A Hawaii Forest & Trail Exclusive… Saddle up and surrender yourself to the pace and spirit of old Hawaii. Riding a mule is an adventure—an adventure that’s easy, fun and guaranteed to take you into a space local’s call “Hawaiian Time.” Sure, along the mule trail you’ll take in some of the best panoramas on the island, you’ll cross not one but two streams, you’ll gaze at wonderful waterfalls and inspiring valley views, and you’ll probably become quite fond of your sure-footed chauffeur named Molly or Big Boy or Jake or Daisy. But what our guests tell us they really love about the Mule Adventure are the stories, the expert care, and the Aloha spirit shared by our local-boy Muleskinner Guides. There’s not a better way to slow down, see the land, and talk-story than on the back of a mule.
	KOHALA MULE TRAIL ADVENTURE

	TIMES/LENGTH:		The mule ride is three hours long from mount to final dismount. Tours run daily at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.
	COMPANY NAME:		Hawaii Forrest & Trail
	INCLUDING:		Raingear, water, snack, cold beverages, private exclusive access
	RESTRICTIONS:		Guests must be at least 8 years old. Weight limit is 240 pounds. Participants must be able to lift themselves on and off the animals and be physically fit and capable of riding on a saddled animal for 2 ½ hours. People with back problems or sciatica should not ride.
	CANCELLATION: POLLICY		24 Hours

	THE RIDE: Riding a mule is easy and fun. Add in spectacular scenery and awesome guides and you’ll saddle up for a ride of a lifetime. From the Mule Station we ride up the slopes of Kohala volcano on private property. The views are astounding with 360-degree views that encompass vistas up the mountain, along Kohala’s dramatic coastline, and of Maui’s Haleakala volcano. Along the way we make two exciting stream crossings to view waterfalls, we ride a section of the historic Kohala Ditch Trail amidst exotic guava trees, towering ironwoods, and native ohia-lehua trees. Once at the valley rim, we dismount for a rest and an incredible view of Pololu Valley and Waiakalae Falls below. On the way down we stop at a secret lookout that gives you a view of Pololu’s famous black sand beach. And of course, the guides will entertain and educate you all along about this very special place's natural and cultural history.
	WHERE TO MEET: For over one hundred years, teams of mules were used as transportation into the great valleys of Kohala. The Kohala Mule Trail Adventure continues this tradition. With exclusive access our adventure begins at the historic Kohala Ditch Company Mule Station at the end of Highway 270. The Mule Station is located one hundred yards before the Pololu Valley Lookout. Built around 1905, the Mule Station was built to support the Kohala Ditch construction and maintenance. The view from the Mule Station is one of the island’s best. Look for our sign on the left just before the end of the highway.
	THE MULES: When you ride a horse, you go on a horseback ride. When you ride a mule, the mule takes you on an adventure. A mule is a hybrid between a female horse (mare) and a male donkey (jacko). They’re used as pack and riding animals around the world because they are tough, smart and surefooted. They know where they need to go and how to do it safely. Wally and Kalei, your Muleskinner guides, take very good care of our mules. Daisy, Big Boy, Elizabeth, Jake, Lokelani, White Socks, Lehua, and Fred are some of the fine animals you’ll come to adore.
	THE GUIDES: Wally Ching and Kalei Carvalho are two local Kohala boys with many an hour in the saddle. Both of them have a great amount of aloha for the land and their guests. And our guests constantly tell us the guides are what make the adventure great. Spend some time with them and you’re sure to experience some local style talk-story.
	ACTIVITY: Mounting/Dismounting and Riding Mules through pastures, across streams and narrow trails.
	DRESS CODE: Long pants are recommended though shorts are allowed, short sleeved shirt, closed-toed shoes and bring a hat.
	CONDITIONS: Can be wet and muddy, trail is steep in areas. Mosquitoes sometime present but not often.
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