Mendes Ranch, Wailuku

If you are truly a lover of horses and are captured by seeing them healthy and happy in an environment as beautiful and majestic as they are, your outing at the Mendez ranch will be the highlight of your time on this island. From the moment we stepped into the paddock, it was clear that the ranch and its crew catered not to the tourist but to their affinity for their beautiful animals and by doing so, created an unexpectedly connected experience between rider and mount that I, a very experienced rider, have rarely enjoyed from a trail riding outfit. The horses were simply perfect. Well groomed, healthy and seemed to enjoy meeting us as much as we did them. After a few interview questions, the staff paired us with like personalities. I was introduced to Little Foot, who walked to meet me, sniffed my hand and closed his eyes when I scratched his head. Not sure how valid the personality match was,, but the entire ride was like we had ridden many mornings before. The trail was beautiful, varied and at times arduous, but not once did this horse appear less than energized. At one point, the horses seemed to have a friendly competition to trot a little quicker than the other and a few cantered easily up a groomed slope. The views were breathtaking, the hands were seasoned, capable and knew the island and described its important relationship to this beautiful animal. Don't leave the island without experiencing this ride. Give Little Foot a pat, plz.

The ride was so much fun and the cowboy guides were fantastic. The ocean scenery along the way was so beautiful and they have us stop to take our pictures with ocean back drop. It was such a fun experience if we ever get back to Maui I would do it again. I highly recommend this place.