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Zipline Tours: The Latest Thrill of a Lifetime
The latest adventure in Hawaii is "zipping" or "ziplining." It's so new that the vernacular is still catching up with it, but regardless of what you call it, chances are you'll scream like a rock star fan while trying it. Strap on a harness, clip onto a cable running from one side of a river or valley to the other, and zip across. The step off is the scariest part. Pack knee-length shorts or pants, athletic shoes, and courage for this adventure.
KAUAI
Just Live. When Nichol Baier and Julie Lester started Just Live in 2003, their market was exclusively school-age children, but now they've added visitor tours. Experiential education through adventure is how they describe it. Whatever you call it, sailing 70 feet above the ground for 3½ hours will take your vacation to another level. This is the only treetop zipline in the state where your feet never touch ground once you're in the air: six zips and two swinging bridges make the Tree Top Tour their most popular one. For the heroic at heart, there's the Extreme Adventure ropes course that includes two ziplines, a climbing wall, and a free fall from 40 feet. They still incorporate team building in the visitor tours, although their primary focus remains on community programming. Enjoy knowing that money spent here serves Kauai's children. Koloa. 808/482-1295. www.justlive.org
Outfitters Kauai. This company offers a half-day adventure of multiple zips, along with ropeswinging off a cliff adjacent to Kipu Falls. Only one zipline is involved, so you'll be making the same crossing several times, but it's a Swiss Family Robinson-like setting with a tree-house launching pad and a swinging bridge. Plus, you'll trek over to Kipu Falls to enjoy the rope swing. The price is $115. Outfitters Kauai also has a zipline stream crossing as part of their Kipu Safari tour. 2827-A Poipu Rd., Poipu. 808/742-9667 or 888/742-9887. www.outfitterskauai.com
Princeville Ranch Adventures. The North Shore's answer to ziplining is an eight-zipline course with a bit of hiking, waterfall crossing, and swimming thrown in for a half-day adventure. This is as close as it gets to flying; just watch out for the albatross. Prices start at $110 for the Zip Express and $125 for the Zip and Dip. West of Princeville Airport on Rte. 56, between mile markers 27 and 28, Princeville. 808/826-7669. www.adventureskauai.com
MAUI
Skyline Eco Adventures. First in the United States to offer zipline tours, Skyline Eco Adventures operates in two locations on Maui: the original course on the slope of Haleakala, and the newer venue at 1,000 feet above Kaanapali. Good-natured guides give expert instruction and have you "zipping" confidently across deep gulches and canyons on a narrow zipline. A harness keeps you supported for the quick ride. You must be at least 10 years old, weigh between 80 and 260 pounds, and be able to hike a moderate distance over uneven terrain in order to participate. Closed-toe athletic-type shoes are required, and you can expect to get dirty. For the Haleakala tour ($89), dress in layers, as it can get chilly at the 4,000-plus foot elevation, especially in the morning. The Kaanapali tour ($149) includes breakfast or lunch. Advance reservations are suggested, especially in the summer, and discounts are available for online bookings. Although zipline tours are completely safe, you may want to reconsider this activity if you are uncomfortable with heights or have serious back or joint problems. 808/878-8400. www.zipline.com
OutriggerHawaii Editor Update 07/10:
MAUI
Kapalua Adventures. On the far west side of Maui, Kapalua Adventures runs numerous parallel zipline courses. So, if you're ready for the big leap of faith or prefer a more gentle flying adventure, you'll find it here. 808/665-3753. www.kapaluaadventures.com
BIG ISLAND
Big Island Eco Adventures. Hawaii's newest zipline adventure calls North Kohala on Big Island home. Like others, you hop aboard a military vehicle called a pinzgauer to make your way to the 8 ziplines and 2 bridges that make up your adventure. 808/889-5111. www.bigislandecoadventures.com