Really just a stone’s throw from West Maui’s popular Kapalua, Napili, and Kaanapali resort areas, Ironwood Ranch delights with its laidback outdoor activities and splendid views. It’s a joy to roam the fields and forests of the West Maui Mountain flanks, whether you’re on horseback, riding an electric bike, or tromping along in hiking boots or sandals.
Perched above Napili well up in the foothills of the West Maui Mountains, Ironwood Ranch includes former pineapple plantation grounds amid its lush, elevated landscape. This is lovely acreage to explore by horseback, the heart of the Ironwood Ranch experience. Its stable of friendly and well-mannered steeds has the perfect horse for just about everybody. The horses here come named after celebrities, though we’d say they’re all short on ego and big on charm.
You’ll be carefully matched to the best-sized horse for your abilities—which can be complete newbie level, by the way. (Riders must be at least nine years old and a minimum of four feet tall.) Group size for these trail rides is kept small, and private horseback tours can also be arranged.
You’ll “hoof it” through pineapple fields, pretty groves of ironwood, and the lush forest of the rarely seen Maile Pai Valley. Up in the green heights of the West Maui Mountains, you’ll enjoy long-range views down to the Kapalua beachfront and beyond the Pailolo and Auau channels to the islands of Molokai and Lanai.
Besides the equestrian experience, you can also take guided eco walks on the Ironwood Ranch property. These range from hour-long rambles to hour-and-a-half or two-hour adventures. You’ll learn some of the history of the land as you’re introduced to the diverse flora, both native and non-native, and including important medicinal plants. A great abundance of fruits grows here, from citrus and banana to guava, passionfruit, and papaya. Viewing the fresh crops along the way is a big-time perk of the walk.
During your visit, you might also spot some of Ironwood Ranch’s other denizens, among them some incredibly endearing Australian shepherd dogs.
Whichever mode of locomotion you choose, guided tours of Ironwood Ranch offer informative and scenic escapes into the West Maui Mountains within easy reach of some of Maui’s top resort zones. Take a break from the beaches for some highland vibes!
Insider Tip:
Try out the sunset horseback rides, as the scenery is extra-fabulous during the magic-hour window. You won’t want to miss their stunning island and ocean views!