Big Island Ziplining: Compare All 4 Zipline Tours

Big Island ziplining runs $227 to $249 per person. Four operators are active, with three clustered along the Hamakua Coast near Hilo and one in North Kohala, about 90 minutes from Kona-side resorts.

The Hamakua operators are the stronger pick for scenery. Umauma Falls routes past 14 waterfalls and Botanical World’s final line ends above a 250-foot waterfall. Hawaii Zipline Tours crosses a 450-foot ravine over Kolekole waterfall. Kohala Zipline skips the waterfalls but adds sky bridges, a rappel, and resort transportation from Kona and Waikoloa.

Tours run 7 to 9 lines over 2 to 3 hours. All operators run in light rain, which is normal on the Hamakua Coast.

The Big Island’s four zipline tours split between two regions: North Kohala (near Waimea and the Kohala Coast resorts) and the Hamakua Coast (near Hilo). Your base location will likely determine your best option, though any of them can work as a day trip from either side of the island.

Map of all ziplines, and how they compare

There are 4 zipline tours on the Big Island to choose from, and the offerings at each vary. Not only does the number of lines differ for each location, but some include extra activities, like suspension bridges and a “zip and dip” option, to round out the experience.

How we assigned “Best for”

• Kohala Zipline is the only full canopy course with sky bridges and a rappel, making it the most varied adventure.
• Umauma is the top pick for families thanks to dual lines and 14 waterfall views.
• Hawaii Zipline Tours starts easy and builds gradually, which works well for nervous first-timers.
• Botanical World Adventures offers the lowest starting price and accepts riders as young as 4 (tandem with a guide).

Zipline tours near Kona (Kohala)

The zipline adventures on the north side of the Big Island are organized by Kohala Zipline, a sister company of Hawaii Forest & Trail.

Kohala Zipline canopy tours

Kohala Zipline offers zipline and canopy tours on the most northern tip of the Big Island close to Waimea. Their tours include 8 lines, 6 sky bridges, and a rappel, all located on private property. For an added fee the ziplining can be expanded with a hike to several on-property waterfalls and a dip in one of them. Transportation to and from most resorts in Kona and Waikoloa can be arranged.

See the following video for a preview of what the canopy ziplines are like:

The two most popular tours organized by Kohala ziplines are the 2.5 to 3 hour Kohala Canopy Adventure and the full-day “Zip and Dip“, which includes the Kohala Canopy Adventure, lunch, a short hike, and a swim under a private waterfall. The sky bridges are the unexpected highlight here. They slow things down between lines in a way that adds to the experience rather than interrupting it

You can read more about each tour on our website.

Zipline tours in Hilo

If you are based in Hilo you have the choice between 3 zipline operators at the Hamakua coast.

Note: KapohoKine previously ran an 8-line course near Hilo but has permanently closed.

Umauma falls & zipline experience

Located 16 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast, the highlight of this tour is a pass by the triple-tiered Umauma Falls, one of the top waterfalls on the Big Island.

The tour includes a complementary visit to their gardens and consists of 9 lines (4 of which are dual lines) covering over 2 miles of zipping as well as a walk over a suspension bridge. You’ll also pass 14 waterfalls along the route, including private views of Umauma Falls itself. Line 5, which runs parallel to the main falls, is the one most people mention afterward.

Good to know: The zipline tour above is also available in combination with a waterfall swim.

Dual line ziplines like this one let you soar over waterfalls and through the rainforest.

Hawaii Zipline Tours

Hawaii Zipline Tours (formerly known as Skyline Eco Adventures) is located just south of the ʻAkaka Falls State Park on the Honomu Coast. Their tour includes seven lines that start short and build in length and height, making it the most approachable option for first-timers or anyone who wants a gentler introduction to the sport. It’s the most approachable course on the island for anyone who’s uncertain about heights.

Highlights are:

1.  A zipline that lets you soar over the 250 ft KoleKole waterfall (see below) , and
2.  Zipping over a 450-foot ravine.

Zipping over the KoleKole waterfall is THE highlight of the tour. Credit: Hawaii Zipline Tours

Botanical World Adventures Zipline

The last line of this Hamakua Coast course ends directly above Kamaee Falls, a 250-foot waterfall that’s invisible from any road. The setting is Botanical World’s gardens near Hilo, a few minutes from town, with a hedge maze and on-property waterfalls adding to the visit even if you’re not zipping.

The course is designed to ease you in: the first few lines are short and close to the ground, which gives beginners (and kids) time to settle before the course opens up. Kids as young as 4 can participate in tandem with an adult, making this one of the more family-accessible options on the island. That final line above the falls is worth the drive on its own.

What happens during a zipline tour?

Most zipline tours on the Big Island last 2 to 3 hours and include 7 to 9 individual lines connected by short trail walks between platforms. You’ll fly 30 to 200 feet above the ground at speeds up to 35 mph, depending on the line and your weight.

Every tour starts with a safety briefing and harness fitting. Guides are certified and clip you in at every transition point. No prior experience is needed, and most courses start with shorter, slower lines before working up to the big ones.

What to know before you book

Age and weight limits: All operators require a minimum weight of 60 to 70 lbs for solo zipping (roughly age 8 and up). Maximum weight is 270 to 275 lbs. Botanical World Adventures allows children as young as 4 to ride tandem with a guide if they weigh at least 35 lbs.

What to wear: Closed-toe shoes are required at every operator. Most recommend long pants or knee-length shorts and a light layer. Avoid tank tops and anything loose that could catch on the harness.

Weather: Tours run in light rain, which is common on the Hamakua Coast. Operators provide ponchos. Tours may be cancelled in heavy rain, lightning, or strong winds.

Cancellation: All four operators offer free cancellation 24 to 48 hours in advance. Check your specific booking for details.

Booking: Advance online reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel months (December through March and June through August). Walk-ins are sometimes possible but not guaranteed.

Zipline Tours on other Hawaiian islands

Ziplining is popular across the Hawaiian islands. If your trip includes other islands, here are the equivalents:

• Zipline overview for Maui
• Zipline overview for Kauaʻi
• Zipline tours on Oʻahu

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