Are you heading to Maui and want to try ziplining for the first time? Keep scrolling to find out why NorthShore Zipline might be the perfect fit!
This NorthShore Zipline review was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I admit, when I went ziplining for the first time a few years ago I was PETRIFIED.
I hate rollercoasters, and I assumed that ziplining would be a similar sensation. Thankfully, I was totally wrong!
But I did make one mistake: I started with an “adventurous” zipline where I had to wear gloves and handbrake and have a lot more responsibility than I expected.
I honestly wish I would have done NorthShore Zipline on Maui as my first ziplining experience. I’ll explain more below.
About NorthShore Zipline
NorthShore Zipline is a 7-line zipline located in Upcountry Maui, about 25 minutes from Kahului. Their address is 2065 Kauhikoa Rd, Haiku, HI 96708.
It’s geared for people ages 5 and older who weigh between 40lbs and 270lbs.
NorthShore Zipline Tours
They offer a 2-3 hour tour where you’ll go 60-feet in the air across 7 different ziplines.
Most of the experience is over a grassy field but there are a few lines in the lush Maui jungle.
This is one of the most affordable ziplines on Maui and they even have a special kids rate.
7 Reasons Why NorthShore Zipline is Perfect for Beginners
You Can Get a Refund After 2 Ziplines
One of the biggest hesitations newbies have about booking a ziplining tour is that it can be an expensive gamble.
That’s why it’s awesome that NorthShore Zipline has a “scaredy-cat guarantee.” Basically, you can try out the first two ziplines and if you decide it’s not for you, they will give you a full refund.
They also offer free 24-hour cancellation in case someone gets cold feet. This is the BEST cancelation policy on Maui.
Special Pricing for Kids
As a mom, I’m always keeping my eye out for keiki (child) rates for any activity we do. Things get expensive as a family of four.
NorthShore Zipline offers a discounted rate for kids ages 5-12 years old. Check the latest rates and availability.
The Ziplines Aren’t TOO Long or Too High
One of the things that can be intimidating for first-timers is when they can barely see the endpoint of the zipline (or they can’t see it at all).
These ziplines are fairly short so you’ll easily be able to see the next platform. This is great for kids who like to have one eye on an adult at all times.
Another nice thing is that they are too high off the ground. This is great for kids (and grown-ups) who are a bit nervous about heights.
It’s Great for Observers
For most Maui ziplines, there isn’t a great place for people to observe. I’m talking about kids who are too young to zip, parents who are afraid of heights, or grandparents who have no desire to participate but want to watch.
At NorthShore Zipline, the ziplines are all centralized over a grassy field and it’s easy to follow along on the ground and watch the action. There are even places to sit in the shade!
Brave People Can Freestyle
On a lot of other ziplines in Hawaii, you are instructed to hold onto either a rope or handlebars.
However at NorthShore Zipline, you rarely need to hold onto anything. That means you’re free to outstretch your arms, go backwards, and go a little crazy.
At one point, our guide showed us how to spin, go upside-down (safely), and even how to freefall a bit. However, there was no shame in just ziplining in a standard way.
Easy Hiking Between Ziplines
Another cool thing is that the ziplines are either connected by the same platform or it’s just a short “hike” to the next one.
It’s less than 1/4 mile of hiking. It’s so short that your kids won’t even have time to complain.
WWII History at Camp Maui
Another really unique thing about this Maui zipline is that it’s located at Camp Maui. This is a historic WWII site and they have a little museum set up.
It was a military training base and home to the Fighting 4th Marine Division.
Today, you can see some old planes, jeeps, and other memorabilia. It’s enough to be interesting but not so much that your kids will feel like they are “learning.”
What to Know about the NorthShore Zipline Tour Before You Go
How Long Does it Take to Get There?
I stayed in Kihei and it took me about 40 minutes to get to. So, if you’re staying in Wailea, it would be about 50 minutes.
It would take about an hour for those staying in the Ka’anapali area.
But, the drive is REALLY beautiful.
What to Wear
The weather is a bit cooler in Upcountry Maui than closer to the beach. I wore athletic shorts and a wool t-shirt and I was pretty comfortable. But I would have been fine in yoga pants as well.
It ended up raining a bit and I was thankful that they had rainjackets for us to borrow.
Arrival and Tour Information
I was told to arrive about 30 minutes before my tour. There is plenty of free parking and there are restrooms on-site.
I completed my waiver online before the tour, but you could also fill it out at this time.
Since you can’t take anything with you, there’s a spot to hang your car keys. If you got dropped off, they do have a spot where you can store your bags.
I also saw a disc golf set that would be fun for kids to do while they wait.
Honest Maui NorthShore Zipline Tour Review
I’ve done a bit of ziplining in Hawaii and I didn’t do much research before booking this one.
It surprised me that it was more of a zipline park than a jungle experience.
I’m used to doing really long ziplines that are up in the jungle and are slightly terrifying. These often involve an ATV ride or decent trekking on trails to get between ziplines.
As I was gliding across the NorthShore Ziplines, I kept thinking how great this would be for families with little ones or for adults who were really nervous about this adventure.
There was a family on my tour with a little 6-year-old who was living her best life! It was really fun to watch her relax and start to do tricks by the end.
My 10-year-old loves ziplining and I think he would have had fun doing this as a family. BUT, he might have been bored since he loves thrill rides and pushing himself to his limits.
However, I think this might be the perfect zipline for my 7-year-old. He’s always said he didn’t want to zipline but I think he would like that it’s short and that he’d have the option of climbing down if he decided it wasn’t right for him.
I also think it’s one that I could bring my mom on. She thinks she’d hate ziplining but I could see her trying the first couple of lines to get comfortable and then having a lot of fun with it.
So, if you’re looking for thrills and an adrenaline rush, this probably isn’t the right fit for you. HOWEVER, if you’re looking for a family adventure that will probably suit each member, this is definitely my top recommendation.
NorthShore Zipline FAQs
Is there a photographer?
Usually there is, however there wasn’t one when I went. But, they do have an automatic video camera that films on one of the last ziplines. You can purchase this after your tour.
Can I bring my phone?
In my confirmation emails, it said no. But, the rules sounded pretty loose when we got there and I was kicking myself for not bringing my phone lanyard so I could take video while ziplining.
Do I need to wear sunscreen?
Yes! There’s a lot of direct sunlight so I’d definitely lather up before your tour. You can’t bring it with you.
Can I wear flip flops?
Nope. You must wear closed-toe shoes (like running shoes, hiking shoes, or even water shoes). They do have Crocs you can borrow if you don’t have another option.
Can kids zip alone?
Anyone under the age of 16 years old must have an adult with them.
What if it rains?
The tours operate rain or shine. They do have rain jackets available to borrow.
Can I get a discount?
They do offer discounts for kama’aina, military, and groups.
So, is the NorthShore Zipline Tour on Maui Worth It?
I had a really great time! The tour guides were super nice and put everyone at ease. I also thought it was a great value for the price.
I definitely would recommend it to families with younger kids or people nervous about ziplining. It’s perfect for any Maui itinerary! Check NorthShore Zipline tour rates and availability.
Thanks NorthShore Zipline for hosting me!
Looking for more things to do on Maui? Check out Is it Worth Doing the I’ao Needle Hike on Maui with Kids?, 10 Epic Haleakala Tours on Maui Worth Booking, and my Kid-Friendly Road to Hana Stops!
