Horseback and Tree Planting Adventure on Oahu’s North Shore
Do you love horses, like trees, and enjoy connecting with nature?
If you come to Hawaii whether on a long vacation or just for a quick break, you want to be guaranteed memorable experiences. Where these volcanic islands are concerned, there is a wealth of unique experiences available from your hotel’s doorstep, and we think we have found one that will not only create everlasting memories for you, but it will also have a positive impact on this wonderful environment.
What are we talking about?
A North Shore horseback ride and Legacy Forest tree planting ceremony
Yes, you read that right. Where else but Hawaii could you get to combine taking in the sights of the North Shore from atop a horse, followed by taking part in a tree planting ceremony? And the best thing of all? As you likely flew over to Hawaii, then the tree you get to plant will help to offset some of the carbon emissions from the aircraft.
So, what does the day involve (and yes, this is an all-day adventure which begins with being picked up from Waikiki at 6 a.m. and whisked off to the North Shore in a luxury minivan)? It starts off with a bus ride through parts of Honolulu. However, this won’t be any ordinary ‘bus ride’ as you cross the Nu’uanu Pali Highway and head to the other end of Oahu, passing by the impressive Ko’olau Mountain Range, ending up at the pristine beaches on the North Shore of the island. You will also get to see Waimea Bay from the comfort of the minibus, the ‘home’ to some of Hawaii’s big waves and a genuine surfer’s paradise, the venue for many international surfing competitions. You will also get to visit historic Haleiwa Town which is renowned for the preserved character of an old plantation.
Explore unspoiled Hawaii on horseback
From the North Shore you will begin your horseback ride which will take you gently along trails through unspoiled countryside, open pastures and forest, while at certain points you will be able to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as well as take some photographs to post on social media and make your friends jealous.
Planting a tree
Your horseback trail will lead you to a very special part of Oahu, the Legacy Forest, part of the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative which is aiming to plant over one million native trees on the island. One of the main reasons for this Initiative is that less than 10% of Hawaii’s original forest remains. We mentioned above about offsetting carbon emissions and the tree you plant, which could well be a koa Legacy Tree, will grow to a height of 50 feet and will be capable of “offsetting the carbon footprint of a typical vacation to the islands for a family of four,” according to Meet Hawaii. You can learn more about the Legacy Forest in this short video:
Then, having worked up a healthy appetite, you will get to stop at a ranch and enjoy a well-earned picnic lunch that is provided by your hosts.
End your day with a shave!
No, we won’t be stopping off at a barber’s or beauty parlor, we’ll be stopping at a café in Haleiwa Town where you can enjoy one of the delights that Hawaii is particularly famous for, a shave ice, which is not dissimilar to a snow cone except that the ice is shaved off a large block rather than crushed. The only difficult thing is deciding what flavor or flavors you prefer!
Contact us at Lea Lea Tours
If you want to know more about the north shore horseback ride and Legacy Forest tree planting ceremony or want to book places on it, give us a call here at Lea Lea Tours and we will be more than happy to assist you.