I don't like to ride horses, but I was convinced by my own instincts to make this a special trip for 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!" read more

See all

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

Thompson Ranch and Riding Stables - This is Davey - Horseback Riding Near Me - Kula, Hawaii

Hands-down the best trail ride on Maui. This is an experience that you should not miss. The Thompson family is amazing. The ride is gorgeous, breathtaking from the minute you start until the last minute when you're finished. They treat you like family from the beginning, and you never want to leave.... Plan on seeing views that will blow you away. The horses are well trained and perfect for the trail ride. This is an experience you'll never forget. Would give this the highest review I could. Don't miss this once in a lifetime experience. Jerry is the best host!! Full of stories and great memories. Mahalo:) read more

See all

Thompson Ranch is by far one of the best trail riding places I've ever gone to. My children and I will always have this memory and we will definitely be back. The owners are so amazing and their horses were so awesome and knew their job very well. The view is spectacular. Definitely a Million $$$ view. Thanks Andy, Tony and Jordan for a beautiful day. We are looking forward to our next visit read more

See all

No other riding experience will ever compare to this place! From the incredible views, friendly and well taken care of horses, and the time spent up in the cabin half way during the ride, I would give this family owned ranch more than 5 stars if I could. The ride is up a very steep mountain, but I never worried about my 10 year old. I would definitely come back. read more

We have a family of 4 which consisted of our 10 year old daughter and 13 year old son, the horses were so gentle and friendly with them, never had to worry about them during a steep climb up the mountain trails. Our family had an amazing time, we enjoyed the company of Ranch Owner Jerry Thompson, who escorted us up the trails, he provided insight of the area, the different animals that roam his land and just entertained us with stories. He was especially great with our kiddos, making sure they were OK al the way up and down the trails. All our horses had their own personalities and had their own preferences going up and down the trails, but they were always careful and followed each other almost in a single file line. I would give this horse ranch a 10 out of 10, if you want beautiful scenery, a complex trail, great company and of course awesome horses, this is the place to go. They really take care of their horses as well, they only take them on rides once a day, so if you don't make a reservation, it's very possible you'll be out of luck, so give them a call or go to their website to make a reservation, you won't be disappointed. read more

Another wonderful day in Kula. For those that adore animals and cherish the tranquility of farmland, a trail ride at Thompson ranch is a must while visiting Maui. The green pastures and breathtaking views were some of the most memorable here on the island. Not to mention it was so refreshing escaping the coastal heat wave. This was my boyfriend's first time riding a horse, he was grinning from ear to ear throughout the entire trail ride. Our horses were beautiful, healthy, and well trained you can tell that the owner lives and breaths his ranch and loves his animals like family. We rode through rolling hills, passing cattle, as we climbed our way through the clouds, to rest at a charming cabin surrounded by organic fruit trees. The owner is a third generation Maui rancher, he shared some remarkable stories of his family's lineage and wisdom of the land. Following our trail ride we got to pet and say hello to the other farm animals which included: dogs, goats, a pig named oinky, and chickens. After our incredible Thompson trail ride we drove down the way to Maui wine for a burger and some artisan vino. I must say, no place I'd rather be on a Sunday then connecting with nature in Kula. Kula is a hidden gem and is a great region to explore. read more

See all

I went riding this morning and had such an amazing experience. The staff were friendly and the horses were gentle and well behaved. The best part of the tour was the endless view of much of the island. I recommend this intimate tour. You won't want it to end. read more

See all

My daughter, her friend and I went to Thompson Ranch yesterday for a 2 hour horse riding session. What a spectacular view and ranch. Our guide Andy was amazing and the horses were as sweet as could be. Well worth our time and the drive. I would recommend this for anyone even those who have not ridden yet. Best views, weather, trails and horses. read more

My new wife and I were blown away by the beauty of this Ranch, the ride was exciting yet relaxing, the views were stunning and the people who work this ranch were wonderful. They treat the animals like family. I would've payed more for this horseback ride. read more

Gerry was awesome! Made my family and I feel like we were longtime family friends. Very humble rancher even though his family history literally is part of the fabric of the area since the early paniolos and Maui ranchers. The trail ride was fun as we ascending into the middle-upper slopes of Haleakala and through some intermittent clouds. Mahalo again Gerry for the ride and hospitality! read more

We had a wonderful experience at the ranch! The horses are well cared for, like family. The owner and his sister were friendly, helpful and so kind to our family. It was so foggy we didn't see much of a view but it didn't matter because it was so much fun seeing all the animals. read more

The most beautiful experience I had on Maui, maybe even in my life! The land, horses, dogs, pig, goats, and people are beautiful! Andie, the daughter of the owner of Thompson Ranch was the one to take us on the tour where we traversed the side of the Haleakala mountain to about 5000 feet on their personal land. We rode through mist, passed their cows, saw the horses feed and felt them trot. Our eventual destination was a cabin they built at the top of the property overlooking Maui. Whilst we rode on the richest green grass the view was incredible looking up the mountain and from every side. Each horse had it's own personality taking their own routes and being playful with its rider (especially Wrangler!) Hi wrangler, miss you buddy! Even Andie's dog ( Bella ), playfully followed alongside, occasionally running up ahead to look back down on us, and rolling in/eating the grass. Such a beautiful carefree, experience. It makes me want to get horses of my own. At the top, you could see both ocean sides of Maui, to the West mountains, and even the Molokini crater. Andie was so easy to talk, and it felt like riding with a long time friend. When we returned to the ranch, Gerry, the owner was the kindest man ( you can just see it in his face, but also feel it in your interactions) who so graciously allows people on his incredible property. This will be an experience I play over and over in my head for the rest of my life. Thank you Andi and Gerry! -Anthony M. & Natalie B. read more

See all

Wow...what an incredible location. You can see all of Maui as you ride up the hillside. The horses are calm and well loved and cared for, which is a rare thing. This is a must for anyone wanting to see a different perspective of the island. Come and support this amazing family and farm. read more

See all

Very hilly very homy feels like you are visiting a relative. Theirs stables is clean and their horses smells good and calm. Good for kids.

Let me start by saying, I had no idea there was only one trip per day Thompson Ranch does, although they offer 3 different time slots currently. They don't do more than 6 at a time, and I was fortunate enough to have the private ride with my girlfriend. Call the number or fill out the form on their website to reserve your spot. Please note this is a cash or check only, as of end of August 2017 anyways. There are also physical weight and height limits due to what the horses are capable of (was 200 pound cap and also listed on website). It is nice when you find small town local events that are relaxing and don't have the huge corporation feel of shove as many bodies as you can to make the most money. The view is breathtaking, Andrea extremely friendly and helpful, and even hopped off the horse to pick us a couple of the fresh berries on the ride (for the life of me I can't recall what type they were, red and not raspberry). This is a tiny operation run by the family, who all chipped in, including driving our picnic supplies up separately to herding some cattle (we were not apart of that). read more

Thompson Ranch and Riding Stables - Andrea and view - Horseback Riding Near Me - Kula, Hawaii

See all

Today's horseback ride was breathtaking and truly our best experience on Maui! The horses were extremely well trained. We didn't even worry about our four-year-old girl going up and down the mountain. The view from the ranch was spectacular. Clouds rolled in as we were riding and it felt like a dream walking through the mist. Jerry is a true cowboy and very personable and wonderful with kids. The ranch had so many animals, horses, cows, goats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, and my two kids really enjoyed the ride and hanging out with the animals. I hope more people come to visit the ranch to keep it around because it is such a unique and fantastic experience! read more

4.5 stars After a few calls back and forth, we were set for a 10 am ride on the west side of Haneakala. The views were amazing- ocean below, clouds above and grassland pastures with eucalyptus and pine trees. It was a bit cooler on the mtn so that was nice too. Jerry Thompson and his daughter, Andi took us out on their own working ranch- cows, chickens, a pig, goats and turkeys. Jerry has raised his horses from colts and takes such good care of the animals. He taught my daughters, 8 and 10, the basics of riding and coached them the whole two hour ride. They loved it! He provided juice and chips at the end of the ride while we watched him feed and remove the saddles before letting the horses back into the open range. Gorgeous horse conditions. 4.5 instead of 5 stars because no helmets for the kids available (not sure if any stables here have helmets avail) and we opted for great views and surrounding beauty, but that includes a switchback climb up part of Haleakala. The horses were surefooted and amazing, but it was a real ride not a lazy walk on a path- which we preferred. read more

My wife and I did the morning ride on our honeymoon. The ranch has amazing views and scenery as you zig zag up meadows and forest along state land and Haleakala. Gerry is a great guide and his horses were well behaved. Horse back riding here was a great way to see a different part of the island and to explore the Upcountry. Definitely recommend. read more

My wife and I went up to Thompson Ranch for a two hour ride today. Toni was a lot of fun as she took us from their barn up into their ranch land, which borders the national park at Haleakala. If you'd rather go to a one-family operated, actual ranch rather than the touristy "ranches" that also do ziplines and what not, give Thompson a call. Their stretch of land can't be beat - the views are incredible. This is a side of Maui you need to see. Our horses were great, Toni was a great guide, and the whole trip was very worth it - some of the prettiest country you will ever see. read more

A beautiful ride! Gerry is fabulous! Horses are well kept, well trained! If you plan on doing any rides here on Maui, Thompson Ranch is the place to read more

See all

What a great adventure!!! My 9yo daughter and I spent our morning with Andrea and had an amazing time! Heavenly views, gorgeous horses and really made for a great day. We love you Thompson Ranch!! Mahalo! read more

Beautiful! I'm from Maui and love the upcountry area. This Ranch was everything I love about it and more. The horses were very healthy and happy and the views were fantastic! We started off looking over all of Maui and as we went further up the mountain the mist fell and it was like we were in a fairytale. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly and helped my now fiancée prepare the most amazing proposal I could of dreamed of! Thank you so much to all of the staff that made that day so special!!! read more

fantastic authentic working ranch. beautiful trail ride up the haleakala mountainside. horses healthy and well trained. they accommodated our 5 yr old who said when done..can we ride here everyday? wonderful family, living ranch life and giving visitors a true experience off the beaten tourist path. we would go everyday if we could! read more

Beautiful scenery, cool weather. Horses well trained. Would recommend ride to others.