What it is
The All About the View ATV UTV Scenic Tour offers a guided off-road adventure on the privately owned WOH Ranch, a working cattle ranch and farm located along the Hāmākua Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. The experience utilizes multi-passenger UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles), which are side-by-side vehicles with roll bars, rather than traditional ATVs. The tour navigates diverse landscapes, including fertile farmlands, forested gulches, rolling pastures, and ocean cliffs, showcasing an ahupuaʻa, a traditional Hawaiian land division stretching from mountain to sea.
Visitor experience
Travelers choose this tour for its unique access to private ranch lands and the panoramic views it provides of the Hamakua coastline, including distant vistas of Waipiʻo and Pololu valleys. The tour is characterized as a scenic and educational farm tour rather than an adrenaline-focused off-road adventure. Guides share insights into Hawaii's ranching history, native wildlife, and the historic Hamakua Ditch, an engineering marvel from the island's sugar cane era. Along the journey, visitors may spot cattle, wild turkeys, native birds, and horses, and learn about various plants like taro, sugar cane, and fruit trees, as well as observe tilapia ponds. The UTVs allow for a comfortable ride, and drivers and passengers can switch during the tour. It is suitable for families and adventure seekers aged 7 and up.
Logistics
- Area & Access: The tour is located at 48-5115 Honokaa-Waipio Rd, Honokaʻa, HI 96727, in the Hāmākua Coast region, near the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout. Guests are responsible for their own transportation to the ranch, as no pickup service is provided.
- Reservations: Advanced reservations are required, and booking a month or more in advance is recommended.
- Timing: Tours typically run twice a day, usually at 10 AM and 2 PM. Guests must check in 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour time. The tour duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
- Parking: Parking is available at the ranch office.
- Permits: All necessary access permits for the private ranch land are handled by the operator.
- Duration & Activity Type: This is a half-day activity, requiring about 3 hours including check-in.
Safety and cautions
- Driver Requirements: Drivers must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license.
- Passenger Requirements: Passengers must be at least 7 years old.
- Weight Limit: There is a weight limit of 275 lbs per person.
- Health Restrictions: The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with spinal injuries, or those with poor cardiovascular health.
- Attire: All participants must wear closed-toe shoes. Long pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended, as the ride can be dusty and may involve mud.
- Waipiʻo Valley: While the tour offers views of Waipiʻo Valley, it does not physically descend into the valley. Access to the Waipiʻo Valley floor itself is highly restricted for private vehicles and non-residents, making permitted tours or Native Hawaiian customary rights the primary means of entry. This UTV tour operates on private ranch lands adjacent to the valley.
Editorial take
This UTV tour is ideal for travelers seeking a scenic and informative adventure that delves into the Big Island's natural beauty and ranching heritage from a unique perspective. It's particularly well-suited for families with children aged 7 and up, and those who appreciate educational experiences over high-octane thrills. Visitors interested in photography, wildlife spotting, and learning about local agriculture and history will find it engaging. It should be prioritized by those looking for exclusive access to private lands and panoramic coastal views not obtainable from public roads.
Travelers seeking a fast-paced, extreme off-roading experience or direct access into the restricted Waipiʻo Valley should manage their expectations; this tour provides views of the valley from private ranch lands, not entry into the valley itself. Do not confuse this tour with others that offer horseback riding in Waipiʻo Valley or shuttle services that descend into the valley, which are different experiences with distinct access rules.
Source notes
- All About the View official website: https://www.aatvadventure.com/
- All About the View UTV Tours on WOH Ranch: https://www.aatvadventure.com/utv-tours
- All About the View FAQ: https://www.aatvadventure.com/faq
- Big Island ATV Tour & Ranch Off-Road Adventure from Hamakua - All About The View: https://www.hawaiiactivities.com/en/hawaii/big-island/oahu-atv-tours/136069P1
- Explore Hawaii's Rich Cultural Landscape on a UTV Farm Tour - Love Big Island: https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-tours/all-about-the-view-utv-farm-tour/
- ATV Ranch ride Big Island Hawaii - Marriott Activities: https://activities.marriott.com/things-to-do/hawaii/big-island/atv-ranch-ride-big-island-hawaii-125026
- Big Island ATV Tours (BIG list of all tour operators) - Love Big Island: https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-atv-tours/
- Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour - Big Island Guide: https://www.bigislandguide.com/waipio-valley-shuttle
