Are you looking for the best Big Island ziplines that are worth it? Keep scrolling for an honest review of the Kohala Zipline tour near Kona.
This Kohala Zipline tour 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 never thought I’d be the type of person to go ziplining. Heights? Not my thing. Flying through the air at 45 mph? Terrifying.
But my 9-year-old had been asking for months. He’d been ziplining twice before and was absolutely convinced we HAD to do it on our Big Island trip.
Meanwhile, I was trying to come up with every excuse in the book.
Spoiler alert: I’m so glad I went. We had such a blast that ziplining is now part of our regular Hawaii adventures on every trip.
Here’s my completely honest review of Kohala Zipline, including what I was nervous about, what actually happened, and whether it’s worth adding to your Big Island itinerary.
Want help planning your perfect Big Island trip? I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where we’ll map out your entire itinerary together.
Or listen to my podcast episode on How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island for free planning tips.
About Kohala Zipline
Kohala Zipline opened in 2011 and it’s located in historic North Kohala, about an hour and 15 minutes north of Kailua Kona (or 40 minutes north of the Waikoloa resorts).
The actual zipline course is set in Halawa Gulch, which is on private land in the middle of this gorgeous forest. You can’t miss their check-in spot in downtown Hawi. It’s in the bright yellow historic Kohala Sugar Co. building.
What makes this zipline course different from others on the Big Island is that it’s a true tree-to-tree canopy tour.
You’re up in the trees the entire time, going from platform to platform across suspension bridges. \There’s no walking down stairs between every zip line, which honestly makes the whole experience way more exciting.
What Zipline Tours Does Kohala Offer?
They have two main options:
Kohala Canopy Adventure (2.5-3 hours)
This is what we did. You get 8 ziplines, 6 suspension bridges, and a rappel at the end. The whole thing takes about 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish.
You’ll zip from tree to tree at speeds up to 45 mph while looking out at the Kohala Coast, Maui in the distance, and ancient Hawaiian agricultural terraces. It’s pretty incredible.
One of the coolest features is the “WhisperLines.” The cables are coated with nylon, so they’re super quiet as you zip. And you can control your own speed, which made me feel way more comfortable as a beginner.
Book your Kohala Canopy Adventure on Viator or check out more Big Island tours on Get Your Guide.
Kohala Zip & Dip (6-8 hours)
If you have a full day, they also offer the Zip & Dip. You get the complete zipline course PLUS lunch, an off-road drive through North Kohala, and a swim under a private waterfall. It’s about 6-8 hours total.
We didn’t do this one, but it sounds amazing if you’re staying nearby or want to make a full day out of it.
Check rates for the Kohala Zip & Dip here.
Before You Book: Important Requirements
Here’s what you need to know:
Age: Kids must be at least 8 years old.
Weight: You must weigh between 70 and 270 pounds. They WILL weigh you at check-in, and there are no refunds if you don’t meet the requirements.
(Quick note: When we went a few years ago, the minimum was 65 pounds. My son barely made it back then. But they’ve since raised it to 70 pounds, so definitely weigh your kids before booking if they’re on the smaller side.)
What to wear: Closed-toe shoes (hiking shoes or sneakers), long pants or knee-length shorts, and a shirt with sleeves. No tank tops.
Physical ability: You need to be able to walk over uneven terrain and climb about 25 stairs. It’s rated as easy to moderate.
Who shouldn’t go: This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or anyone with recent neck, back, or bone injuries.
Getting There and Checking In
They ask you to arrive 30 minutes before your tour time. This gives everyone time to check in, step on the scale, and get fitted for equipment.
We got there about 40 minutes early and walked around Hawi while we waited. It’s a cute little town with some adorable shops and cafes.
When it’s time, you’ll head into a back room where the guides fit you with your harness, helmet, and gloves. Then everyone piles into a van for the 20-minute drive to the actual course.
The drive itself is part of the adventure. They normally use a military-style all-terrain vehicle, but we were in a van during our visit.
Either way, it’s bumpy and definitely not a smooth ride. My son thought it was hilarious.
Pro tip: Book your tickets in advance. This is one of the most popular Big Island activities and tours sell out regularly, especially during peak season.
My Honest Experience: From Terrified to Thrilled
I’m not going to sugarcoat it. I was REALLY nervous.
I don’t do well with rollercoasters. I sometimes get motion sickness. And my son kept insisting (incorrectly, thank goodness) that it was easy to “accidentally” unclip yourself.
But here’s what actually happened.
The Practice Ziplines Made All the Difference
Right when we got there, the guides had us do two short practice ziplines. These were right next to the van, so if anyone felt too scared to continue, they could hop back in and head home early.
As someone who was pretty anxious, I really appreciated having that option. Just knowing I had an “out” helped me relax enough to actually try it.
The guides were absolutely incredible. They taught us all the safety procedures, showed us how to control our speed, and made sure everyone felt comfortable.
They were encouraging without being pushy, which was exactly what I needed.
My Son’s Excitement Actually Helped
Here’s something funny. My son kept making fun of me for being scared. But his excitement and glee about the whole thing actually made me want to be brave for him. He was SO pumped that it was contagious.
Plus, the guides did an amazing job of calming me down.
Every time I mentioned I was nervous, they gave me specific tips and talked me through exactly what to expect. By the time we got to the first real zipline, I felt like I knew what I was doing.
The First Few Were Scary, Then It Got Fun
The scariest part for me was taking that first step off the platform. My stomach dropped.
I was scared for probably the first 2-3 ziplines. But after that? I started to let go of my fear and actually enjoy the ride.
The views were stunning. Looking out at the forest canopy, seeing the coastline in the distance, and feeling the wind as you zip through the trees is pretty incredible once you get past the initial fear.
The suspension bridges between platforms were actually easier than I expected. They shake a little bit, but the guides are always there to help if you need it.
The Rappel Finale Was Easier Than It Sounds
At the very end, you rappel down from the final platform. It sounds scary, but it’s honestly not bad at all. The guides talk you through every step and you control your own descent.
My son thought it was the coolest part of the whole thing.
By the time we finished, I was already thinking about when we could do it again. And now? We usually add ziplining to every Hawaii trip we take. It’s become one of our favorite family adventures.
Practical Tips for Families
Best Time of Day to Go
We went on a February morning and the weather was in the 60s and rainy. We wore long pants and sweatshirts, which was perfect.
North Kohala can get pretty warm in the afternoons, especially during summer. Morning tours tend to be a bit cooler and less crowded.
But if it’s a rainy day, afternoon tours can be warmer (though you might get rained on either way).
They provide rain gear you can borrow, so don’t stress too much about the weather. They run tours rain or shine.
What to Bring (Or Rather, What NOT to Bring)
Okay, this is where I made a mistake.
I’m the type of person who always wants my phone, keys, and wallet with me “just in case.” So I bought one of their hip belts at the gift shop to carry everything during the tour.
But here’s the thing: you wear gloves the entire time. I couldn’t take photos on the platforms like I’d planned because I couldn’t use my phone with gloves on.
So my advice? Leave everything in the van. Your guides will keep it safe.
The only exception is if you bring a GoPro that straps to your helmet. That’s allowed and actually a great idea if you want footage of your zips.
Definitely Buy the Photos
They have a photographer guide who knows exactly where to take the best shots. We’re so glad we bought the photo package because otherwise we wouldn’t have any pictures from the experience.
If you want professional shots of your family vacation, I also recommend Flytographer. You can save $20 when you book through my link, and they’ll capture amazing photos during your Hawaii trip.
Explore Hawi Before or After
The town of Hawi is adorable. If you time it right, you could grab lunch or dinner at one of the cute cafes or restaurants after your zipline tour. We love stopping there whenever we’re in North Kohala.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices change, so check current rates when you book. But generally:
- Kohala Canopy Adventure starts around $235 per person
- Kohala Zip & Dip is around $325 per person
You can book through Viator or Get Your Guide, which is what I usually recommend for Big Island activities.
Need a rental car to get there? I always use Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They compare all the major companies and usually have the best rates.
Is Kohala Zipline Worth It?
Absolutely.
Even as someone who was terrified at first, I had such a great time. It’s a perfect bonding activity for families, and the guides make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable the entire time.
The tree-to-tree canopy experience is unique on the Big Island. You’re not just zipping and walking, zipping and walking. You’re actually up in the forest the whole time, which makes it feel more like an adventure.
Plus, my son still talks about it years later. That alone makes it worth it.
Other Big Island Adventures to Add to Your Itinerary
If you love the outdoorsy, adventurous vibe of ziplining, here are some other activities I recommend:
- ATV tours at Aloha Adventure Farm (this one has an amazing cultural component)
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (an absolute must-do)
- Snorkeling with manta rays at night (one of the coolest experiences in Hawaii)
- Visiting the black sand beaches
For a complete list of family-friendly activities, check out my post on 75 Best Things to Do on the Big Island with Kids.
Planning Your Big Island Trip
The Big Island is huge, and figuring out where to stay, what to do, and how to fit everything in can feel overwhelming.
Trust me, I’ve been doing this for years as a professional tourist and certified Hawaii travel expert, and I still have to plan carefully.
Here are some resources that can help:
My Big Island Travel Guide: This has day-by-day itineraries, kid-friendly activity recommendations, where to eat, and all my insider tips. Get the guide here.
Free Email Course: Want to plan your trip but not sure where to start? Sign up for my free 7-day email course on how to plan a trip to the Big Island. I’ll walk you through everything step by step.
Hawaii Travel Consultation: If you want personalized help, book a consultation with me. We’ll go through your dates, your family’s interests, and create a custom itinerary just for you.
Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast: I share tons of free tips and insider advice on my podcast. Listen to the episode on How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island for detailed planning help.
Final Thoughts
Going ziplining at Kohala Zipline was one of those experiences that surprised me. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.
If you’re nervous like I was, here’s my advice: Do it anyway. The guides are phenomenal, the safety standards are top-notch, and the experience is something you’ll remember for years.
Plus, how often do you get to fly through the trees at 45 mph with your kids? Not many places let you do that.
Book your Kohala Canopy Adventure here and get ready for an incredible Big Island adventure.
Looking for more things to do in Kona? Check out this cultural ATV tour in Kona, where to swim with dolphins, Kona glassbottom boat tour, and the best Kona coffee farms.
