Ziplining is a popular adventure outing for visitors of all ages, an outdoor “ride” that combines peaceful, scenic beauty with a big dose of adrenaline. Kauaʻi has a variety of zipline courses to choose from, each one offering a uniquely designed course with its own size, scenery, stature, and extra activities.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
- An introduction to ziplining
- Comparison of all Kauaʻi ziplines
- 1: Koloa Zipline
- 2: Kauai Backcountry Adventures
- 3: Outfitters Kauai
- 4: Shaka Zipline
Looking to go ziplining on Kauaʻi? You’ve come to the right place. Below, we lay out everything you need to know about the island’s four operators.
What is ziplining?
Ziplining is thrill ride in which a person rides (aka zips) down the length of a cable using a harness. There is a big adrenaline rush associated with the ride thanks to the feeling of weightlessness and the speed with which you soar through the sky. The “courses,” as they are called, all differ in the number of lines, the length of the lines, and the intensity/speed of the ride. Almost all zipline courses are built in scenic locations, showing off Hawaiʻi’s natural side in the process.
What to expect on a zipline tour
Your zipline experience will begin with a safety instruction, followed by a fitting for your harness. Then, you’ll be transported (or walk) to the start of the course, aka, the first zipline. After zipping the first line, you’ll walk (or be transported) to the second line, and so on, until you complete the course. Depending on the course, extra activities, like rappelling or swinging bridges, may be included in the experience.
The typical zipline tour takes 2-3 hours to complete. Here are other good things to know:
- Regardless of the company, the ziplining experience is always guided. Staff will assist you with your gear each line and ensure safety is a top priority.
- Some courses offer “dual-track” lines, which means there are two lines side-by-side, allowing friends and family to ride right next to each other at the same time.
- Safety harnesses are required and provided. The harnesses come in limited sizes and lines have weight restrictions, which is why you will see size and/or weight requirements that differ by company/course. Age limits also differ by company. Be sure to take note if you have young children.
- No personal gear is necessary to zipline, nor is any prior experience. Helmets are provided – all you have to do is wear close-toed shoes (required by all companies).
Complete list of Zipline Tours on Kauaʻi
There are 4 zipline companies on Kauaʻi, each offering a slightly different experience. Each has a different number of lines, price, minimum age/weight, and tour length. The following overview provides a basic breakdown of all the zipline tours on Kauaʻi:
| # of lines: | Best for: | Starting Price: | Duration: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kōloa Zipline | 8 | Families | $156 | 3.5 hours |
| Kauaʻi Backcountry Adventures | 4 to 6 | Scenery | $149 | 3 hours |
| Outfitters Kauaʻi | 4 to 6 | Thrill Seekers | $159 | 2.5 hours |
| Shaka Zipline | 5 to 8 | Value | $130 | 1.5-2.5 hours |
Below is a more in-depth description for the zipline tours on Kauaʻi.
Kōloa Zipline
Best For: Families
The Kōloa zipline is a great choice for families. They have one of the lowest age requirements of the four companies, and more importantly, they offer a “ground school” to teach young kids (and first timers of all ages) the basics of ziplining. Most companies provide basic instruction, of course, but Kōloa goes the extra mile in this regard, upping the comfort level for the inexperienced.
This 8 line course is about 3.5 hours of excitement featuring a line that is almost ½ mile long. On this course you can also zip together with your partner so you can both experience the wind and speed as you zip down the wires. Image: Koloa Zipline
Better yet, the course is one of the most extensive on the island, with 8 ziplines, including one that exceeds a 1/2 mile in length, with light hiking between the lines and water/snacks provided during the tour. Located just a quick drive from Poʻipū, Kōloa zipline is easy to reach for those staying in the resort area.
Ride Kauai’s Longest Ziplines!
Ride Kauai's Longest (1/2 mile) Ziplines. Great for all ages with a "ground school" to teach young kids and first timers.
from:
$159
What is a suggested tour?Our suggested tours are hand-picked tours that receive consistent good reviews, give back to the community, and work hard to minimize their impact on the environment. Read more about these tours on our website.- Location: Kōloa
- Price: $156.45
- Tour Length: 3.5 hours
- Other Activities included in tour: Famous movie sites
- Number of ziplines: 8
- Minimum Age: 7 years old. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Weight restrictions: max 280 lbs
- Where to Book: Kōloa Zipline
The following video by Kōloa Zipline shows off some of the prettiest rides they offer:
Kauaʻi Backcountry Adventures
Best For: Scenery
There isn’t a bad seat in the house, so to speak, when it comes to ziplining in Hawaiʻi. That said, some courses are especially scenic. Kauaʻi Backcountry Adventures’ zipline course is built through and above the rainforest, giving riders epic views of the mountain peaks, jungle canopy, tropical forests, and flowing streams.
With a minimum age of 12, Backcountry Adventures is not for families with young children. But, it makes a good outing for adults, with a swim in a natural pool included in the experience. Plus, guided narration about the history, culture, and environment (flora/fauna) of the land the course explores.
- Location: Līhuʻe
- Price: $149
- Tour Length: 3 hours
- Other Activities included in tour: Snacks, swim in natural pool
- Number of ziplines: 7
- Minimum Age: 12 years old. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Weight restrictions: between 100 and 250 lbs
- Booking website: Kauaʻi Backcountry Adventures
You can get an idea of the Kauaʻi Backcountry Adventures zipline adventure form the following review video, made by Hannah and Richard from Wild and Growing:
Outfitters Kauaʻi
Best For: Thrill Seekers/Adventurers
Outfitters Kauaʻi has the highest number of zipline offerings on the island, offering multiple courses and four tour choices. Its Powerline Zipline Tour ($159) has four dual-track lines, which is great for families and first timers. From there, the intensity of the tours steps it up a notch. The Adrenaline tour includes a ride in the “Superman position” on Kauaʻi’s longest zipline, the Flyline (more than 3/4 of a mile) as well as a ride on the WaterZip, a line that lets you release yourself over a lagoon and land in the water. If you’re looking to cut to the chase, you can purchase a single ride on the Flyline for $55.
The most encompassing adventure is the all-day Kīpu Zipline Safari tour ($244). It includes a scenic two-mile paddle, ziplining, picnic lunch, hike, and a plunge on the WaterZip. The tour explores the landscape and movie sites of beautiful Kīpu Ranch.
- Location: Kīpu Ranch, Līhuʻe
- Price: Starting at $159
- Tour Length: 3.5 hours
- Other Activities included in tours: WaterZip, Paddling, picnic lunch, 1/2 mile hike, canoe ride, famous movie sites
- Number of ziplines: 4+
- Minimum Age: 7 years old, 4 feet tall.
- Weight restrictions: Between 60 and 275 lbs
- Booking website (with discounts): Outfitters Kauaʻi
You can see shots of the WaterZip and the Flyline in the following video:
Shaka Zipline
Best For: Value
Formerly known as Skyline Ziplines, Shaka Ziplines is known for its value-oriented experiences. You can ride 5 lines for a low price of $130 per person, or eight for $160. It’s also extremely convenient for those staying in Poʻipū, the meeting point located within the resort zone and the courses located in the lush countryside a short transfer away.
Besides the scenery, the course has quite a bit of excitement to offer. Get a running start on the plank-launch ziplines, cruise at speeds up to 50 mph and look down 200 feet to the valley floor. Though the price is right for families, Shaka’s minimum age is 10 years old, ruling out those with young children.
- Location: Poʻipū
- Price: Starting at $120
- Tour Length: 1.5-2.5 hours
- Other Activities included in tour: Plank-launch zipline
- Number of ziplines: 5 to 8
- Minimum Age: 10 or older. All guests ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents must sign for kids under 18.
- Weight restrictions: Between 80 and 260 lbs
- Website: Shaka Zipline
The following video shows off some of the beautiful scenes you can see from the tour:
Zipline Tours on other Hawaiian islands
Because of the tropical nature, waterfalls, and volcanoes, ziplining is a popular activity on all Hawaiian islands. We have written comparisons of all zipline offerings in the state: