Hawaii style Horseback FuN!

We are leaving for Hawaii tomorrow, so why not do a throwback from our last visit back in 2013.

Quite similar to my current travel plans, back in 2013 we had gone to Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. I had already been to all three of these islands, but the kiddos had only ever previously been to Oahu.

And like this upcoming trip, Dave was/is only staying for a weekend. So within my travel arrangements and itinerary I always try to plan for a well rounded trip and one that will please everyone involved at one time or another.

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Our first stop was Oahu, staying at the famous Hilton Hawaiian Village (which you'd recognize from the tv show
Hawaii Five-0), where on the very first night we were dazzled by Hawaiian hula dancers, thrilled by fire dancers, and wowed by the colorful display of fireworks over the sparkling waters of the pacific. The weather was perfect and the skies were clear, the moon was out and the stars were twinkling, we could even see the silhouette of Diamond Head in the background. There it was, that magical Hawaiian feel that we loved.

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As per request, our first nights dinner was to be had at the adored Puka Dog. And it was as delicious as always!

Our quest in the days to come were heading to the North Shore for some peace and serenity. Not to mention gorgeous scenery and those adorable sea turtles!

We were also heading to both Maui, and eventually Kauai. On Maui we had plans of seeing the lush Iao Needle that I hadn't been to since my first visit to Hawaii back in 1994.

Also planned was going horseback riding - a favorite activity of mine and now an passion of Cosette's! 
I try to book a horseback riding excursion on as many trips as possible, and have ridden in several countries around the globe, each one leaving me with fond memories and holding a special place in my heart. 

But there was just something about the ride at Mendes Ranch. Something that left an even bigger impression on me, something that had a smile plastered on my face for hours and hours to come.

The scenery was beautiful, and the ride was epic. But that special little something happened on our way back to the ranch. 
The wrangler/guide had allowed the advanced riders to RUN the horses back up a steep hill. 

Now, just in case you aren't too familiar with this blog and you don't know much about me, I love speed - downhill skiing, downhill road biking, downhill mountain biking, the list goes on... 

And as much as I love horseback riding, I prefer when we are going FAST! 

So this was my opportunity and not one that is usually offered. 
I was off! With the wind blowing through in my hair (through my helmet), I rode with an ear to ear grin as the horse raced up the hill and started back towards the barn. It was absolutely thrilling and I was thrilled!

This was my favorite experience on the entire trip. 
While I have nothing but praise for the guide, and the entire experience. The running really sealed the deal!

The rest of the trip was filled with the astonishing beauty of this paradise. I was high on a cloud, and we visited Haleakala National Park and were literally above the clouds. 

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Things like the windy Road to Hana and oceanside strolls kept us busy in this very laid back land of hanging loose!

I will never forget the memory and whenever I think of it, it will always bring a smile to my face!   

-T