Spend a day on horseback exploring Maui's Haleakala Ranch. RELATED LINKS Back to Maui City Guide

With the introduction of cattle ranching here in the 19^th century, local wranglers known as paniolos began to develop a colorful Hawaiian cowboy culture that is unique to the islands. Ranching no longer plays a major role in Hawaiian agriculture, but the state still has vast tracts of open range that are ideal for recreational trail rides, with plenty of modern-day paniolos on hand to serve as equestrian guides.

On Maui, Pony Express Tours (www.ponyexpresstours.com) offers guided excursions through the 32,000-acre Haleakala Ranch on the northern flank of Haleakala, as well as exhilarating rides into the crater at the top of the volcano. Piiholo Ranch near Makawao is a working ranch where riders can join in a real cattle drive. Kula-based Maui Stables (www.mauistables.com), owned and operated by native Hawaiians, emphasizes local lore and cultural traditions. And Makena Stables (www.makenastables.com) offers various rides through Ulupalakua Ranch, with views over the southwestern coastline and La Perouse Bay (sunset rides are particularly scenic here).

Other options include Charley's Trail Rides (www.mauihikes.com), which operates excursions at Kaupo on the southern coast; Mendes Ranch in Central Maui (www.mendesranch.com) for rides along the north shore; and Ironwood Ranch near Napili Bay (www.ironwoodranch.com), which offers several unusual itineraries in West Maui.

For an alternative to ordinary trail riding, check out Franklin Levinson's Maui Horse Whisperer Experience (www.mauihorsewhisperer.com), a full- or half-day program in which participants are taught to communicate with horses in a manner made famous by the 1998 film starring Robert Redford. Actual riding is optional.

If you're not too saddle-sore after your ride, consider joining the Maui Paniolo Dance Association's weekly cowboy dance at the community center in the Upcountry town of Pukalani. Free lessons are offered most Thursdays from 7 to 7:30 p.m., with open dancing from 7:30 to 9 p.m. See www.mauipaniolodance.com for details.