Experiencing Kauai once in your lifetime is a must, but experiencing a Kauai zipline tour is even better. This Hawaiian Island can take your breath away with its vibrantly colored landscapes, sweeping ocean vistas, and rainforest canopy.
Kauai is the fourth largest island of Hawaii’s island chains. It’s often called the “Garden Island” for its natural beauty and since a huge part of the island is untouched mountains and rainforests. Zipline tours like the Koloa Zipline and others can take you through these stunning landscapes.
Some of its most natural places include the Waimea Canyon, also known as the “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific ”. The Kōke’e State Park is known for its magnificent hiking trails and birdwatching meccas. You can find the world-renowned Royal Coconut Coast, full of coconut groves and pristine, white sand beaches here.
It’s that scenery that almost dictates a Kauai ziplining tour because there really is no better way to experience the wonders of Kauai than from the views these tours give you. Of course, you can also go on a helicopter tour to see Kauai from above, but this is a little different.
With this much beauty and so little time, embarking upon a Kauai ziplining tour is an excellent way to see the best parts of the island.
The Best Ziplines In Kauai
1. Outfitters Kauai
Outfitters Kauai was one of the first zipline tour companies in Kauai. Located in Kīpu Ranch in Līhu’e, it offers ten lines and four fun-filled tours.
It has one of the longest ziplines on the island, measuring three-quarters of a mile long. Whether you want to fly like Superman, fly with your partner, or fly over water, Outfitters Kauai has this and more.
Depending on the tour you choose, you can expect a tour length of anywhere from two hours to four. Their safari tour includes lunch, paddle boarding, a waterfall, a scenic hike, and a casual cruise ride back. So if you want to do a bit more than just ziplining, it’s a great option.
Or try their side-by-side zipline tour, where you climb five-story towers and leap to zip across a private cattle ranch. Adrenaline junkie? Head out on their AdrenaLine tour, where you can hit speeds up to 60 mph, performing acrobatics along the way. You can even dive into a pool.
In order to go on the Outfitter Kauai tours, kids need to be at least seven years old, 4+ feet or taller, and weigh at least 60 and up to 275 pounds to participate. And if you meet those requirements, you’ll be rewarded with lush canopies of flora from Kipu Ranch.
This isn’t just any ranch, either. This is where portions of Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark were filmed.
2. Koloa Zipline
Koloa Zipline is one of the best family-friendly ziplining experiences in Kauai. Located in Po’ipū, Kōloa, Koloa Zipline doesn’t offer just any basic tours. The company honors both the natural world and the history and culture of the region with an unforgettable 3.5-hour tour that takes you through 8 different courses.
With beaches, mountains, and historic landscapes as your backdrop, you can experience the complete beauty and history of Kauai while ziplining in this playground. Before you go ziplining, they cover a few rules and teach you how to do the positions.
Once you know how, you’ll get on a truck and ride to one of the longest zipline tours in Kauai, with its eight lines each one over a half mile long. We cover each zipline more in detail in our Koloa Zipline tour review.
They allow you to fly hands-free, backward, and even Superman-style. Just dress appropriately without any loose clothing and closed-toe hiking shoes for a safe trip. The Koloa Zipline is near several hotels on Kauai, like the Koloa Landing Resort and the Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach.
3. Shaka Zipline
Shaka Zipline is located in St. Poipu and bills itself as an eco-adventure. They offer two ziplining experiences with an 8-line tour and a 5-line tour. Both offer gorgeous views of the mighty Pacific Ocean and Kauai’s mountain ranges that tower above it all.
Tours range from one and a half to two and a half hours. Children must be at least 10 years old and their weight must be between 60 to 260 pounds. If you meet these requirements, then it’s time to fly and jump.
Shaka Zipline offers the only plank-launch zipline on this Hawaiin island. Feel like a kid again with a running start to this fun adventure that can reach high speeds of up to 50 mph!
If you’re more of a cultural buff than an adventure seeker, then no worries. The 5-line tour includes a scenic drive with helpful guides that tell the stories of Kauai’s culture, wildlife, and plant life along the route.
No matter the tour you choose, you’re rewarded with magnificent views of the Hawaii islands along with many native plants, including Hawaii’s state tree, the Kukui.
It’s Shaka Zipline’s mission to create a recreational space that connects participants to both culture and scenic vistas while educating all on the importance of preserving nature.
4. Backcountry Zipline Tour
Kauai Backcountry Adventures combines recreation with eco-friendly tourism activities. One of those highly sought-after activities includes their backcountry zipline tour. This tour is around three hours long and includes lunch. However, you can also choose from several other excursions on the island.
The most exciting part about it is the panoramic views it lets you experience. You fly over stunning waterfalls and a lush and vibrant rainforest alongside Kauai’s second-highest peak, Mt. Wai’ale’ale.
With over 17,000 acres of land to see, you won’t be disappointed with the scenery on this Kauai ziplining adventure. On the drive to the starting point, their knowledgeable guide teaches you a little about the history and culture of the island, along with the wildlife and plant life that reside here.
If you have older children, Backcountry Adventures provides one of the best zip lines in Kauai. To participate in this seven-line course, kids need to be at least 12 years of age and weigh between 100 to 250 pounds.
If you meet these requirements, head on over to Līhu’e for an adventure of a lifetime that includes more than just a heart-pumping zipline adventure.
At the end of the tour, you’re rewarded with more sights as you can enjoy a mouth-watering lunch in paradise. You can even take a dip in mountain waters to cool off. Or simply sit back and enjoy all Mother Nature has provided you in Kauai.
How Much Does it Cost To Go Ziplining in Kauai?
Speaking of worries, we all worry a bit about money and like to know what things cost. Even when we’re on vacation. Planning a ziplining tour is no different. And just like anything in life, costs vary for each company and for each different tour within that company.
Ziplining tours in Kaui can cost anywhere from $55 to $255 per person. The average price for a typical tour of around two hours is about $150 per person. Price differences occur due to the time of tours and other excursions or additions linked with the tour.
Generally, the more you get, the longer the tour, and the more you pay. But that also means the more adventures you get to experience with more scenic vistas along the route.
What You Should Know About Ziplining in Kauai
Excited to head out on your very own ziplining tour? It’s one of the most thrilling outdoor activities, so here is what you should expect and how to prepare before you go ziplining in Kauai.
Typically, you start on a summit or hill or climb a few steps to get you to your starting point. Once there, you’ll be outfitted with a special type of jacket (a harness) that allows you to hook to the zip line itself. The zip line is generally a pulley suspended on a cable, set up so gravity can get you moving.
Instructors can guide you in what to do and how to behave while on the line. When ready, you push off from the platform, ready to fly. And how you fly is often up to you. Many zip lines here allow for acrobatic maneuvers if you so desire. You can even control your speed, helping you to slow down.
Ziplining can be done by almost anyone but most tours do have specific age and weight requirements for your safety. Depending on the tour company, age minimums start around seven years old, and a participant’s weight needs to be somewhere between 60 to 275 pounds. Some companies may specify a minimum height, as well.
As for clothing requirements, you can dress how you feel comfortable as long as there isn’t anything loose. Keep in mind that you will be wearing a harness on top of your clothing, so leggings, pants, or long shorts are highly recommended. These won’t creep up on you with the harness.
The same recommendations go for shirts, as well. Wear something that you can tuck in or that is tight-fitting so the shirt doesn’t bunch up underneath the harness. You won’t want to miss out on breathtaking scenery because you’re playing games with your clothing.
As for shoes, the majority of reputable ziplining companies will require closed toe shoes. Some of these zip-lining tours also take you hiking, so bringing shoes you can go hiking in is recommended.
Most ziplining companies are open during daytime hours, such as 7 am to 6 pm. Hours and reservation requirements vary depending on location, so be sure to check ahead of time before just showing up at the door. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Kauai, so book in advance since spots can get filled up fast.
Worried about safety? Kauai ziplining companies have trained guides that provide safety gear and safety tips for each participant before every trip. Listen to what they say, and you’ll have a fantastic time without any worries.