"Purposely avoids the nose to tail lineup"   Honolulu Advertiser

Harry,
  Mahalo for giving me the ride of my life.
  Hawaii and the Aloha spirit stay with me; and whenever I'm having a bad day, I find looking back on my days on the Big Island is enough to make me count my blessings and move forward.
Best to you and your beautiful family, Gail O'Neill, CNN News correspondent

Aloha Kakou,
  My Ohana and I would like to take this time to send to all of you a warmest "aloha and mahalo". Words cannot express our gratitude, and appreciation for allowing us a chance to expereicne the beautiful art of a "paniolo".
  As a child growing up on Hawaiian Homeland (Keaukaha,) I never had the opportunity to experience this lifestyle. We were raised to fish, hunt, surf and listen to our kupuna's and show everyone respect; especially the aina and the ocean.
  This experience will live with me forever. To see my children's faces and hearing the joy in their voices when we talk about the experience. To listen to my son Kennison, explain how he became a "cowboy" when he did not fall off Rosey when she went down the side of the hill. Also to listen to my daughter Kenisha Ann, talk about how she rode Kailua all by herself and how she was scared at first, and how brave she was at the end.
  My wife on the other had, used to ride all the time. her mother and her could run, and help to round up cattle so they were so pleased to be able to do that again. I told my mother in law that she was very impressive and she should keep doing it.
  As you know, like most local famileis, we couldn't wait to tell our stories and our experience with all of our ohana and friends, and we hope that they would come to your place and experience what we have. I hope you don't mind.
Until then, a hui hou and malama pono, Kenneth, Roxi, Kennison & Kenish-Ann Rowe

  We recently visited your ranch (10/24/03) for a cattle drive. There were 6 people in our party, although my sister chose to back out at the last minute. Unfortunately she doesn't know what she missed out on. The ride certainly lived up to its billing. The scenery was beautiful. It was great to get the opportunity to move cattle as well. It was something that we were talking about for the rest of our trip. It is also one of first things that we mention when our friends and family on the mainland ask us what we did in Hawaii. Your guide, Allison, did a great job teaching us what we needed to know, as well as incorporating personal experiences into the ride. I would highly recommend this activity to anyone. thanks again.
Keith Champion

Aloha Nakoa family & Dahana Ranch staff,
  You made 2 first time riders very at ease during our recent visit. The 90 minute journey across Dahana's pastures was truly a delight and accommodated each person's comfort level without the "stay in line" feel of a trail ride. The Waimea high country is stunning, a perfect place to soak in Hawaii away from the major tourist areas, yet very accessible.
Mahalo! - Margaret & Geoff Thomas - 6/26/03

  "The combination of Hawaii and Nakoa have an uncanny ability to let a person experience a certain spirituality that is truly unique to place or person. The horses bred on Dahana Ranch are top quality Quarter horses. It is one thing to be a great teacher but to be able to put the final result into action so successfully is another."   AQHA & WB Yearbook, Austrailia

  "This is not the kind of Cattle drive where you sit there and they do all the work. You will see lush rolling green hills from open country, not from a trail"   Hawaii, the Big Island Revealed Guide book

  "I'm not a spiritual guy but I've never had a spiritual equestrian experience like riding with Harry Nakoa at Dahana Ranch for $65 across 600 acres. Harry is a "horse communicator." He takes an unridden horse and in 90 minutes makes it rideable, and makes the horse lie down at his feet. In five minutes he'll tell you everything that's wrong with your riding. I left a much better horseman. You will too."   October 9, 1999 - MIDWEEK Bob Jones

  "The Dahana Ranch Roughriders operation is first-rate. Daniel Nakoa runs quality quarter horses - not trail nags - and has developed a reputation as an excellent riding coach and horse trainer. (Some newspaper articles posted in the ranch house refer to him as the "Hawaiian horse whisperer.")"   Sunday, December 6, 1998 - Minneapolis Star Tribune - Travel

Dear Daniel,
  The horseback ride you provided for myself and Debbie Weil and company was a terrific experience. To be able to cross the upcountry slopes of green pasterlands in an almost surreal mist and coolness certainly exceeded my every expectation. Your horses are not the typical "nose to butt" variety at most riding stables. Thank you for your hospitality and for a most enjoyable afternoon.
Regards,
J. William Boyd, CMP
President - CEO