Out West – Hawaii Experience
A collection of rustic ranch getaways to whet your appetite for the West while satisfying your need for the sun.
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The Hawaiian Islands are opulence in form. When we think Maui or Kauai, images of hula skirts and leis fashioned from delicate orchids are conjured, with lush green landscapes and rumbling volcanoes. With eight islands making up the state, the geography is as varied as the opportunities for adventure.
Travelers often visit Hawaii for the obvious reasons: the intoxicating culture, the endless ocean, the late night open-air pig roasts, the stunning and flawless white sand beaches. But it is a well-educated visitor who is aware of the long-held history of ranching and horses in Hawaii. It is a fact that it and is home to the well-known \’paniolo\’, the Hawaiian cowboy, and also Parker Ranch, standing at one time as one of the world\’s largest privately owned cattle ranches, spanning over 150,000 acres.
Through the prolific working cattle ranch has now evolved from a privately owned operation into a charitable trust after the death of Richard Smart, a sixth generation Parker Ranch descendant, cowboy culture has not lost importance to the Hawaiian people. Next time you visit the Islands, be sure to fill your bucket list with an array of colourful, enriching experiences that will leave your heart calling, \”Holo, holo, paniolo!\”
Far from the crowds of the overdone resorts yet just minutes to excellent local restaurants, world-class beaches, waterfalls and rainforests lies an exclusive slice of paradise. With just four private vacation homes set upon vast and colorful acres of land, you are taken to a place where time slows down and few people are ever seen. Each authentic plantation era bungalow offers you complete privacy surrounded by sweeping ocean and mountain views. Unpretentious luxuries, attention to simple details and 5 star personal service is what sets The Puakea Ranch apart and makes it so special.
Their historic bungalows are stocked with everything you need to enjoy your home away from home. Think of The Ranch as your very own country estate with high speed Wi-fi and panoramic ocean vistas. Puakea Ranch is proud to offer an organic on-site garden, a cackling bunch of egg-laying hens, sustainable energy power and noticeable water conservation practices in impeccably restored homes.
Your hosts are always available to assist you during your stay. A personal concierge, kitchen provisioning, unique tropical flower arrangements, horseback riding, guided hikes and water sports can all be pre-arranged as part of your stay with us. Personal chef service, childcare, massage and acupuncture treatments can all be had in the privacy of your ranch home. Every detail of your vacation can be looked after, or you can plan for nothing at all except total relaxation. Formal check-in is not required. No matter what time you arrive, your home will be unlocked, lit up and ready to enjoy to the fullest.
Puakea Ranch will delight and indulge you with unsurpassed charm wrapped in comfortable, eco-minded luxury.
Paniolo Adventures
The Ponoholo Ranch on Kohala Mountain is one of the most beautiful ranches on the Big Island. This 11,000 acre cattle ranch covering three climate zones stretches from the rain forest at 4,800 feet to the ocean. It has the second largest herd of cattle on the island, 6,000 to 8,000, after the Parker Ranch. The ranch is operated in a environmentally sensitive manner through intensive rotational grazing which maximizes nutritional opportunity for the cattle thereby reducing damage to the land through erosion and overgrazing. The cattle raised on the Ponoholo Ranch are sent to the mainland in livestock ships after they are weaned from their mothers. They are then trucked to pasture or to feed lots primarily in Texas.
In conjunction with the daily ranch operations, the owners of Ponoholo Ranch also operate Paniolo Adventures. The premier open range riding operation on the Big Island, guests have the opportunity to experience the life of the Paniolo in the old days of the North Kohala ranch country.
The ranch offers awe inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean, the Kohala and Kona coastline and the Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Hualalai volcanoes on the Big Island and the Haleakala volcano on Maui.
Choose from one of six ride options to get out and see Hawaii that you haven\’t seen before.
Looking for a more immersive equestrian experience on your travels? Dahana Ranch is your place, an operation that spreads out as far as the senses can go. This ranch is the only native Hawaiian, family owned and operated activities ranch on the Big Island and possibly, in the entire state of Hawaii. Formally known as Nakoa Ranch it started as a native Hawaiian award in 1951 by William Pa\’akalua Kalawaia\’nui, father of the current owner, third generation Hawaiian cowboy Harry Nakoa.
Now, over 60 years later, the ranch is a comprehensive training operation. Guests can choose from horsemanship camps or colt starting camps. They are available in 14, 30, 60, and 90-day terms, and include the airport transfer, accommodations, rodeo and competition attendance, cattle work and sight seeing opportunity. Nakoa covers basic skills to more advances techniques, from ground work to roping.
The trainer assures all of his students who have accomplished 30-60 days that his methods will forever change your life, your attitude and approach to working horses. If you are looking for something more leisurely, tour their broodmare band or visit their bucking bull stock. Book a \’Paniolo Party\’ where you can choose from such experiences as a western photo shoot, equine vaulting, pony express race or mechanical bull – just to name a few. If you will decide on the \’Roughridander Getaway\’ there is no television and no computers – only the cowboy cottage to enjoy, while being treated to lessons, ranch rides, cattle drives and cowboy mai tais at sunset.
At Dahana Ranch, you are sure to be entertained, educated and leave with memories of two of the earth\’s most active volcanos and the emerald green slopes of Mauna Kea, in the heart of Hawaii\’s cowboy country, Waimea.
Silver Falls Ranch is Kauai horseback riding at its best. Near Kilauea Town and the wildlife refuge on Kauai\’s beautiful north shore, Silver Falls Ranch lies adjacent to the Kamookoa Ridge, a lush inland valley blessed with natural waterways and a beauty unique to this corner of paradise. Visit Silver Falls Ranch and see Kauai in a way you\’ll always remember.
Missing your own horses while you\’re on your tropical vacation? Silver Falls Ranch will quench your desire with its own string of \’Happy Horses\’. Choose your mount and explore the island, or admire their other herd. Silver Falls Ranch breeds and trains some of Hawaii\’s top working cow horse cutting prospects. At Silver Falls Ranch, horses are family. From patient to spirited, these equines make everyone from the earnest beginner to the experienced trail rider, feel satisfied. Their gentle trail horses are forgiving of beginner mistakes, while the experienced rider will enjoy their responsiveness.
Choose from the Hawaiian Discovery Ride, the Silver Falls Ride, the Tropical Trail Adventure or arrange a personal guided ride throughout the stunning fauna that is called Kauai.
