trail riding outfits here on the Big Island for more than 30 years; our last location was the lauded Waipi’o Ridge Stables. With our passion and aloha for horses and people, sharing this experience of paniolo riding and culture of Hawaii to all our visitors is why we exist. A lot of hard work has gone into our stables and beautiful horses, but it is so rewarding! We promise you a wonderful adventure, a lasting memory of Hawaii on horseback…

We are a local, born-and-raised Hawaiian family of the Hamakua area with more than 30 years of experience in the horse trail riding and hospitality business. Though we were sad to move from our former and much loved location near Waipio Valley we are very happy and excited to be at Umauma Falls, another amazing location with historic plantations, rich soils, native plants, open pastures, hidden pools, and secret waterfalls. We now offer a new, wonderful set of experiences and adventures in our new location!

Come with us and ride! We are still the only company who offers horseback riding, waterfall swims, and a picnic in the same journey. No other tour on the Hamakua coast offers the experience we offer. So far no one has had anything other than a great time with us. It’s awesome when guests have an amazing time, and say to us that it is one of the best things they have done so far while here on the island and recommend us to their friends and family. It makes us feel confident we are doing it right!

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