ATV Riding on Big Island Hawaii: Drive a Working Ranch

You operate the vehicle yourself across a landscape that stretches from mountain grasslands to the coast.

ATV riding on Big Island Hawaii puts you behind the wheel of your own side-by-side 4WD vehicle on a 533-acre working ranch and farm. You drive through traditional land divisions (ahupua'a) that span from mountain to ocean, passing orchards of 57 banana varieties, dwarf coconut, taro and other island fruits, fishponds, cattle herds and wild horses before reaching the Hamakua coastline. The experience includes a guide who shares the culture and history of the islands, and a chance to sample seasonal fruits grown on the property. Check-in is 30 minutes before your 10am or 2pm departure; you provide your own transportation to the ranch.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV ranch tour and scenic views

• Drive side by side 4WD ATV
• Explore working livestock ranch and farm
• See native plants and fishponds
• Pass by spring-fed reservoir with cattle and horses
• Drive to grasslands with panoramic views
• Relax at ocean coastline viewpoint
• Learn about history and culture

The Experience

You arrive at the ranch 30 minutes before your start time and climb into a side-by-side ATV you'll operate yourself for the next 2.5 hours. The vehicle holds between two and six people depending on which option you've chosen — you drive, and your companions ride along, or you're solo. Either way, you're in control of the machine as it moves across the property.

The route takes you through gardens and working sections of the ranch: past dwarf coconuts and multiple varieties of bananas, alongside the historic Hamakua ditch that once served the sugar industry and now benefits farmers and wildlife. You pass fishponds stocked with Hamakua sunfish, then drive toward the mountain through grasslands where cattle roam and horses swim in a spring-fed reservoir. The guide narrates the history and culture of the land as you move through it — this is an ahupua'a, a traditional Hawaiian land division that runs from the mountains down to the sea, and the property sits on one. On a clear day from the higher elevations, you can see across to Maui and the north face cliffs of Waipio Valley.

The drive ends at the ocean, where you stop to take in the Hamakua coastline and let the landscape settle. You'll have time to sample island fruits if they're in season — the ranch grows pomegranate, exotic pears, taro and others alongside the bananas. The tour departs promptly at 10am or 2pm, so arriving early matters; the ranch does not provide transportation to the property, so you'll need your own way there.

What’s included

• Your own side-by-side 4WD ATV to operate for the full 2.5 hours.
• a live guide in English who shares the culture and history of the islands and the land.
• access to sample seasonal island fruits grown on the 533-acre property, including bananas, coconut, taro, pomegranate and exotic pears.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by All About the View

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to drive the vehicle yourself rather than ride along as a passenger — you're in control of the pace and the route, and the experience centers on what you do, not what you watch. Choose the solo option if you're traveling alone, or pick a group size that matches your party and let one driver operate the ATV while the rest ride as passengers.

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Top questions

Can I drive the ATV if I've never done it before?

Yes. The ATV riding experience is open to first-time drivers; no prior experience is required. You must be at least 18 years old to operate the vehicle, and children as young as 7 can ride along as passengers.

What's the Hamakua ditch and why does it matter on this ranch?

The Hamakua ditch is a historic irrigation system built during Hawaii's sugar industry era to move water across the land. It still runs through the property today and benefits the current farming and wildlife operations; you'll drive alongside it and learn its role in the land's history from your guide.

Will I get to see wild animals on the ATV ride?

Yes. The ranch is home to a 200-head cattle herd, wild horses, donkeys, sheep, turkeys, pigs and various water fowl. You'll pass through areas where these animals roam, though sightings depend on where they are on any given day.

Do I need to bring my own transportation to the ranch?

Yes. The ranch does not provide pickup or transportation to the property, so you'll need to arrange your own way there. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your 10am or 2pm start time.

Can I bring my family on the same ATV?

Yes. You can book a vehicle that holds up to six people total — you as the driver and up to five passengers. Passengers can include family and friends; children must be at least 7 years old.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my ride?

The ranch operates rain or shine. Bring weather-appropriate clothing and be prepared for conditions on an open vehicle; the property sits in an area that can receive rainfall, especially in the Hamakua region.