Guided Mule Tour
MASTER MULE GUIDE BUZZY SPROAT
Buzzy was the original trainer of most of the surefooted mules over
twenty years ago, and now, he is the owner of the Moloka'i Mule
Ride. Buzzy's grandfather was the head mule master for the Kohala
Ditch Company. When he retired Buzzy's father took over until he
retired, allowing Buzzy's brother to fill his shoes. Buzzy's
recollection is that he must have been on a mule at a very tender age;
it was the way to travel in those days. Buzzy loves his
mules, and he still shoes each of his mules six times a
year. Also, he is widely known in the rodeo circuits in
Hawaii.
RIDE A MULE ON THE KALAUPAPA TRAIL
Rates:
THE TRAIL
The trek down to the Kalaupapa peninsula via the Kalaupapa Trail descends
approximately 1,800 feet down a winding trail with twenty six "switchbacks".
A distance of three miles separates the span from the mule barn to the
tie up location at the Kalaupapa Settlement.
There are several places along
the trail to view
some of the most beautiful and breathtaking vistas of land and sea in the
world. To the east of the trail stands the world's tallest sea cliffs,
acknowledged by the Guiness Book of Records.
THE SETTLEMENT
At the settlement, our tour patrons will board a bus and learn about the
sacred history of Kalaupapa and its people, along with stories of courage
and love. You will feel Father Damien de Veuster's, whose name is
synonymous with Kalaupapa, love for the people that he
served so diligently, until he succumbed to the same disease as his flock.
Your personalized tour
begins with the day to day life of the people of old and those who live
there now. Notice the style of homes, the quaint post office, general
store, medical facility and the dock. Visit original graveyards at
Kalawao and St. Philomena. This church was built by Father Damien who
was recently Beatified by the Pope.
Enjoy lunch overlooking sea cliffs and waterfalls, dramatic ocean rock
formations and crashing surf. Returning topside is also an adventure not
soon forgotten.
CAMERAS ARE WELCOME.
MORE MULE TOUR INFORMATION
The tour begins and ends at the mule stables on highway 470.
8:00 a.m. check in and sign waivers.
8:15 a.m. tour briefing and riding instruction.
8:30 a.m. mount your mule and depart down the Kalaupapa trail.
10:15 a.m. ground tour begins.
2:00 p.m. remount your mule and ascend the trail.
3:30 p.m return to stables.
FURTHER INFORMATION
All patrons MUST follow instructions and be able to have sufficient
strength and ability to hold on to their saddles going up and down the trail.
The tour includes lunch, tour of Kalaupapa settlement, rider
completion certificate and a memoritive bumper sticker.
Patrons must be in good health and physically fit with a maximum
weight of 240 lbs. and at least 16 years old.
Dress: slacks or jeans, covered shoe, sun visor or hat and light
windbreaker.
RESERVATIONS ARE NECESSARY for all activities; prepaid in advance is
recommended. Saddles are limited.
Restroom facilities are available.
FLY TO KALAUPAPA & TOUR
HIKE TO KALAUPAPA & TOUR
ARTICLE