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.
Okay, confession time. I hate rollercoasters. Like, genuinely hate them.
That stomach-dropping feeling where you’re hurtling through the air? No thank you.
So when I went ziplining for the first time a few years ago, I was absolutely petrified. I kept thinking it would feel exactly like a rollercoaster. (Spoiler: it doesn’t, but I didn’t know that yet.)
But here’s where I messed up. I picked an “adventurous” zipline for my first time.
They handed me these heavy gloves and told me I’d need to handbrake myself.
I remember thinking, “Wait, I’m responsible for stopping?” The whole experience was stressful because I had no idea what I was doing.
I wish I had known about NorthShore Zipline on Maui back then. It would have been the perfect first zipline. Let me explain why.
Quick Stats (If You’re Into That Kind of Thing)
Maui welcomed 2.27 million visitors through November 2025 and people spent over $5.31 billion here.
Adventure tourism (ziplining, snorkeling, that kind of stuff) is huge.
The zipline industry alone grew to $1.47 billion globally in 2024 and they’re expecting it to hit $3.31 billion by 2033, which is kind of wild.
Why am I telling you this? Because ziplining is becoming this really popular family activity.
About 65% of adventure tourism is “soft adventure” which means less terrifying options like NorthShore versus extreme stuff.
More families are looking for activities where kids can actually participate without everyone freaking out.
What Makes This Zipline Different (And Why I Think It’s Perfect for Beginners)
NorthShore Zipline is in Haiku, which is in Upcountry Maui. It’s about 25 minutes from Kahului Airport. The address is 2065 Kauhikoa Rd, Haiku, HI 96708 if you’re the type who likes to Google Map things ahead of time.
Here’s what surprised me: most of the ziplining happens over a grassy field. Not deep in the jungle where you can’t see anything.
A couple lines do go through the eucalyptus trees (which smell amazing, by the way), but you can always see where you’re going.
I cannot stress enough how much this matters when you’re nervous.
There are 7 ziplines total. The tour takes about 2-3 hours depending on how many people are in your group.
The highest you’ll go is 70 feet (which honestly doesn’t feel that high when you’re up there). The longest line is about 900 feet. Speeds can get up to 40 mph but you’re not really thinking about that when you’re zipping.
Oh, and there’s basically no hiking between ziplines. Some zipline courses make you trek uphill in full gear between lines, and it’s exhausting.
Here? Less than a quarter mile of walking total. The platforms either connect directly or it’s just a quick walk.
They also have this whole WWII museum thing at Camp Maui (the zipline is on the grounds). It’s actually pretty cool. Old planes, jeeps, military stuff.
The 4th Marine Division trained there before heading to the Pacific. My boys would go crazy for the vehicles.
The Money-Back Guarantee Thing (This Is Huge)
This is the thing that made me wish I’d known about this place earlier.
They let you try the first TWO ziplines. If you decide you hate it after that, they give you a full refund. No questions asked.
I don’t know any other zipline that does this. Most places you pay upfront and that’s it. You’re committed. This policy takes away so much pressure.
They also have free 24-hour cancellation. So if someone gets cold feet the night before, you can cancel and get your money back. This is honestly the best cancellation policy I’ve seen on Maui for any activity.
Who Can Actually Do This
Kids as young as 5 can zipline here. They need to weigh at least 40 pounds. The maximum weight is 270 pounds, which is actually the highest weight limit of any Maui zipline.
Most other ziplines require kids to be 10 or 12. If you have younger kids who want to try this, your options on Maui are really limited. This is one of only two places that takes 5-year-olds.
Kids under 16 need to have an adult actually ziplining with them (not just signing a waiver). So you can’t just drop your 12-year-old off.
You can’t zipline if you’re pregnant or have neck/back injuries. Pretty standard rules.
They’re open Monday through Saturday, 8am to 5pm. Closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Why I Think This Is the Best Beginner Zipline (Especially for Nervous People)
Let me break this down.
The lines aren’t terrifyingly long. You can see the endpoint from where you start. This is huge for kids who need that visual reassurance.
And honestly? For nervous adults too. When you can’t see where you’re going, your brain fills in all the worst possibilities.
The guides do all the braking. You don’t have to do anything except hold on (and actually, you don’t even really need to do that).
Other ziplines make you brake yourself or pull yourself along if you don’t go fast enough. Here? The guides handle it all. You just enjoy the ride.
They have kids’ rates. As a mom of two boys, I’m always watching for keiki pricing. Things get expensive fast as a family. They have discounted rates for kids 5-12.
You can check current pricing when you book, but it’s significantly less than adult prices.
Non-participants can watch from the ground for free. This might not sound like a big deal, but it is.
At most ziplines, if you’re not participating, you’re stuck in a parking lot somewhere.
Here, people can walk around, watch from below, and explore the WWII museum. The ziplines are over a field so it’s easy to see everything. There are even shaded spots to sit.
I kept thinking about my mom while I was there. She would never admit she wants to try ziplining, but I think if she could watch other people do it first and see how manageable it is, she’d give it a shot. The low-pressure vibe really helps.
You can do tricks if you want (but you don’t have to). Our guide showed us how to go upside-down, spin around, even freefall for a second.
But there was zero pressure to try any of it. If you want to just zip normally? Totally fine. Nobody’s judging.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
I stayed in Kihei and it took about 40 minutes to drive there. If you’re in Wailea, add another 10 minutes. From Ka’anapali or Lahaina, it’s about an hour. From Kahului, only 25 minutes.
The drive is really pretty. You’re going through pineapple fields and Upcountry Maui. Put on the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast and enjoy the scenery.
Wear closed-toe shoes. This is not negotiable. No flip-flops. Running shoes, hiking shoes, or water shoes work. If you forget, they have Crocs you can borrow (but honestly, just wear real shoes).
I wore athletic shorts and a moisture-wicking t-shirt. It’s cooler in Upcountry Maui than at the beach. Yoga pants or leggings work great. Long hair needs to be tied back. Don’t wear loose clothing, scarves, or dangly jewelry.
Bring sunscreen. You’re in direct sun for a lot of this. Also bring water.
They provide rain jackets if it starts drizzling. Tours run rain or shine unless there are high winds, heavy rain, or lightning.
You’re supposed to arrive 30 minutes early. There’s free parking. You can fill out your waiver online beforehand (I recommend this) or do it when you arrive.
Since you can’t take anything with you on the zipline, there’s a place to hang your car keys. They also have a spot to store bags.
The Phone Thing (Where I Messed Up)
In my confirmation email, it said no phones allowed. So I left mine in the car.
But when I got there, the rules seemed pretty flexible. I saw other people with phone lanyards taking videos while ziplining. I was kicking myself for not bringing mine.
My recommendation? Bring your phone with a secure waterproof lanyard. Worst case, they tell you to leave it. Best case, you get amazing footage of your family zipping through the trees.
They do have an automatic video camera on one of the lines that you can purchase after. There’s sometimes a photographer on-site too (there wasn’t one when I went).
If you want professional family photos during your Maui trip, check out Flytographer. You save $20 with my link. They’ll meet you anywhere on Maui for a photo session.
My Honest Experience
I went into this not knowing what to expect. I didn’t research it beforehand (professional tourist confession: sometimes I just wing it).
First impression: this feels more like a zipline park than a jungle adventure.
Most Maui ziplines I’ve done are deep in the rainforest. You’re up really high. You might need an ATV or serious hiking between platforms. It’s intense.
This is different. Shorter lines, more controlled, less intimidating. Mostly over that grassy field I mentioned with some lines through eucalyptus trees.
As I was zipping, I kept thinking about how perfect this would be for families with younger kids or adults who are genuinely nervous.
There was this 6-year-old girl on my tour who was living her best life. She started out scared and by the end she was doing tricks. It was adorable.
Would My Kids Have Liked This?
I did this solo, but I kept thinking about my boys the entire time.
My 10-year-old loves ziplining. He’s the thrill-seeker. He’d probably think this was fun but might want something more extreme. He’s always pushing himself to try the scariest stuff.
My 7-year-old though? This would be PERFECT. He always says he doesn’t want to zipline.
But I think the shorter lines and ability to see everything would make him actually try it.
Plus the WWII vehicles would be a huge draw for him. He’d spend an hour just climbing on the old jeeps.
Who Should Actually Book This
Book it if you’re trying ziplining for the first time. Or if you have kids ages 5-12 who want to try. Or if you’re nervous about heights but want to challenge yourself.
It’s genuinely perfect for families where you need everyone to be able to participate.
You know those activities where one person chickens out and then everyone feels bad? This isn’t that. The vibe is supportive, not scary.
Skip it if you want maximum adrenaline. If you’re an experienced zipliner looking for your next challenge, this probably isn’t it. You want something more extreme.
The Cost and Booking
NorthShore is one of the more affordable ziplines on Maui. They have the kids’ rates I mentioned, plus discounts for kama’aina (Hawaii residents), military, and groups.
Check current rates and book here. You can also book through Viator if you prefer that platforms.
Where to Stay and Getting There
Most people staying in South Maui (Kihei/Wailea) or West Maui (Ka’anapali/Lahaina) treat this as a day trip. The 40-60 minute drive is totally manageable.
If you want to stay close, the Haiku and Paia areas have some charming places. Check hotels near Haiku on Expedia for options.
You’ll definitely want a rental car for this. I always use Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They compare all the major companies so you get the best rate.
Other Maui Ziplines (Quick Comparison)
NorthShore takes kids at 5 (max weight 270 lbs), has the scaredy cat refund, and guides brake for you.
Most other Maui ziplines require kids to be 10+, have lower weight limits (usually 260 lbs), and make you brake yourself.
Jungle Zipline Maui is probably the closest comparison but they don’t have the refund guarantee.
Kapalua Ziplines is more for experienced folks. Skyline Eco-Adventures has great Haleakala views but is more intermediate level.
I genuinely think NorthShore is the most beginner-friendly option. The combination of younger age, higher weight limit, and that refund policy makes it the clear winner for nervous families.
Common Questions People Ask Me
Can my 5-year-old really do this?
Yes, if they weigh at least 40 pounds. Small kids can zipline on their own with proper safety gear. For really nervous or young kids, guides can sometimes ride tandem.
What if I’m too scared to finish?
That’s literally what the scaredy cat guarantee is for. Try the first two lines. If you hate it, you get your money back.
Do you zipline in the rain?
Yes, unless there’s lightning, high winds, or heavy downpours. They provide rain jackets. If they cancel due to weather, you get a 100% refund.
Can people who don’t want to zipline still come?
Yes! They can walk around for free, watch from the ground, explore the WWII museum, and hang out in the shade. The ziplines are visible from below.
Is it actually scary?
Compared to other ziplines? Not really. The lines are shorter and lower. You can see where you’re going the whole time. Guides handle all the technical stuff. It’s about as non-scary as ziplining gets.
Can I bring my phone?
Officially, small cameras with wrist straps are allowed. Phone policies seem flexible. Bring a secure lanyard and ask when you check in.
Need Help Planning Your Maui Trip?
If figuring out your Maui itinerary feels overwhelming, I can help. I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where we map out your entire trip based on your family’s interests and ages.
I’ll tell you which zipline is right for you, when to schedule it, what else to do in that area, and how to avoid the mistakes that waste time and money.
Want to DIY it? Grab my Maui Travel Guide for Families. It has detailed itineraries, hotel recommendations, restaurant guides, and insider tips.
Or sign up for my free 7-day email course on planning a Maui trip. You’ll get daily emails with actionable planning tips.
Other Maui Activities You Might Like
Looking for more Maui adventures? Check these out:
- Best Ziplines in Maui for Families
- Ziplining in Hawaii: Complete Guide
- Is the I’ao Needle Hike Worth It with Kids?
- 10 Epic Haleakala Tours Worth Booking
- Kid-Friendly Road to Hana Stops
- Things to Do in Maui with Kids
Final Thoughts
Look, ziplining isn’t for everyone. I get it.
But if you’ve been curious, or your kids keep asking about it, or you want a family experience that actually creates memories (not just another pool day), then NorthShore Zipline is your best option.
The refund guarantee means you’re not gambling money on something you might hate. The kid-friendly setup means your younger kids aren’t left out. The relaxed vibe means everyone participates at their own comfort level.
And honestly? The feeling of accomplishment after conquering your fear and ziplining through the Maui trees is pretty incredible. Even if you’re terrified like I was.
Book your tour here and get ready for one of the best mornings of your Maui vacation.
Thanks to NorthShore Zipline for hosting me. All opinions are my own.
