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    Circle M Ranch

    4.8 (292 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Cheeze it
    Gina N.

    MAUI MUST This was one of our all-time favorite excursions. EVER. Our Party of 4 was there for the morning horse back riding tour and it did not dissapoint. Yon gave us a full-fledged saftey briefing - super informative and hilarious guy. He made things super easy to digest. Bailey and another gentleman were our guides for the ride and they were fantastic. They were both phenomenal at leading & guiding the ride. They kept an eye on all the paticipants and horses, super safe, super fun, and first-timer friendly. They informed us about our horses personalities, told us about the ranch's history, helped with photos, and gave tips and tricks on how to handle your horse really making this an enjoyable experience. I had the pleasure of being paired up with Poncho, a short and stocky horse wth a BIG personality. I did have some issues reining him in and getting him to listen to me (he was a stubborn one LOL), but Bailey gave me great pointers about how to get him going. She made the experience super enjoyable. Despite Poncho being super stubborn and mischievous, I couldn't help but laugh throughout the ride. I was proud of us for making it to the end of the trail. The trail itself was beautiful. Very scenic. Get ready to get your phones out for some photos/videos. The team running the ranch is hands down amazing. You're also welcome to take a peak at all the cool animals on the ranch after the ride and there's a gift shop on the way out. There's also a one-eyed cat named Cheeze It hanging out at the gates -make sure to say Hi. If you're on the fence about doing this, don't be. Just do it. You wont regret it.

    Angela B.

    This is a Must-Do Maui experience! I can't say enough good things about this horseback riding tour. It was absolutely fantastic! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel completely at ease, even as first-timers. You can tell they truly care about the horses. They were well-trained and clearly well taken care of. The ride itself was absolutely breathtaking. The scenery was beyond words... it was like riding through a postcard. It was so peaceful. A truly unforgettable experience. This tour is now on the "must-do list" every time we visit Maui. If you're even thinking about it, just book it! You won't regret it - I promise! Pro tip: wear sunglasses, pants and close-toed shoes.

    Gorgeous horse
    Marissa D.

    INCREDIBLE excursion! horses were so tame and well kept - the trail was beautiful. The guides were so helpful. Last year we did the Maui Mountain Activities horseback riding and it paled in comparison to this one. If you're between horseback riding services, choose this one.

    Circle M Ranch
    Kay S.

    The best horseback riding experience ever! We booked last minute (literally the night before!), and they still welcomed us so kindly. We decided to go with Circle M because of all the great reviews -- and it's true, they don't disappoint! The ride was super informative, we learned so much about the history, and the whole experience was just magical -- definitely something to remember. If you're thinking about going horseback riding, like everyone else says, I highly recommend this place! Huge shout-out to Teri for the amazing communication and for helping us make it happen! And they even offer kamaʻāina pricing if you're visiting from another island!

    Angel F.

    We booked a private ride for Valentine's Day. Couldn't have gone better! We are so happy with the experience we had. Chase gave us a very educational and entertaining safety briefing. Bailey guided us along a beautiful coastal trail, took a bunch of great photos for us, and shared so much aloha and passion for Hawaiian paniolo culture. I highly recommend circle M ranch, we will certainly be back for another trail ride soon!

    Ready to ride
    Todd E.

    Just Go Already! My daughters (11 and 12) absolutely loved our visit to Circle M Ranch today -- and honestly, so did I! From start to finish, the staff was outstanding. Every wrangler we met was incredibly kind, patient, and helpful -- some of the best I've ever encountered. Special shoutout to Don, Chase, and Bailey, and to the wonderful front desk staff (Trina, I think?) who helped make everything seamless. The horses were perfectly matched to our experience levels. My daughters are still beginners, but they felt safe and comfortable the entire time -- especially thanks to the wrangler who rode with them and kept up fun conversation throughout the ride. The scenery was stunning, with plenty of interesting history sprinkled in, and it's clear the horses are well cared for. You can also tell the new owners genuinely care about the ranch -- they're continually making improvements to both the facilities and the animals' well-being, even though things are already in great shape. One of the most memorable parts of the day: the staff went above and beyond to give my mom (who recently broke her femur) a special experience. They arranged an ATV ride so she and my dad could relax at a gorgeous lookout point while the rest of us rode. That kind of thoughtfulness is rare and so appreciated. The whole experience was more than worth the price and a quick 30-minute drive from Kihei. We'll definitely be back next time we're on Maui!

    Justin S.

    Hands down one of the best horseback rides you can find on the planet! Yes, they have real no nonsense but friendly cowboys but you come here for the views and experiences. OMG I can not praise this company enough. Shoutout to Jordan for helping me get some phenomenal pictures. If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS. Check out my full review on Youtube. Just Search MrBucketlist Maui Horseback Riding.

    Bella C.

    Circle M Ranch is truly a gem! This well-run ranch offers not only stunning scenery and amazing horses, but also a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes the experience unforgettable. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making riders of all experience levels feel comfortable and cared for. Our guide Chase, a true Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy), gave us a fascinating history lesson as we rode along breathtaking ocean cliffs--right as whales were spouting in the distance! He made sure everyone felt safe and relaxed, which meant so much to me as a mom of 9-year-old twins and a 7-year-old daughter. Trina also did a wonderful job welcoming us and riding alongside us with such positive energy. Be sure to say hi to Cheese-it the cat when you arrive--he's part of the charm! And if you get to ride Mary, Tapatio, Spirit, Duke, or the absolute sweetheart Nightmare like we did, you're in for a treat. This was my fifth visit to Circle M Ranch, and somehow it just keeps getting better. We left with memories (and photos!) to last a lifetime, and we're already planning to come back next year. Highly recommend!

    Midway through the ride.
    Ed R.

    We had a GREAT time at Circle M. Don was a great guide who made us feel very welcomed. The views were amazing. This is a well run place with great people and horses. We HIGHLY recommend Circle M to anyone who wants to ride on the island. Ed and Jill

    Drop dead gorgeous views! Plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy.

    The ranch itself is in such a beautiful location. There are many different animals on the premises. For horseback riding, the guides prepared the riders well with excellent step by step "how to drive" the horse instructions. The horses are perfect for calm trail rides. It's easy to "coast" along and take pictures of potential whale breaches and trust your horse knows the way. I've been on other trail rides that skip the instruction part and just stick you right on a horse that's not right for your experience level. Circle M Ranch takes the time to make sure you're paired with the right horse and the know how. They also give a cool history lesson of the ranch and allow plenty of time for picturesque group pictures. I'll definitely be back to ride again!

    rick m.

    What a fun way to spend the afternoon. Don and Travis were great and I liked the fact that you didn't have to travel far to get to the ranch. They teach you the basics of riding and take it slow on the trail. The only recommendation I would suggest is if you're going it's best to wear dark pants/shorts because it is extremely dusty on the trail and your shoes and lower half will be dusty/dirty by the time you get back. Since it was breezy, the dust kicks up quite a bit from the horse in front of you and if you wore a bandana around your nose/mouth (yeah, even Kevin Costner knows this), it would not be a bad idea. I also enjoyed hearing the history of the ranch and how it came to be. Glad we went (and we're 69 years young)!!!! :-)

    Check-in and gift shop (also where you park).
    Mike T.

    Best activity on Maui! Private horse ranch overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, and amazing horses (very calm and well trained). My family really liked riding the horses through the ranch and learning about the history of cowboys on the island. Highly recommend!

    Gambler, Kevin Costner's horse in Horizon and in front of me is Nightmare.
    Chris S.

    Amazing staff and views here. Plenty of horses to ride and they make sure to accommodate any type of rider whether it's your first time or you're a pro. Make sure to arrive early and take in the view at the parking lot! The brief is very helpful in teaching you all the basics you need to know and it helps to be confident with your horse. I got to ride Gambler who was Kevin Costner's horse in Horizon, which was pretty cool! The ride will take you down to a beautiful vista above the ocean and back up the mountain! Jackie, Yod, and Ayna were excellent!

    Peacock

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    We had such a great time! The staff was so friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Even if you're a beginner, we would definitely recommend this!

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Circle M Ranch

    Is it safe for beginner riders? Or, is this only recommended for seasoned riders?

    It can accommodate both. There is a large selection of horses for different levels of riding experience. On my ride, there were young children that were beginners that did the trail with no issues. The horses are all gentle and used to the trail.

    Is it recommended to bring a backpack for your personal belongings?

    You don't need a backpack. They will give you a saddle pack with 2 big pockets to carry your personal things. It's big enough to fit your camera, phone, wallet, water bottle, snacks, etc.

    What's the difference between the morning and afternoon ride? I want the best chance to canter.

    I did the afternoon. There was a chance to canter but short. This has amazing views but a very hilly ride.

    View All 4 Questions

    Review Highlights - Circle M Ranch

    This is our 3rd visit and each vacation to Maui includes a ride at Mendes Ranch; the highlight of our trip.

    Mentioned in 71 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Thompson Ranch and Riding Stables

    5.0(25 reviews)
    20.7 mi

    I don't like to ride horses, but I was convinced by my own instincts to make this a special trip…read morefor my daughter and visiting friends, so I swallowed my fears and agreed to go. I am glad I did. This is a family-owned and locally-owned working ranch. Mr. Thompson was kind and explained during the five minute instructional period which end of the horse was the front end and which was the back end. :) He also offered helmets, which we declined. The trail rides are only a part of his ranch businesses, so the tour is less touristy and more cruising. There was minimal talking on the trail and that actually allowed me to enjoy the scenery more. The bi-coastal views were breathtaking as we rode their well-trained, stable and calm horses up a very rocky and steep trail to a private cabin. We were surrounded by a crown of clouds and the cool air helped us to enjoy the ride even more. I didn't need a jacket at all. The cabin had an overgrown garden, bottled water, packaged treats and the chance to use a flush toilet (yay! so precious!). We sat for a little while, resting our (my) weary knees. The first half of the ride was about a half hour. We enjoyed Mr. Thompson's gentle humor and his description of how he takes care of his land and his animals. He has cattle, goats alongside wild deer on his pastures. The second half of the ride to return to our starting point was about the same amount of time and a bit more gentle, as the horses didn't follow the same steep, hilly trail. Those horses know where they want to go. My horse had her own mind about things. She didn't quite follow the same trail but she chose her steps carefully around the deep holes and slick rocks. She might have suspected she had an anxious rider. I think I bored her. She kept huffing and stopping to eat more often than the other horses did, I felt. She also passed a lot of gas which compelled me to say, "excuse me", every time. We had a choice between this idea and a sunset ride in Makena and I am glad we chose this one instead. The bi-coastal views are unique to Maui and the cool air upcountry helped use to enjoy what may have been a very hot ride. Sunset rides or beach rides can be had anywhere else easily; these upcountry views of Maui's landscape are difficult to find anywhere else. If you take a photo with that view in the background, whoever sees it will say, "That's Maui!"

    Toni and Andy are AWESOME. Such a beautiful ride and the horses couldn't have been more patient…read morewith novice riders. I can't wait to do it again!

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    The Thompson's are super people!

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    Making sure the horse is brushed to perfection!

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    Paniolo Adventures - Enjoying the sunset with Bonnie & Clyde Fjord Horses

    Paniolo Adventures

    4.6(187 reviews)
    85.3 mi

    This is the place! In the higher and cooler beautiful Kohala…read moreranch area. Expansive barn , beautiful horses, they have boots, slickers, headgear. It's a legitimate riding experience on well behaved horses, not a little lead along- independent and fun riding! All the staff are wonderfully pleasant and experienced! Ask for Liz a skilled, beautiful and wonderfully calm wrangler! Morning, afternoon or sunset rides are all equally wonderful!

    I've been in my paniolo era and had Paniolo Adventures on my bucket list for a while ever since I…read moresaw some stunning photos on social media. I gotta say, the experience lived up to the hype. I'm already wanting to plan another trip to go again! First off, the area is absolutely stunning. Ocean views from the mountain with cows, pigs, and other amazing wildlife all around. On the day we went, we had clear views of Haleakala on Maui. The most beautiful experience ever. Period. The time that you sign up for is the check-in time. We signed up for their afternoon ride, so we arrived at 1pm. That time has check-in and getting ready time built in (vs. having to show up 30 mins before). You do have to sign an online waiver ahead of time and then they also have a waiver that you sign on-site. I actually opted to not wear a helmet and was able to do that after checking a certain box on the waiver. The cool thing about this spot is that they have cowboy boots of all sizes that you can borrow for your ride. I obviously came with my own boots, but my boyfriend was able to find a pair in his size. In their check-in area they also have a bathroom and water for purchase or a refill station. The staff are so knowledgeable of the area and safety plus overall just so charismatic --making the ride and overall experience so much fun.

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    Circle M Ranch - horsebackriding - Updated May 2026

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