Kauai is among the most beautiful of the Hawaiian islands because it’s one of the greenest and nature is allowed to run its course at all times. One of the best ways to experience it’s scenic views is with a zipline tour.
The deep green forests, hidden waterfalls, and stunning cliffsides are just waiting to be seen. This is an island where ziplining can truly come into its own as an activity for adventurous travelers.
Zipline tours will give you new ways to see the Garden Isle as you speed across tree tops and valleys overlooking jaw-dropping vistas.
There are many zipline companies to choose from and having recently been on some of them on our Kauai vacation, we’ve included the best ziplines in Kauai on this list. Get ready for a high-flying adventure through the skies of Kauai.
1. Koloa Zipline
The Koloa Zipline provides 3.5 hours of ziplining over 8 different zipline lines. Our adventure with the Koloa Zipline began at Koloa, one of the jewels of Kauai’s south shore.
With a variety of harnesses and gear, you can embrace your inner acrobat in no time. We were able to go upside down, in a Superman position, ride backward and just cruise down in the traditional position. It was certainly one of the most unique ziplines we’ve ever done.
The variety of terrain you will get to fly through puts it up there as one of the best zipline tours on Kaui. You can go through several spots of the jungle, ride high and view the Hoary Head Mountain Range, or coast over the Waita Waita Reservoir like a native bird.
We did the tour from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm, which was a good time since we avoid the warmer temperatures of the morning. One thing we really liked about them was that they give you the freedom of deciding what position you want to be in for most of the ziplines.
Their fantastic package is also one of the best deals on the island for thrill-seekers. The guides (Shindo and Larissa) were very friendly and patient and made the overall ziplining experience much more enjoyable.
2. Outfitter’s Kauai AdrenaLine
Outfitters Kauai has the AdrenaLine, which is actually 4 ziplines for the price of one. The AdrenaLine tour includes the famous FlyLine that we cover in the next spot.
Over the course of 2.5-3 hours, you’ll enjoy several unique, thrilling opportunities to zipline. The adventure begins at a height of over 150 feet as you race 800 feet over the valley floor. Then, you fly upside down and race side-by-side in a double tandem zipline over two 1800-foot courses.
Ride down to the center, dismount, reset, and ride the rest of the way. The best part about this run is that you can hang upside down on the zipline and perform your best aerial acrobatics along the way as you zoom through the air.
This package includes the option to zipline over and plunge into a swimming hole for a nice, refreshing break between runs. Then of course you get to ride the truly massive FlyLine solidifying this as another great day on your vacation.
Safety, fun, and hours’ worth of ear-to-ear grins are guaranteed by Outfitter’s Kauai. All of this starts at a reasonable price. Make a day out of it and check out nearby Kipu Ranch Adventures for even more outdoor fun.
3. Outfitter’s Kauai FlyLine & PowerLine
The Outfitters Kauai Flyline is the longest zipline in Kauai. It’s an impressive 4000-foot zipline that flies over the gorgeous Kipu Ranch along with their PowerLine. Fly through the air like Superman, reaching almost 50 miles per hour with the benefit of ASTM-approved safety gear.
The Outfitter’s Kauai FlyLine is awesome for couples thanks to the tandem, side-by-side ziplines. Team up with your side-kick and launch across the skies of Kauai, taking in the treetops, rivers, and lakes below, as well as the mountains off in the distance.
Outfitter’s Kauai is conveniently found just outside of Lihue, just a few minutes drive from the city center. This would be a great add-on activity to a day of adventure or as a compliment to a day exploring the south shore of Kauai. It’s never a bad time to feel the wind rush by you at a height of over 50 feet.
Riders of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to enjoy the FlyLine, but please be aware of the few limitations that are in place. Anyone who would like to ride Outfitter’s Kauai FlyLine should be over the age of 7, over 4 feet tall, and between 60 and 275 pounds.
4. Kauai Backcountry Adventures
Kauai Backcountry Adventures Zipline Tour invites guests to come and get up close and personal with one of the signature peaks on the island, Mt. Wai’ale’ale. This waterfall-covered range is the second-highest spot in all of Kauai, and according to their guides, it’s also renowned for being one of the wettest places on the planet.
The tour starts with them taking you on a 4×4 ride up Mt. Wai’ale’ale, including some fun narration and pointers on what to look out for during your adventure. Once you’ve arrived at the high point, you’ll be briefed about safety before you’re off to the races. You can descend seven different lines on the mountainside while experiencing jungles, streams, and finally, the valley at the base of the mountain.
After making the thrilling ride down, cool off with a dip in a cool mountain swimming hole. Relax in the bamboo grove and enjoy a complimentary lunch and beverages before heading back to continue your day of exploring.
For $149, you get over 3 hours of high-flying, sightseeing action through some of the most majestic scenery on the Garden Isle that we have ever seen.
Kauai Backcountry Adventures also offers a mountain tubing adventure worth checking out. It’s part lazy river and part white-water rapids thrill ride. The tour comes highly recommended by the other travelers we met on this trip.
You can easily spend an entire day in just this one section of the island exploring, so take advantage of two adventures and support this local company.
5. Shaka Zipline
The Shaka Zipline is another great ziplining tour that operates near the south shore of Kauai. From their location in Poipu, where we stayed, you are transported to the start points of either the 5-line or 8-line tour.
You can expect to see mountainsides, deep river valleys, and even glimpses of the coast as you soar over 200 feet above the forest floors. Some of the more prominent plantlife is also a noteworthy feature here, as you can see valleys full of Uluhe ferns and loads of Kukui, the Hawaiian state tree.
One of the main reasons you may want to choose Shaka Zipline is their plank launch feature which is unique from other ziplining companies. Travelers essentially can take a flying leap off of the platform and zipline down at high speeds.
Shaka Zipline has two packages to choose from depending on how much time and money you’d like to spend on your tour. The 5-line tour clocks in at 1.5 hours for only $129 while the 8-line tour is 2.5 hours for only $159. Either tour is a steal for the amount of lifelong memories and thrills your family can enjoy.
Shaka Zipline is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of native Hawaiian wildlife, and your patronage helps assist them with these goals.
Ziplining in Kauai FAQ
What should you bring?
When you go ziplining, it is important that you don’t bring much along with you. In the event that you were to lose anything mid-zipline, there is little to no chance that you’ll be able to recover it.
Having said that, there are some obvious exceptions, like your cell phone for photos and wallet or purse. Most zipline companies will secure your items for the duration of your stay. We were able to keep our wallets in lockers most of the time we went ziplining. Kami brought a GoPro with a hand attachment, and I had shorts with pocket zippers to keep my phone safe.
We saw other riders have their phones with a case and string around their neck to take videos while riding. Most of the time, you can ride with one hand and video with the other except when you’re about to reach the end of the course.
Perhaps more important is what you wear for your ziplining tour. Wear comfortable pants or longer shorts as well as a well-fitting top, long or short sleeve. The harness used in ziplining has a tendency to want to ride as you do, so no crazy loose clothing. You also don’t want to wear short shorts or sleeveless shirts unless you don’t mind some harness marks on your skin.
In terms of water and snacks, companies like the Koloa Zipline had both of those out in large coolers at different points along the way so ask your specific company.
Is ziplining safe and family-friendly?
To the uninitiated, ziplining probably seems like a crazy activity for daredevils but in reality, it’s incredibly safe. There haven’t been many ziplining accidents in Kauai or Hawaii for that matter.
Be sure to do your diligence and find a zipline provider that stays up to date on maintenance and has the best equipment, like the ones on our list. It never hurts to know before you go and do full homework on the company you go with.
Having said that, you can bring the whole family along since it’s a fantastic activity for everyone regardless of age. We had quite a few kids on our tours, but keep in mind if there below a certain weight requirement they may need to ride with someone else.
How much does ziplining cost on average in Kauai?
The Garden Isle has great values all around, and ziplining here is a steal for what you get. The average price you can expect to pay around Kauai for a 1.5 to 3-hour ziplining session is right around $150 which includes everything. Ziplining in Kauai was by far one of the most fun things to do here.
How does ziplining on Kauai compare to other islands?
Kauai really shines for ziplining because it’s far and away as the most untouched of the islands. The stunning natural beauty of Kauai is on full display, and ziplining gives you a beautiful and enhanced perspective of the island.
The other islands are slightly more crowded with commercial retail developments and the booming accommodations industry. Kauai gives you the best chance to see Hawaii as the original beautiful natural treasure.
Leave a comment