Ziplining is one of the newest outdoor activities on the Big Island, and allows you to take an exhilarating ride through the rainforest canopy. Ziplining is an activity where you are attached with a harness to a rope that is strung between a high and a low point. The ziplines are built high above scenic areas and features such ravines, jungles, meadows, and forests, and start between 30 and 200 ft above ground!
By the way, did you know that the zipline is not a recent invention? H.G. Wells (know from e.g. “The War of the Worlds” and “The Time Machine”) already described a zipline in his book “The Invisible Man” (published in 1897!) which he referred to as “an inclined strong”.
Ziplining on the lines of Big Island Eco Adventures
What can you expect if you go ziplining?
Most ziplining tours are part of a multiple-hour “adventure”, during which you will be shown around lush rainforest and taken to several waterfalls. In between these destinations, ziplines have been strung. The amount of these ziplines differ for each tour-operator, but an average of 8 ziplines is normal.
The speeds you can reach while soaring down depend on a lot of variables (including your weight), but speeds up to 35 mph are reachable!
Zipline adventures on the Big Island
There are currently a few companies offering zipline tours, and some shopping around on the Big Island itself will get you good deal. All ziplines will have you soaring through tropical forest and offer stunning views, the biggest difference (from the visitor’s point of view) is their location and thus accessibility.
If you are staying in Waimea or Kona, Big Island Eco Adventures in Hawi (on the most northern tip of the Big Island) is your closest option. They also offer “zip-n-dine” and “zip-n-stay” packages for the more avid zipliners.
If you are staying in Hilo, you have the choice between zipisle and the zipline through paradise at Honolii mountain outpost.