Fly through native Hawaiian forest on a five-line canopy course that includes Hawaii’s only tree-mounted spiral staircase and a waterfall-side landing. This two-hour guided adventure in Hawi delivers coastal panoramas, 45-mph zips, and a chance to support local conservation.
Fly through native Hawaiian forest on a five-line canopy course that includes Hawaii’s only tree-mounted spiral staircase and a waterfall-side landing. This two-hour guided adventure in Hawi delivers coastal panoramas, 45-mph zips, and a chance to support local conservation.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Kohala Zipline · Hawi, Hawaii
On the wind-scoured slopes of North Kohala on Hawai‘i Island, the NEW Kohala Zipline carves a loud, laughing line through canopy and coastal air. Located in Hawi, Hawaii, the course operates from Kohala Zipline Headquarters at 55-515 Hawi Road, Hawi, HI 96719, and packs five zips, two sky bridges, two waterfalls, and the islands’ only tree-mounted spiral staircase into roughly two hours of guided flying.
The experience is immediate: certified guides outfit you with harness, helmet and gloves, run a quick safety briefing, and shepherd small groups across suspension bridges and launch platforms anchored in tall native forest. Zips slice over understory and trail, at speeds approaching 45 mph, and one landing perches beside a cascading waterfall where you step onto a waterfall-side platform and a short bridge. The trail sections and sky bridges between lines offer time to gaze outward—toward the blackened volcanic ridgelines of Kohala, the shimmering stretch of the Kohala Coast and, on clear days, the silhouette of Maui across the channel.
What sets this course apart is design and place: a private nature reserve hosting a canopy-based route built on trees instead of towers, and Hawaii’s only spiral tree staircase that winds up into the crown to deliver a vertiginous vantage. Guides fold in natural and cultural history: the role of ahupuaʻa land divisions, stewardship practices, and local conservation efforts. A portion of tickets supports the nonprofit Iole to advance resilient, regenerative land stewardship—so your adrenalin rush has a positive impact.
Practical notes matter. Operations run rain or shine unless winds or storms make zipping unsafe; guests should plan to arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and be prepared for uneven terrain. Minimum age is eight years with a weight window of roughly 70–270 pounds; participants are weighed at check-in. The company follows Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards and provides rain gear and water.
This is a trip that rewards photographers and thrill seekers alike: wide, coastal views from elevated platforms, intimate forest moments on the spiral stairs, and a waterfall landing that feels cinematic. It’s beginner-friendly without feeling tame: short hikes between zips and multiple exposure points allow nervous first-timers to acclimate, while longer zips and 45-mph runs satisfy experienced flyers.
If you’re staying on the Kohala Coast or passing through Waimea and Kona, treat a two-hour window to this course as a sharp, clarifying way to understand how Hawaii’s rugged geology, coastal outlooks, and ongoing stewardship converge in a single, high-flying loop. Bring a camera or buy the course photo package; guides will capture runs and the operator offers a $19.99 photo package. For questions or special needs contact 808.331.3620 or visit the meeting point at the Kohala Zipline Headquarters for logistics.
moderate.
Around 2 hours.
Moderate fitness; able to walk short uneven trail sections, climb stairs, and stand on platforms. Suitable for active families and first-time zippers.
Minimum age is 8 years old; participants are weighed at check-in and must generally fall between about 70 and 270 pounds.
The tour includes two certified canopy zipline guides, harnesses, gloves, helmets, rain gear, and water; photos are available for purchase.
Guests receive a full refund with at least 24 hours notice. Cancellations within the period or no-shows are charged the full amount.
Yes. Guides lead every group, and shorter zips and sky bridges ease first-timers into the experience while longer runs satisfy experienced riders.
Operations run rain or shine unless conditions—like high winds or thunderstorms—create unsafe conditions; the operator monitors weather closely.
Check-in is at Kohala Zipline Headquarters, 55-515 Hawi Road, Hawi, HI 96719; allow 30 minutes before your scheduled start time and phone 808.331.3620 with questions.
The Kohala course operates from a site tied to local plantation-era infrastructure; the headquarters is in the historic yellow Kohala Sugar Co. building, reflecting the region’s agricultural past.
A portion of each ticket supports the nonprofit Iole for regenerative land stewardship; guides emphasize leave-no-trace practices to protect the private reserve.
Located in Hawi on Hawai‘i’s Big Island, Kohala Zipline operates guided zipline and canopy tours through private nature reserves in North Kohala. The company offers multiple experiences that combine high-elevation zip lines, sky bridges, scenic viewpoints, and cultural storytelling led by certified guides. Tours range from the Kohala Canopy Adventure — Hawaii’s only full canopy tour featuring eight zip lines and six sky bridges — to the Kohala Zip & Dip excursions that include a picnic and a swim beneath a private waterfall. Kohala Zipline serves both first-time participants and experienced thrill-seekers. Guides provide professional safety briefings, industry-standard harnesses and equipment, and hands-on instruction that prioritize guest comfort and confidence. Group sizes and tour pacing are managed to balance excitement with attention to individual needs, and the routes showcase native forest, coastal panoramas and the unique topography of North Kohala. For visitors traveling from other parts of the island, Kohala Zipline lists options such as full-day Zip and Dip tours that include morning pickup from Kona and guided transportation to the Kohala region. Guests should check reservation requirements, age and weight guidelines, and weather policies when booking. Kohala Zipline emphasizes environmental stewardship by operating within protected private reserves and by minimizing trail impacts during tour construction and operation. Reputation and guest satisfaction are supported by consistent safety practices, trained guides, scenic locations, and distinctive experiences that combine adventure with local natural beauty. Reservations are recommended during peak seasons; book early to secure dates, group space and guide availability well ahead.
Book with Kohala Zipline