Ride on a real Hawaiian ranch with a family of experienced cowboys! Mendes Ranch in Wailuku, Hawaii is owned by a Portuguese family who has been exploring Maui on horseback for decades. A ride at this ranch is more than a fun Maui activity-it’s also an educational tour where guides offer interesting narratives on the island’s culture, history and natural wonders.

All journeys start at the Mendes Ranch Corral, where you’ll be greeted by paniolos (cowboys) before getting fitted to your horses. From here, you’ll canter up beautiful rolling pastures, pass through a lush rainforest, and reach a high peak where you can look down into the Eki Crater. You’ll also get to see some of the largest waterfalls on Maui, a favorite sight among tourists.

The trail then leads you down Waihe`e Valley, a thick, pristine forest and home to the famous Swimming Bridge. Along the way, you’ll also see plantation homes and Hawaiian taro patches. There’s a beautiful lookout on Waihe’e with excellent views of the Pacific; this is often used as a rest and photo stop. The guides will gladly take a picture of you with the ocean in the background.

There are two rides to choose from, a morning ride and an afternoon ride, both two hours long. The morning ride starts at 8:30 while the afternoon one starts at 12:30. The rate is $110 per person, including snacks and refreshments. For an additional $20, you can also have a BBQ lunch along the way. Check-in time is 15 minutes before departure.

For more info and reservations visit http://www.mendesranch.com