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Pony Express
Pony Express Tours has been running rides on Maui since 1983, a family run operation with Doug and Kathryn Smith on the lead horses and followed up by kids Nicole and Allison.
The origins of the Crater rides go back to 1980, when Doug was hiking through the crater on foot one day and had an epiphany about what a great idea it would be to see it by horseback! The horse does the walking and you are truly free to sit back and look at the views. At that time there was not a horseback operation, so after checking with the National Park he started trail rides into the crater.
It took a number of years to bring the operation together with humble beginnings: borrowed trucks, trailers, and leased horses with good friends. Now 30 years later we are proud to report that the popular guidebook, Maui Revealed, rates the crater ride the number one horseback ride in the state!
The shorter Ranch Rides began in the late 80's when we leased over 100 acres from Haleakala Ranch as a base of our operation and started running rides across the Ranch.
Those rides appeal to people looking for a shorter ride and views of the island and ocean. Most people make an "upcountry day" out of it - do a horseback ride, see the crater, have lunch, view Makawao or Tedeschi Winery...
The origins of the Crater rides go back to 1980, when Doug was hiking through the crater on foot one day and had an epiphany about what a great idea it would be to see it by horseback! The horse does the walking and you are truly free to sit back and look at the views. At that time there was not a horseback operation, so after checking with the National Park he started trail rides into the crater.
It took a number of years to bring the operation together with humble beginnings: borrowed trucks, trailers, and leased horses with good friends. Now 30 years later we are proud to report that the popular guidebook, Maui Revealed, rates the crater ride the number one horseback ride in the state!
The shorter Ranch Rides began in the late 80's when we leased over 100 acres from Haleakala Ranch as a base of our operation and started running rides across the Ranch.
Those rides appeal to people looking for a shorter ride and views of the island and ocean. Most people make an "upcountry day" out of it - do a horseback ride, see the crater, have lunch, view Makawao or Tedeschi Winery...
ACTIVITIES:
Haleakala Crater Rides
Pony Express tours offers incredible rides into the world famous dormant volcano Haleakala Crater on Maui, approximately 10,000 feet above sea level.
The Ka Moa O Pele Junction Ride is 3.5-4 hours long and covers 7.5 miles of incredible scenery. You are met at the Visitor Center Parking Lot at the Crater Rim at 9:15 AM and the ride follows the Sliding Sands trail down to the floor of the Crater where a delicious deli style lunch is served. The ride makes several stops and your knowledgable guides narrate on the history of volcanic activity in Hawaii and flora and fauna unique to the crater.
After lunch and a chance to take pictures, the ride continues back out sliding sands trail arriving back at the top around 2:15 PM.
The Kapalaoa Cabin Ride is the ultimate exploration of the world famous dormant volcano Haleakala Crater! For those who feel at ease in the saddle, are fit and adventurous, this is one of the longest trail rides on Maui covering twelve miles of incredible scenery. The ride meets at the Visitor Center parking lot at 9:15 and goes down the Sliding Sands Trail to the floor of the crater, including stops for informative narration from our knowledgable guides. The ride continues all the way to Kapalaoa Cabin where a delicious picnic lunch is served. After lunch we take a loop trail on the Crater floor that takes in some of the features of the crater - the bubble caves, Pele's Paint Pot, the Bottomless Pit and the silverswords. The ride returns to the top of the Crater at about 4:30 pm.
Riders must be 10 and over under 65 years of age;
Weight limit is 235 pounds. No pregnant riders, and we also screen for any health concerns with the 10,000 ft. elevation.
You will need $10.00 admission fee per car into the national park as well as a full tank of gas. Dress warmly in layers with long pants like jeans, closed toe shoes like sneakers, jacket, hat, and maximum sunscreen.
The Ka Moa O Pele Junction Ride is 3.5-4 hours long and covers 7.5 miles of incredible scenery. You are met at the Visitor Center Parking Lot at the Crater Rim at 9:15 AM and the ride follows the Sliding Sands trail down to the floor of the Crater where a delicious deli style lunch is served. The ride makes several stops and your knowledgable guides narrate on the history of volcanic activity in Hawaii and flora and fauna unique to the crater.
After lunch and a chance to take pictures, the ride continues back out sliding sands trail arriving back at the top around 2:15 PM.
The Kapalaoa Cabin Ride is the ultimate exploration of the world famous dormant volcano Haleakala Crater! For those who feel at ease in the saddle, are fit and adventurous, this is one of the longest trail rides on Maui covering twelve miles of incredible scenery. The ride meets at the Visitor Center parking lot at 9:15 and goes down the Sliding Sands Trail to the floor of the crater, including stops for informative narration from our knowledgable guides. The ride continues all the way to Kapalaoa Cabin where a delicious picnic lunch is served. After lunch we take a loop trail on the Crater floor that takes in some of the features of the crater - the bubble caves, Pele's Paint Pot, the Bottomless Pit and the silverswords. The ride returns to the top of the Crater at about 4:30 pm.
Riders must be 10 and over under 65 years of age;
Weight limit is 235 pounds. No pregnant riders, and we also screen for any health concerns with the 10,000 ft. elevation.
You will need $10.00 admission fee per car into the national park as well as a full tank of gas. Dress warmly in layers with long pants like jeans, closed toe shoes like sneakers, jacket, hat, and maximum sunscreen.
Haleakala Ranch Rides
The Hawaiian cowboy pre-dates the American cowboy by about 50 years, so cattle ranching occupies a significant chapter in Hawaii's history! Haleakala Ranch comprises a large portion of Maui's high country and our Pony Express rides go through the heart of it at the 4,000' elevation! The views at this elevation are breath-taking and unforgettable! You can make an Upcountry day out of it: take a Ranch Ride, view the Crater, see the Winery, and end up in the old cowboy town of Makawao!
Paniolo Ride
Two hour ride across scenic Haleakala Ranch - lush rolling pasture and beautiful ocean views. Includes Refreshment stop.
Picnic Ride
2.5 hour ride across beautiful Haleakala Ranch - Great views of Maui and the ocean. Includes Deli-Style lunch.
The Introductory Ride
This is a 1 hour ride for visitors looking for a short ride while touring other upcountry spots. The ride takes place at the historic Haleakala Ranch, the largest working cattle ranch on Maui. The ride offers views of the valley below while riding across lush pastures and through tall, fragrant eucalyptus trees. Riders meet at the Pony Express Ranch Office at 2:45
What to Bring:
The Haleakala Ranch horseback rides take place at the 4,000 ft. elevation above sea level. Wear long pants, closed toe shoes (like a sneaker) bring a jacket, hat, and sunscreen. Meet 15 minutes prior to the ride at the Pony Express Ranch Office.
Paniolo Ride
Two hour ride across scenic Haleakala Ranch - lush rolling pasture and beautiful ocean views. Includes Refreshment stop.
Picnic Ride
2.5 hour ride across beautiful Haleakala Ranch - Great views of Maui and the ocean. Includes Deli-Style lunch.
The Introductory Ride
This is a 1 hour ride for visitors looking for a short ride while touring other upcountry spots. The ride takes place at the historic Haleakala Ranch, the largest working cattle ranch on Maui. The ride offers views of the valley below while riding across lush pastures and through tall, fragrant eucalyptus trees. Riders meet at the Pony Express Ranch Office at 2:45
What to Bring:
The Haleakala Ranch horseback rides take place at the 4,000 ft. elevation above sea level. Wear long pants, closed toe shoes (like a sneaker) bring a jacket, hat, and sunscreen. Meet 15 minutes prior to the ride at the Pony Express Ranch Office.
Paniolo Ranch Horseback Ride 8:30 AM
The Paniolo Ride is a 2 hour ride across the scenic, historic Haleakala Ranch, the largest working cattle ranch on Maui and located at the 4,000 ft. elevation of Haleakala. The ride offers awesome views of the ocean and valley below while riding across lush pastures and through tall, fragrant eucalyptus trees. Refreshment included. Riders meet at the Ranch office at 8:00am. Children 10-14 should have prior riding experience. (we prefer they have ridden at least 6 times as they are expected to be in control of their horse).
Cancellation Policy: Check here acknowledging our Non-Refundable Cancellation Policy: 48 Hours Notice of Cancellation; for 6 or more people, 72 Hours Notice of Cancellation.