This is one AWESOME trail ride... but let me back up a little. We raise ponies and we all ride a bit here at home. Most, actually, almost all, public "trail rides" get a thumbs down from us because they're the typical "nose to tail," "don't get out of line," boring ride. In fact, I didn't want to DO this ride when we were planning. However, it is now ILLEGAL to go back into the Waipio Valley on one's own. You can hike down to the beach, but not explore the valley... so, we opted to add this trail ride to our itinerary. How fortunate!

Begin by checking in at the Waipio Valley Artworks shop and waiting for a van and guide. If you like, come early and there are sandwiches and ice cream (etc.) that can be bought and eaten here, or browse the shop. Parking is free.

The guide arrives and you ride in the van to the bottom of the valley - from where you get your steeds for the rest of the ride. They have a max of 10 riders, and take riders as young as 8. You have a choice of morning or afternoon rides (each 2½ hours) any day but Sunday.

You do NOT need previous riding experience. The horses DO know the way, and it is a "walking only" trail ride, but it is far from a nose to tail ride. You may ride anywhere in the group that you like... and the scenery is breathtaking. The guides stop along the way to take pictures of you; pictures from YOUR camera, not ones they take and sell you for an exorbitant fee.

The guides make a point of talking to everyone on the ride, including kids, and are a wealth of knowledge about the valley, the island, and of course, horse activity. One of our guides lives in the valley. Some of their steeds were used in making the movie "Waterworld,"  as was the valley itself.

The scenery includes the awesome valley itself, waterfalls, creeks that double as roads, wild horses, taro fields, huge trees, and lush greenery. It was a feast for our eyes.

If there's any complaint, it's that we never did get to go to the beach... you need to hike up/down yourself if you want to go there, but the ride was really, really nice—and that coming from a family that originally didn't want to do this activity! My boys enjoyed it as well as we adults did.

Hmm, other advice? Wear boots of some sort, and long pants (shorts will let your legs chafe against the saddle); and bring water and your own camera. The horses are safe for any level rider, and hard hats are available for adults—required for those under age 13 (they have them there).