Hawaii is one of the most gorgeous, stunning states in North America. While each Hawaiian island is different, they have more in common with each other than just rainbows and macadamia nuts. Zip lining is a great activity for those of us (hello, me) who want to feel like we’re adventurous but actually play it pretty safe. Licensed zip lining companies don’t take unnecessary risks with their customers, after all; double caribiners and a sturdy belt are par for the course. The zip lining course, that is! Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island have thrilling zip lining courses that satisfy two travel yens at once; the wish to see various pretty parts of Hawaii, and the desire to have a memorable travel experience. My favorite, top zip lining companies on Hawaii Island (nee Big Island), Maui, and Kauai can all be exciting parts of a great Hawaii vacation.
Top Zip Lining Company in Maui:
My favorite zip lining company in Maui is Skyline Eco Adventures. The Ka’’anapali Skyline Tour, which includes lunch, is around three and a half hours, and not “scary” at all. Skyline Eco Adventures opened the first zip lining course in Maui — and the company operates zip lining courses on other Hawaiian islands as well. I love the Ka’anapali Skyline Tour, but be warned: you WILL get dirty during the dry season. This is a good red dirt that’ll get on your clothes, and the guides take lots of water along to ensure that you stay hydrated. Skyline Eco Adventures opened a new course this year, called the Maui Zip n’ Dip, that I haven’t been able to try (yet). There are 4-line and 9-line Zip n’Dip tours, each of which involve the “thrill of releasing from a hipline and splashing into a natural mountain pool.” Right from the zip line down into the pool! It sounds like so much fun. The Maui Zip n’ Dip was still being planned the last time I was in Maui, and I’m definitely going to try to reserve a spot the next time I get to vacation in Maui.
Top Zip Lining Company in Kauai:
The Princeville Ranch, up in the northern area on Kauai, offers various outdoor adventure treats like horseback riding, off roading in ATVs, and — obviously — zip lining. My whole family loved the Princeville Ranch zip lining adventure. The Zip n’ Dip Expedition is approximately three and a half hours long, with views of the rainforest gullies all around. Guests are driven away from the pastured area of the Princeville Ranch and into the wild, forested area. There is a swinging suspension bridge, nine zip lines, lunch…and a cold, mountain spring-fed hidden pool for the “dip” element. Unlike the Skyline Eco Adventures Zip n’ Dip, the Princeville Ranch version has its participants get out of the zip lining gear, grab an inner tube, and jump into the pool. It is shaded and remote there, and even though this is a popular tour, it manages to feel as if the guests are the only people to know about the hidden pool. Zip lines include tandem rides so partners can either hold hands or race (I lost the race, it wasn’t even close).
Top Zip Lining Company in Hawaii Island:
There are several zip lining companies on Hawaii Island, or the Big Island, at least two of which area on Hilo side (that’s the side with Volcanoes National Park). That side is also typically very rainy in winter, which is when I’m usually able to go to Hawaii — and I’ve been rained out on several different occasions when I’ve booked activities on Hilo side. That’s always an unavoidable bummer. So, I’m recommending sticking to Kona side if your travel plans take you to Hawaii Island during the rainy season. Kona side’s Kohala Coast is the prettiest and most accessible stretch of shoreline, regardless, so it’s a smart place for families to stay. The Kohala Zipline, in North Kohala (north of the luxury resorts that dot the coast here) is the top zip lining in Hawaii Island for its fun factor: besides the nine zip lines, there are five suspension bridges, and two rappelling options at the end. If you didn’t consider yourself adventurous before experiencing the Kohala Zipline, you sure will afterwords. the Zipline Canopy Adventure is another option; it’s also very fun, and just as appropriate for a first -timer as an experienced zip liner.
There are, of course, other top zip lining companies in Hawaii; I’ve never zip lined in Oahu, for example, and can’t speak with authority about that island’s options. For a vacation in Maui, Kauai, or Hawaii Island, though, I recommend these three top zip lining companies for fun, memorable travel experiences.
I was treated to the Maui Eco Adventures zip line experience by the island’s tourism bureau. All opinions are mine.