Waikoloa Village Stables – Another Option for Horse-Friendly Real Estate

Recently I was in Waikoloa Village donating a bag of clothes at the Dusty Donkey Emporium, which is my favorite Big Island thrift store because the proceeds benefit the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, a wonderful example of community efforts in alignment with our mission at Hawaiʻi Life Conservation and Legacy Lands. The shop is located just five miles mauka (up the road) from the homes and condos of Waikoloa Village, at the Waikoloa Stables.

To my delight, Keiki Summer Horse Camp was in progress that day. I have been meaning to write for years that in addition to horse-friendly communities such as Waikiʻi Ranch and Puakea Bay Ranch, where homeowners can keep horse on their own property and enjoy trails, another option for Big Island horse owners is to buy a residence in Waikoloa Village, and board your horse and participate in activities, lessons and shows at the Waikoloa Stables.

One of the things that held me back was a sense that the homeowners association was not really invested in continuing to operate and maintain the Waikoloa Stables. However, over the past year there have been multiple improvements by the Stables Committee, including replacing the pole barn roof, providing better turnout for horses, and adding a round pen for training. The facilities look great!

Keiki Horse Camp in progress at Waikoloa Stables, 5 miles mauka of Waikoloa Village on the Big Island.

Waikoloa Stables – Convenient Option for Horse-Owning Homeowners in Waikoloa Village

Although I say the Waikoloa Stables are a convenient option for horse-owning homeowners in Waikoloa Village, the stables are actually a boarding operation open to anyone, although at a higher price for those who are not Waikoloa Village residents (technically speaking, members of the Waikoloa Village Association, the homeowners which charges all Waikoloa Village property owners mandatory annual dues and runs the amenities including the swimming pool, tennis courts and golf course).

Waikoloa Stables offers a full-board option in its barns, meaning twice-daily feeding, once-daily stall cleaning, and access to the turnout and two riding arenas. Horse owners who prefer to handle their own feeding can pay a reduced monthly fee. Here is the link to check on current rates for horse boarding at Waikoloa Stables. As of this writing, rates for Waikoloa Village Association (WVA) homeowners are $900/month for full care and $500/month for partial care. Rates are $50/month higher if you are not a homeowner at Waikoloa Village.

Riding arena with red cinder footing at Waikoloa Stables is used for training, lessons and equestrian events.

Equestrian Programs Available at Waikoloa Stables – No Need to Own Your Own Horse

Horse owners from around the Big Island are welcome to participate in the shows and competitions put on by organizations at the Waikoloa equestrian facilities. Even aspiring riders can take lessons there. Waikoloa Stables is currently running a “pilot program” to offer horsemanship lessons to new riders of all ages. Depending on the reception and demand for this pilot program, Waikoloa Stables will offer a more permanent lesson program.

Details are as follows: