Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ience. While group sizes can be large and the 1.5-hour rides run $110/person, what separ-
ates Mendes from all the other ranches is that you can actually run the horses. That's right:
You can gallop at Mendes, so there's no nose-to-tail riding here. The ride itself goes from
the family ranch house down the bluffs to the windswept shoreline, and lunch can be in-
cluded with some of the tours. Expect afternoon rides to be windy and the morning rides
to be clearer and calm. The coastal views here aren't accessible by any other means, and
Mendes Ranch is a fabulous option to see them.
Much closer to the main resort areas is the central Makani Olu Ranch (363 W. Waiko
Rd., 808/870-0663, www.makanioluranch.com ) , another working cattle ranch set back
in the Waikapu Valley. Only 25 minutes from Wailea and 35 minutes from Ka'anapali,
Makani Olu maintains a herd of 100 longhorn cattle and caps the trail rides at only four
riders. The two-hour, $125 ride takes guests across Waikapu Stream into the forest behind
the Maui Tropical Plantation and eventually turns inland and works its way up the valley.
The views from this part of the trail look back at Haleakala and the green central isthmus,
and this is the only way you can gain access to this remote part of the island. Unlike at
Mendes Ranch, all the tours are at walking pace only, which makes them a better option
for novice riders. A lunch option is available with the ride, and experienced riders can opt
for a $150, private or semiprivate ride that includes 45 minutes in a round pen working
on skills. While this is a nice option for families, all riders must be over 10 years old and
under 220 pounds.
BIRD-WATCHING
The best bird-watching in Central Maui is at the Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary,
five minutes from the Kahului airport along Hana Highway. This royal fishpond used to
provide island ali'i with a consistent supply of mullet, although the dredging of Kahului
Harbor in 1910 altered the natural flow of water. Today this pond is on the migratory route
of various birds and serves as a temporary home to dozens of vagrant bird species. Most
important, it's also home to the endangered Hawaiian stilt ( ae'o ), a slender, 16-inch bird
with a black back, white belly, and sticklike pink legs. The Hawaiian coot ( 'alae ke'oke'o ),
a gray-black, duck-like bird that builds large floating nests, may also be seen here. An ob-
servation pavilion is maintained on the pond's south edge, accessible through a gate by
a short walkway from the parking area. This pavilion is always open and free of charge.
Entry to the walking trails within the sanctuary is free, but only by permit on weekdays
from the first day of September to the last day of March. Apply 8am-3:30pm Monday-Fri-
day at the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (54 S.
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