Are you planning a trip to Hawaii and want ideas for epic Hawaii adventures? Keep scrolling to find out the best Hawaii zipline tours worth checking out.
This guide to ziplining in Hawaii 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.
So you want to fly through Hawaii’s rainforests, soar over waterfalls, and get that adrenaline rush while taking in insane views? Good choice.
Ziplining in Hawaii is one of those experiences that sounds cliche until you’re actually dangling 150 feet above a valley and realize this is way better than another beach day.
I’m a Hawaii travel expert and Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist who’s been visiting these islands since I was 10 (over 40 trips now).
I’ve done multiple zipline tours across the islands with my family, and I’ll tell you exactly which ones are worth your time and money.
Here’s the thing about ziplining in Hawaii: it’s not just about the ziplines themselves. It’s about flying over landscapes you can’t access any other way.
Ancient valleys, working farms, movie locations, waterfalls. Each island offers something completely different.
Quick Take: My Top Picks by Island
Before I get into all the details, here’s what I’d book if I were you:
Big Island: Kohala Zipline (this was my first zipline ever and still my favorite)
Oahu: CLIMB Works Keana Farms (so chill and beautiful)
Maui: Camp Maui for families with younger kids; Kapalua for longer lines and ocean views
Kauai: Outfitters Kauai for the longest zipline in Hawaii (seriously, it’s over 4,000 feet)
My First Zipline Experience: Kohala on the Big Island
Let me tell you about my first zipline experience because it perfectly captures what makes Hawaii ziplining special (and terrifying and awesome).
We booked Kohala Zipline on the Big Island, and I was nervous. Like, sweaty palms, questioning my life choices nervous.
My oldest son thought this was hilarious and spent the entire drive showing off about how he wasn’t scared at all.
The course has 8 ziplines, 6 sky bridges, and a rappel. You’re up in the trees the entire time, which is both amazing and slightly terrifying when you’re a first-timer.
But here’s what I loved: the guides were incredible at making everyone comfortable, and by the third line, even I was having fun. (My son did eventually admit he was a little nervous on the longest line, which made me feel better.)
The views from up there? Unreal. You can see the Kohala Coast, Maui in the distance, and these ancient Hawaiian agriculture systems below.
It’s not just a zipline tour – you’re learning about the land while you’re flying over it.
Kohala Zipline is about an hour from Kailua Kona. They offer two options: a 3-hour canopy tour ($175-$200) or a full-day Zip and Dip that includes lunch and a waterfall swim ($295+).
Minimum age is 8 years old, and weight requirements are 70-270 pounds. Check availability.
The Most Relaxing Zipline: CLIMB Works on Oahu
After Kohala, I thought all ziplines would be that intensity level. Then we tried CLIMB Works Keana Farms on Oahu’s North Shore, and it was a completely different vibe.
This was our second zipline experience together, and honestly? It was so relaxing and fun.
You start with an ATV ride up through a working farm (they grow over a million pounds of produce annually, which is wild), and then you’re ziplining over crops and valleys with constant ocean and mountain views.
The course has 8 ziplines ranging from 500 feet to nearly half a mile long. What makes CLIMB Works special is how educational it is.
The guides talk about Hawaiian history, the plantation era, what’s growing beneath you (apple bananas, papayas, taro, ginger), and how ancient Hawaiians maximized land yield. It’s like a history lesson mixed with an adrenaline rush.
Minimum age is 5 years old here, which makes it great for families with younger kids.
The whole tour is about 3 hours, and it’s located in Kahuku, about an hour from Waikiki. Prices run around $200 per person. Check availability.
Pro tip: They offer transportation from Waikiki if you don’t want to drive.
Best for Younger Kids or First-Timers: Camp Maui
I did Camp Maui (also called NorthShore Zipline) on a solo trip to Maui, and it’s perfect if you’re traveling with younger kids or anyone who might be on the fence about ziplining.
The course is pretty basic – 7 lines through eucalyptus trees on historic Camp Maui property (it’s a WWII site, which adds cool history).
But basic doesn’t mean boring.
The lines are fun, the guides are entertaining, and there’s a “Scaredy Cat Clause” where if you try the first two lines and decide it’s not for you, they’ll give you a full refund.
That refund policy tells you everything. They’re confident you’ll love it, but they understand not everyone does. And for families, that takes the pressure off.
Kids as young as 5 can zipline here (minimum 40 pounds), and the maximum weight is 270 pounds.
Tours run Monday through Saturday, and the whole thing takes about 2-2.5 hours. It’s in Haiku, about 25 minutes from the Kahului airport.
Prices are around $150-$170 per person, which is more budget-friendly than some other Maui options. Check availability.
Big Island Zipline Tours
Kohala Zipline
I already gushed about this one, but let me add a few more details.
This is the only full canopy tour on the Big Island, which means you’re in the trees from start to finish (except for a water break halfway through, where you rappel down 30 feet).
The ziplines have this nylon coating that makes them super quiet, and there’s a smooth-stop braking system that lets you control your speed.
If you brake too much and come up short? They have a system that lets you pull yourself the last few feet.
Book through this link and check out my full Kohala Zipline review for even more details.
Umauma Falls Zipline
Umauma Falls near Hilo is great for families. Kids as young as 4 can zipline here (with an adult), and it’s only 90 minutes, which is perfect if you have short attention spans in your crew.
You’ll see a river gorge, waterfalls, and a lava tube. Nine ziplines total. It’s scenic without being overwhelming. Check availability.
Kolekole Falls Zipline
Kolekole Falls has 7 ziplines and is famous for that last line that takes you close to a 450-foot ravine with a 250-foot waterfall. Some people say this is the best zipline on the Big Island.
The whole tour is about 3-3.5 hours and takes you over cascading waterfalls and green valleys. It’s consistently rated as one of the top ziplines in Hawaii. Check availability.
Kauai Zipline Tours (Including Hawaii’s Longest Line)
Kauai has some of the most epic ziplining in Hawaii. The landscapes here are just different – more dramatic, more lush, more Jurassic Park (literally, since several movies were filmed here).
Outfitters Kauai
Outfitters Kauai operates at Kipu Ranch and offers several packages. The star of the show is the FlyLine – at over 4,000 feet long, it’s officially the longest zipline in Hawaii.
You launch from a 50-foot platform and fly Superman-style (prone harness) at speeds up to 60 mph. It lasts about 45 seconds of pure adrenaline. My palms are sweating just thinking about it.
They also have packages that combine ziplining with kayaking and hiking if you want a full-day adventure.
The Kipu Zipline Safari ($255) includes kayaking the Huleia River, hiking to waterfalls, a farm wagon ride across the ranch, lunch, multiple ziplines, and a water zipline where you splash down into a pool.
Minimum age is 7 years old, weight requirements are 60-275 pounds. Check availability.
Koloa Zipline
Koloa Zipline in Poipu is Kauai’s longest zipline course with 8 lines including three of the longest on the island. The Waita line is half a mile long.
What’s cool about Koloa is their custom full-body harness that lets you go upside down, superman style, backwards, hands-free – basically every position you can imagine. It’s about 3.5 hours and costs around $160 per person.
They’re only 5 minutes from Poipu resorts, which is convenient if you’re staying on the South Shore. Check availability.
Skyline Hawaii Kauai
Skyline Hawaii offers both 8-line and 5-line tours and features the only plank-launch in Hawaii.
They operate year-round and have been consistently rated as one of the best zipline companies in Hawaii.
Tours start around $130-$180 depending on which package you choose. Check availability.
Maui Zipline Tours
Kapalua Zipline
Kapalua Zipline is Maui’s only all-dual zipline course, which means you can race your travel companions on every single line.
The course has 6-7 ziplines (depending on which tour you book) with over 8,500 feet of total cable.
Some lines reach speeds of 60+ mph. You also get an ATV ride through the rainforest and get to cross Hawaii’s longest suspension bridge at 360 feet.
The views here are insane – Pacific Ocean, neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai, West Maui Mountains.
It’s located above the Kapalua Resort, about 20 minutes from Lahaina.
Tours run Monday through Friday, sometimes weekends in summer. Around $220-240 per person. Minimum age 10, weight limit 60-250 pounds.
This is the best zipline in Maui for people staying in West Maui. Check availability.
Camp Maui / NorthShore Zipline
I covered this one earlier, but it’s worth repeating: this is your best bet for families with young kids or nervous zipliners. The “Scaredy Cat Clause” alone makes it worth considering.
Located in Haiku on the North Shore. Super convenient if you’re doing the Road to Hana – you could zipline in the morning and still have the afternoon for waterfall chasing.
Oahu Zipline Tours
CLIMB Works Keana Farms
I already told you how much I loved CLIMB Works, but let me add this: if you can only do one zipline tour in Hawaii and you’re on Oahu, make it this one.
The combination of education, scenery, and pure fun is unmatched. Plus, you might see whales breaching in the distance during whale season (November-April). We didn’t, but our guides said it happens.
Check out my full CLIMB Works review for more details and photos.
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is famous for being “Hollywood’s Hawaii Backlot” – it’s where Jurassic Park, Lost, Kong Skull Island, and dozens of other movies were filmed.
The zipline tour here is called the Jurassic Valley Zipline. Seven tandem lines, two suspension bridges, three short nature hikes. You’re ziplining through actual movie locations, which is pretty cool.
It’s about 2-2.5 hours, and you can combine it with other ranch activities like ATVs, horseback riding, or movie site tours. Prices start around $140-195 depending on packages.
Minimum age is 10 years old. Weight requirements are 70-280 pounds.
Kualoa Ranch is about 30-40 minutes from Waikiki on Oahu’s windward side. Check availability.
Coral Crater Adventure Park
Coral Crater offers 6 ziplines plus other activities like aerial adventure towers, climbing walls, freefall, and ATVs. It’s more of an adventure park than just a zipline tour.
Good option if your group has mixed interests – some people can zipline while others do different activities. It’s in West Oahu, about 30 minutes from Waikiki.
Prices vary depending on which activities you bundle together. Check availability.
Ziplining Tips for First-Timers
Book in Advance
Popular zipline tours fill up weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays, spring break).
Don’t wait until you’re in Hawaii to book. Do it when you book your flights and hotel.
Factor in Drive Time
Hawaii is small, but traffic is real and roads can be winding. GPS your route ahead of time. If a tour starts at 9am and it’s an hour away, leave at 7:45am, not 8:30am.
Most tours last 2-4 hours, but add travel time on both ends when planning your day.
What to Wear
Closed-toe shoes are usually required. Tennis shoes or hiking shoes work great. No flip flops.
Wear comfortable clothes. Long shorts or pants are better than short shorts (harnesses can chafe). Avoid tank tops that might ride up or straps that will slide off your shoulders.
Don’t wear loose jewelry or bring loose items. Anything that can fall out probably will fall out.
Leave Your Phone Behind (Mostly)
Many zipline tours don’t allow phones or cameras because they could fall and hit someone below. Some allow securely strapped cameras, but check first.
Most companies offer photo packages with professional photographers. It’s usually worth it because otherwise you’ll have zero photos from this epic experience.
Don’t Overeat Beforehand
You’ll be wearing a harness that sits snugly around your waist and upper thighs. Showing up after a massive breakfast buffet is not fun. Ask me how I know.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray
You’ll be outside for hours, often in and out of sun. Reef-safe sunscreen is important for Hawaii.
Check out my guide to the best reef-safe sunscreen for Hawaii.
Some locations have mosquitoes, especially in rainforest areas. Bug spray is your friend.
Is Ziplining in Hawaii Safe?
Yes, when you go with reputable companies like the ones I’ve listed here. All of these companies are licensed and insured, follow strict safety protocols, and have professional guides.
Zipline accidents are rare. Follow the safety briefing, listen to your guides, and don’t do anything stupid like trying to touch the cable or unbuckle mid-flight.
Most companies have weight limits for safety reasons (usually 60-280 pounds, varies by company). They’ll weigh you at check-in. This isn’t negotiable – it’s physics and safety.
How Much Does Ziplining Cost in Hawaii?
Prices range from about $130 to $300+ per person depending on:
- Number of ziplines
- Tour length
- Extra activities included (ATV rides, kayaking, etc.)
- Location and company
Generally:
- Basic 2-hour tours: $130-160
- Standard 3-hour tours: $175-220
- Full-day adventure packages: $250-300+
My advice: Don’t choose solely based on price. The cheapest option isn’t always the best experience.
Read reviews, look at what’s included, and pick something that matches your comfort level and interests.
Can Kids Zipline in Hawaii?
Yes! Minimum ages vary by company:
- Age 4+: Umauma Falls (Big Island)
- Age 5+: CLIMB Works (Oahu), Camp Maui (Maui)
- Age 7+: Koloa Zipline (Kauai), Outfitters Kauai
- Age 8+: Kohala Zipline (Big Island)
- Age 10+: Kapalua Zipline (Maui), Kualoa Ranch (Oahu)
Weight minimums also vary (usually 40-70 pounds). Some companies allow lighter kids to tandem with an adult.
Teenagers usually love ziplining. Younger kids (5-7) can do it, but make sure they’re comfortable with heights and adventure activities. My kids loved it, but I’ve seen some young kids freak out.
Which Island Has the Best Ziplining?
Honestly? They’re all good for different reasons.
Kauai has the longest lines and most dramatic landscapes. If you want that “flying through Jurassic Park” experience, Kauai wins.
Big Island has great variety and some of the best guides. Kohala is still my personal favorite.
Maui has beautiful scenery and good family-friendly options. The combination of ocean views and rainforest is gorgeous.
Oahu has convenient North Shore locations and that working farm experience at CLIMB Works.
Pick based on which island you’re visiting, not which island has “better” ziplining. They’re all worth it.
Need Help Planning Your Hawaii Adventure?
Look, planning a Hawaii vacation can be overwhelming. Which island should you visit? How many days? Where should you stay? Which activities are actually worth booking?
I’ve been helping families plan Hawaii trips for years as a Hawaii travel consultant.
If you’re feeling stuck on planning your adventure activities or putting together your whole itinerary, I can help you figure out what makes sense for your family, your interests, and your budget.
And if you want to plan it yourself (which is totally doable!), I’ve created detailed travel guides for each island:
- Maui Travel Guide for Families
- Oahu Travel Guide for Families
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families
- Big Island Travel Guide for Families
- Hawaii Island Hopping Guide
These aren’t your typical tourist guides.
They’re based on my 40+ visits across all the islands and include actual sample itineraries, hotel recommendations, money-saving tips, and everything I’ve learned as a professional tourist and Hawaii travel expert.
I also have free email courses if you want step-by-step help:
- How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro
- How to Save Money in Hawaii
- How to Plan a Trip to Oahu
- How to Plan a Trip to Maui
- How to Plan a Trip to Kauai
- How to Plan a Trip to Big Island
Book Your Hawaii Hotels and Activities
When you’re ready to book, here are my recommendations:
Hotels: I always search Expedia first for Hawaii hotels. They have great deals and it’s easy to compare options across different areas.
Activities: For booking zipline tours and other Hawaii activities, check out:
- Viator – huge selection, good reviews
- Get Your Guide – often has competitive pricing
- Book directly through the company websites (I’ve linked those throughout this post)
Car Rentals: Use Discount Hawaii Car Rental – they compare all the major companies and I’ve found them consistently cheaper than booking directly.
Professional Photos: If you want professional photos in Hawaii (and not just selfies on the beach), check out Flytographer.
They have photographers across all the islands and you can save $20 using my link. Way better than asking strangers to take your photos, and you’ll actually get gorgeous, frame-worthy shots.
Final Thoughts
Ziplining in Hawaii is one of those experiences that sounds kinda touristy until you’re actually doing it.
Then you realize you’re flying over valleys that most people never see, learning about Hawaiian history and ecology, getting your heart pumping, and creating memories that’ll last way longer than another mai tai on the beach (though those are good too).
My recommendation? Do it. Pick one or two islands, book a reputable company, show up early, listen to your guides, and enjoy the ride.
And if you get nervous (like I did on my first zipline), just remember: thousands of people do this safely every single year. You’ve got this.
Want more Hawaii adventure ideas? Check out my guides to the best Hawaii waterfalls and the best things to do on each island.
See you in the trees!
