Big Island’s Best Ziplines: Comparing All 4 Tours + BONUS!
Have you been wondering what’s the best zipline on the Big Island? There are 4 tours to choose from, so I can understand it can be overwhelming to choose.
I want to make your decision easier by showing you which each tour has to offer with some soaring over waterfalls or others having you cross scary suspension bridges!
I even include a 5th bonus “zipline” tour, if you can think outside the box a little.
I had so much fun ziplining, feet dangling while speeding high above the ground! I have a fear of heights, so sometimes I had to “disassociate” so as not to get toooo scared lol! But I’m glad I did it!
My Top Pick for Best Zipline on the Big Island
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kohala Zipline: Zip and Dip Tour
✅ Zip through trees
✅ Swim in waterfall
✅ Cross swaying bridges
Make Your Friends jealous by posting videos of your zipline adventures using a GoPro!
📹 Find it here!
Zipline Tours on the Big Island
Botanical World Adventures has an amazing 2-hour zipline experience that lets you soar over the Hawaiian jungle, across 8 tracks with each one getting longer and faster. Test your bravery crossing the suspension bridge and race your friends across the last two lines, including the half-mile zipline past 250 foot tall Kamaee Falls!
In addition, you’ll get a free souvenir photo to take home with you.
Bring your heart rate down by strolling through the beautiful botanical gardens exploring gorgeous flora and fauna.
Botanical World Adventures Zipline Tour includes:
- 8 zipline courses
- Professional guide along the course
- Water and light snacks
- Botanical gardens self-guided tour
- Souvenir photos
Zipline restrictions:
- Weight limit 70lb-275lb
- For ages 4+
“Our instructors were awesome! They’re very informative about the history of Hawai’i’s natural environment, and have a great sense of humor. They made it very comfortable and importantly SAFE experience.” -Neecie (read more reviews)
2. Kohala Zipline
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Hawi, HI | ✅ Book it!
Kohala Ziplines will take you over a series of 6 suspension bridges, 8 thrilling ziplines, and a rappelling off platforms. Enjoy incredible views of the Kohala Coast, Maui, and ancient Hawaiian agriculture systems as you zoom across Halawa Gulch.
Along the course you’ll have complete flexibility to adjust the control, speed and orientation of the zipline – so you can decide exactly how many twists and turns you’d like to add. Plus, the whisper-quiet course allows you to enjoy more nature and less buzzing.
Kohala Zipline Tour includes:
- 8 zipline courses
- Professional guide along the course
- Water
- Rain gear if needed – operates rain or shine
- Ride to the top of the course; no long walks
- GoPro rental available
Zipline restrictions:
- Weight limit 70lb-270lb
“We loved how they made it safe and fun for all abilities! They also shared fun Island trivia. The experience was made fun by their great personalities and kindness to the group.” – Amy (read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
💎UPGRADE to the Zip and Dip Tour that includes the above along with swimming under a private waterfall and a picnic lunch overlooking Polulu Valley! Book Upgrade Here!
3. Hawaii Zipline Tours
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Honomu, HI | ✅ Book it!
Hawaii Zipline Tours offers 7 different ziplines, including one of the longest in Hawaii, with each zipline course gets progressively longer and higher as you go!
Get a dramatic aerial view of their private 250 foot tall Kolekole Falls as well as the Pacific Ocean. Learn about traditional Hawaiian agriculture with knowledgeable guides and sample some tropical Hawaiian fruits while walking between the lines.
Hawaii Zipline Tours includes:
- 7 zipline courses
- Professional guide along the course
- Rain gear if needed – operates rain or shine
Zipline restrictions:
- Weight Restriction: 70lb-275lb
- You must be able to hike 1/2 mile at elevation over uneven surfaces
“Beautiful scenic vistas with knowledgeable guides made this an experience we will always remember. Three first time zip liners were made comfortable by the education provided by the guides and the progression of increasing difficulty. Each zip was more beautiful than the one before, ending with a stunning view of KoleKole falls!” – Catherine (read more reviews)
4. Umaumau Experience
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Hakalau, HI | ✅ Book it!
At Umaumau Experience you’ll zip up to 65 miles per hour across 9 long lines over 14 stunning waterfalls and cross exhilarating suspension bridge over a river gorge, lava tube, and fern grotto.
Race against friends on 4 dual lines.
Umauma Experience Zipline Tour includes:
- 9 zipline courses
- Professional guide along the course
- Rain gear if needed – operates rain or shine
- Botanical gardens self-guided tour
Zipline restrictions:
- Weight limit 35lb-275lb
- You must be able to climb 3 flights of stairs
- Ages 4+
“There seems to be new ziplines popping up all the time in Hawaii, but the best one I’ve ever done I did twice: Umauma Falls. There are a bunch of zips, but the side-by-side dual zip over the waterfalls is a SCREAM!” -Punaticfringe (read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
💎UPGRADE to the Zip and Dip Tour that includes the above along with swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding under a private waterfall and a picnic lunch adjacent to the waterfalls delivered by utility zip-line! Book Upgrade Here!
5. BONUS! Kulaniapia Waterfall Rappelling Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Hilo, HI | ✅ Book it!
Think of rappelling as ziplining vertically instead of horizontally AND a lot slower, but still exhilarating!
Take your adventuring up a notch by rappelling down the 120ft tall Kulaniapia Falls. You’ll be in direct contact with this force of nature and face your fear of heights from a unique angle.
You might even catch a glimpse of the backside of water!
Afterwards, relax by taking a dip in the pool below the falls you just rappelled or continue adventuring by kayaking or paddleboarding instead.
Then take a leisurely walk through the surrounding garden trails.
Kulaniapia Falls Rappelling Tour includes:
- 1 waterfall rappelling decent
- Professional guide & instructions
- Waterfall swimming access
- Botanical gardens self-guided tour
- Ages 10+
“This was the highlight of our island trip this year. Definitely the most challenging of Big Island activities we’ve done…Recommend to anyone looking for an adventure while taking in beautiful scenery and closeup with a 120ft waterfall.” – Heather (read more reviews)
What to Wear When Ziplining
Every company has their own specific rules as to what you should and shouldn’t wear while ziplining, so be sure to read their guidelines.
But to give you a general idea of what’s expected, you should wear comfortable clothing that does not expose skin where the harnesses will be rubbing. Tank tops and shorts are often not allowed or highly discouraged for this reason. Opt for tshirts and trousers or leggings instead.
Closed-toed footwear, such as sneakers of hiking boots, should be worn. Some courses have you hiking between the lines and it’s also for safety during take-off and landing.
Be sure to tie back long hair so strands don’t get caught in the gear. Glasses should also be secured with a strap if you don’t want to risk them flying off your face.
🤩 Kohala Ziplines Zip & Tip Tour combines all the adventures into one!
More Adventure Tours on the Big Island:
🌺 Big Island Travel Planning Guide 🌺
🚨 Should I buy Hawaii travel insurance?
YES — I recommend Travel Insurance Master because you can compare multiple options with one click. With plans starting at $5/day per person, why not give yourself piece of mind? Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car on the Big Island?
YES — It’s totally safe to drive on the Big Island. And unless you plan to chill by the resort pool the entire time, renting a car is pretty much a necessity on the Big Island! Jeep rentals are popular. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental, as they have some of the best prices around.
📞 Will my phone work on the Big Island?
PROBABLY — Most, if not all, cell providers work on the Big Island. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts of the island. For example, I always lose service driving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
🛏️ What’s the best way to book my Big Island accommodations?
For Big Island hotels, Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking for an Airbnb condo with a kitchen and more space, don’t forget to check VRBO for potentially better prices and options.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Big Island flights?
I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip: check if flying into Hilo is cheaper than flying into Kona.
🛂 Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?
NO — If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Hawaii is part of the United States. If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.
🧳What should I pack to the Big Island?
Pack for tropical weather but also prepare for colder than expected nights and early mornings, so a light sweatshirt is recommended. Check out this list of 5 Things Not to Forget to Pack.
