Riders head out in the late afternoon and climb onto ridgelines just as the sun drops toward the water. The pace suits beginners, with plenty of stops for photos, and the return leg finishes in near-darkness under saddle lamps.
Overview
This ride leaves from Gunstock Ranch on Oahu's North Shore, starting at 16:30 and running for 1 hour 30 minutes along mountain trails as the day winds down. You head out with a wrangler guiding the group, following trails above the coastline with occasional glimpses of the ocean below. Partway through, the group stops at a scenic lookout for panoramic views over the coast while the sun drops.
The ranch sits between the towns of Laie and Kahuku, about a 10-minute drive from Turtle Bay Resort and roughly 2 miles north of the Polynesian Cultural Center. Parking at the ranch is free, and the ride finishes back where it started. Helmets are provided and a guide leads the whole way.
The minimum age is 7, the group is capped at 12, and the listing states most travellers can participate. Reviewers repeatedly describe calm, well-trained horses and guides who are helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. Anyone staying in Waikiki should plan on a long drive to get here, and one traveller said the trip was worth it for the sunset ride.
What's Included
Included
- Use of helmets
- Tour wrangler/ guide
- Free Parking
Not Included
- Souvenir photos
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Bottled Water (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Itinerary
- Arrive at Gunstock RanchCheck in at the Gunstock Ranch Trails Office at 56-250 Kamehameha Hwy in Laie. Free parking is available on site.
- Set out with the wranglerA wrangler leads the group onto the mountain trails as the sun begins to set.
- Ride the mountain trailsThe group rides mountain trails toward the lookout, with views of the ocean appearing below along the way.
- Stop at the scenic lookoutThe ride pauses at a lookout for panoramic views while the sun sets over the North Shore.
- Return to the ranchThe ride loops back to the trails office, ending at the same point where it began.
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical things will shape this ride, from what you wear to how far you have to drive.
- Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop off, so you need your own transport. Several travellers staying in Waikiki noted the drive is long and one advised leaving several hours of buffer time to avoid arriving late.
- What to wear. The listing recommends long pants and covered shoes, plus a light jacket if the weather is cool.
- Water and extras. Bottled water is not included but can be purchased at the ranch. Souvenir photos are not included either. Small phones or small cameras are allowed on the ride.
- Pace and experience. Reviewers often mention the horses are calm and well trained, and one traveller who rode with first-time riders said the wranglers were very helpful and friendly. The listing states most travellers can participate.
- Weather. The ride runs rain or shine. If unsafe weather forces a cancellation, the operator offers an alternative date or a full refund.
- Group feel. The group is capped at 12 riders. A minimum of 2 people per booking applies.
Common issues. The main drawback is logistics: the ranch is a long drive from Waikiki, and one reviewer warned that underestimating the distance can make you late. The ride is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for travellers with back problems or pregnancy, and has a weight limit of 235lb that must be declared at booking. Souvenir photos, water, and gratuities cost extra, and there is no hotel transport.
Questions People Ask
What is included in the tour?
The price covers the horseback ride itself, use of a helmet, a wrangler guide, and free parking at the ranch. Souvenir photos, bottled water, gratuities, and hotel pickup and drop off are not included.
Where does the tour start and is there pickup?
There is no hotel pickup. You meet at the Gunstock Ranch Trails Office at 56-250 Kamehameha Hwy in Laie, about 2 miles north of the Polynesian Cultural Center and a 10-minute drive from Turtle Bay Resort. The ride starts at 16:30 and ends back at the same point.
How long is the ride?
The experience lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. Plan for extra travel time on top of that, especially if you are coming from Waikiki.
Is it suitable for kids and beginners?
The minimum age is 7, and the listing states most travellers can participate. One reviewer who rode with first-time riders found the team very helpful, and the horses are described as calm and well trained. Riders must weigh no more than 235lb, and weights must be given at booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you get a choice of a different date or a full refund.
What should I wear and bring?
Long pants and covered shoes are recommended, with a light jacket if it is cold. Bring money for water if you want it, and a small phone or small camera is allowed on the trail.
