Ziplining is one of the most booked land tours in Hawaii. Several operators across four islands run anywhere from 3 to 9 lines through ranchland, rainforest gullies and old sugar country. Prices generally run from about $100 for a short family course to more than $300 for a half-day tour with long side-by-side lines.
The courses are not interchangeable. A 5-line course on a working plantation is a different product from an 8-line course whose longest span runs past half a mile. Age minimums range from 5 to 10 years, and weight limits usually fall between 70 and 270 lb. Those rules decide which tours a family can book at all.
This article compares the main zipline Hawaii operators on Maui, Hawaii Island and Oahu, with a shorter summary for Kauai. Figures come from operators’ published tour details. Line counts, prices and rules change from season to season, so treat every number here as a starting point and confirm it at booking.
How Hawaii’s zipline market breaks down by island
Each island’s zipline scene follows its terrain. Maui’s courses are on the slopes of Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. Hawaii Island’s are clustered along the wet Hamakua and Kohala coasts. Oahu’s sit on the windward side and the North Shore, about an hour from Waikiki. Kauai has the most operators of any island for its size.
The table below summarizes typical ranges for each island. It is a planning overview, not a quote. Seasonal promotions, combo packages and kama’aina (resident) discounts can move the actual price by 10 to 25 percent either way.
| Island | Main operators | Lines per tour | Longest single line (approx.) | Typical adult price | Common weight range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maui | 5 | 4–8 | Up to ~3,600 ft | $110–$320 | 75–260 lb |
| Hawaii Island | 3 | 7–9 | Up to ~2,500 ft | $180–$260 | 70–270 lb |
| Oahu | 3 | 6–8 | Up to ~2,000 ft | $110–$240 | 70–270 lb |
| Kauai | 6–7 | 4–9 | Up to ~2,500 ft | $130–$260 | 70–270 lb |
The state’s tourism authority keeps a general activity directory at GoHawaii.com, which helps confirm whether an operator is still active. Small adventure companies in Hawaii sometimes change ownership, close or rename their courses with little notice.
Maui zipline courses
Maui has the widest range of zipline products in the state. They run from a short 5-line course that suits young children to long-span tours where single lines run well over half a mile. Most courses are in Upcountry Maui or the West Maui Mountains, so travel time from the resort areas matters.
Where a household bases itself makes a real difference. A family staying in Kaanapali is about 15 minutes from Kapalua Ziplines but roughly an hour from Piiholo Ranch in Makawao. The trade-offs between regions are covered in the site’s breakdown of where to stay on Maui for first-time visitors.
Skyline Eco-Adventures (Haleakala and Kaanapali)
Skyline opened what is widely cited as the first commercial zipline in the United States, on Haleakala’s slopes in 2002. The Haleakala course has 5 lines and runs about 2 hours. The Kaanapali course in the West Maui Mountains has 8 lines and runs closer to 3 hours, including the ride up by 4×4.
Skyline generally requires riders to be at least 10 years old and to weigh 80–250 lb. Adult pricing usually lands between $150 and $250, depending on the course and the time of day.
Piiholo Ranch Zipline (Makawao)
Piiholo runs on a family ranch at about 2,000 ft elevation above Makawao. Its longer zip tour has 5 lines, and the longest is about 2,800 ft. The ranch also runs a shorter canopy-style course. Tours last about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Because of the elevation, morning temperatures can sit in the low 60s°F, noticeably cooler than the 80°F typical at the coast. Riders are generally 10 or older, and weight limits run up to about 260 lb.
Kapalua Ziplines
Kapalua’s course runs side-by-side dual lines, so two riders can go down together. Its main tour has 7 lines, with the longest at roughly 2,000 ft or more. It takes about 3.5 hours, including transport up the mountain. Prices typically range from $200 to $300.
Flyin Hawaiian Zipline (Waikapu)
Flyin Hawaiian has the longest published line on Maui, about 3,600 ft. Its 8 lines cross ridges of the West Maui Mountains and total about 2.5 miles of cable. Tours run about 4 hours and cost around $250 to $320, the top of the island’s range.
Maui Zipline Company (Maui Tropical Plantation)
This is Maui’s family-entry course. It has 5 side-by-side lines, each under about 900 ft, over plantation fields in Waikapu. Tours take about 1.5 hours and cost roughly $100 to $140. The minimum age is often 5, which makes it one of the few options in the state for early elementary children.
| Maui operator | Lines | Longest line (approx.) | Tour time | Adult price | Min. age / weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyline Haleakala | 5 | ~850 ft | 2 hr | $150–$190 | 10 / 80–250 lb |
| Skyline Kaanapali | 8 | ~1,200 ft | 3 hr | $200–$250 | 10 / 80–250 lb |
| Piiholo Ranch | 5 | ~2,800 ft | 2.5–3 hr | $170–$250 | 10 / 75–260 lb |
| Kapalua Ziplines | 7 | ~2,000+ ft | 3.5 hr | $200–$300 | 10 / 80–260 lb |
| Flyin Hawaiian | 8 | ~3,600 ft | 4 hr | $250–$320 | 10 / 75–250 lb |
| Maui Zipline Co. | 5 | ~900 ft | 1.5 hr | $100–$140 | 5 / 50–250 lb |
Hawaii Island zipline courses
Hawaii Island’s courses are spread out, which shapes logistics more than on any other island. Most visitors stay on the dry Kona side, but the main zipline courses are on the wetter Hamakua and Kohala coasts. The drive from Kona to the Hamakua Coast often takes 1.5 to 2 hours each way.
Visitors still choosing between the two larger neighbor islands may find the comparison of Maui or Hawaii Island useful. On Hawaii Island, driving time is the single biggest planning variable.
Kohala Zipline (North Kohala)
Kohala Zipline is a canopy-style course. It has 9 lines and 5 suspension bridges strung between platforms built into the trees, so it emphasizes moving through the forest rather than long open spans. Tours run about 3 hours. The common rules are age 8 or older and weight between 70 and 270 lb.
The course is roughly 1 hour north of the main Kona resort corridor, near the small town of Hawi.
Umauma Experience (Hamakua Coast)
Umauma’s 9-line course crosses a river gorge north of Hilo, with views of a series of waterfalls along the Umauma Stream. Tours take about 2.5 to 3 hours. Adult prices are about $200 to $260, and some packages add a waterfall swim or kayak segment.
Skyline Eco-Adventures Akaka Falls
Skyline’s Hawaii Island course near Honomu has 7 lines. The longest is roughly 2,000 to 2,500 ft and passes waterfalls in the Kolekole drainage. It sits a few minutes from Akaka Falls State Park, which makes it one of the easiest courses in the state to pair with a second stop.
| Hawaii Island operator | Lines | Longest line (approx.) | Tour time | Adult price | Drive from Kona |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kohala Zipline | 9 + 5 bridges | ~750 ft | 3 hr | $180–$230 | ~60 min |
| Umauma Experience | 9 | ~2,000 ft | 2.5–3 hr | $200–$260 | ~1 hr 45 min |
| Skyline Akaka Falls | 7 | ~2,000–2,500 ft | 2.5 hr | $190–$240 | ~1 hr 50 min |
Hilo receives about 126 inches of rain a year, and the Hamakua Coast is similarly wet. Courses run in light rain, so riders on this side should plan to get damp. Road conditions and closures on routes like Highway 19 are posted by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. County notices are at HawaiiCounty.gov.
Oahu zipline courses
Oahu has fewer zipline operators than Maui or Kauai, even though it gets the most visitors. The three main courses are spread around the island, and the longest drive from Waikiki is about 75 minutes. Families following a set route, such as the 7-day Oahu itinerary, can usually fit a zipline into a North Shore or windward day.
CLIMB Works Keana Farms (Kahuku)
CLIMB Works runs 8 side-by-side lines and 2 suspension bridges on a working farm near Kahuku, on the North Shore. Tours last about 3 hours, and adults pay roughly $200 to $240. The common rules are age 7 or older and weight between 70 and 270 lb. The longest line is about 2,000 ft, with views toward the coastline.
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch’s zipline course has 7 lines and 2 suspension bridges in the Ka’a’awa Valley, an area recognizable from dozens of film shoots. Tours run about 2.5 to 3 hours and cost about $170 to $200. The ranch sells combo packages that pair the zipline with its movie-site or UTV tours, filling most of a day.
Coral Crater Adventure Park (Kapolei)
Coral Crater, on the leeward side near Kapolei, is the most budget-friendly option on Oahu. Its zipline course is shorter and fits into a mixed adventure park that also offers off-road and climbing activities. Prices start around $110, and tours take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the package. It is about 40 minutes from Waikiki without traffic.
| Oahu operator | Lines | Longest line (approx.) | Tour time | Adult price | Drive from Waikiki |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLIMB Works Keana Farms | 8 + 2 bridges | ~2,000 ft | 3 hr | $200–$240 | 60–75 min |
| Kualoa Ranch | 7 + 2 bridges | ~1,400 ft | 2.5–3 hr | $170–$200 | ~45 min |
| Coral Crater | 6–7 | ~1,000 ft | 1–2 hr | $110–$170 | ~40 min |
Afternoon traffic on the H-1 and Kamehameha Highway can add 30 minutes or more to these drive times. The City and County of Honolulu posts road work and closure notices that affect North Shore and windward routes.
Kauai in summary
Kauai has more zipline operators than any other island relative to its size. Roughly 6 or 7 companies run courses around Lihue, Koloa, Poipu and the Kipu Ranch area. Line counts range from 4 to 9. The longest lines approach 2,500 ft, and adult prices usually run from $130 to $260.
Because the market is crowded and rules vary from course to course, Kauai has its own detailed breakdown. The site’s guide to Kauai zipline operators and their course length and weight rules compares each provider line by line.
For visitors deciding between Kauai and Maui as a main base, the comparison of Maui vs Kauai for a first trip covers the broader trade-offs, from beach access to driving distances.
Age, weight, and health rules
Weight limits are the rule most likely to stop a booking. Almost every Hawaii operator sets both a minimum and a maximum. The minimum, usually 70 to 80 lb, ensures a rider has enough mass to reach the end of each line without stalling. The maximum, usually 250 to 270 lb, reflects harness ratings and braking design.
Most operators weigh every guest at check-in, and riders outside the range are not allowed on the course. Refunds in that situation are inconsistent, so a household near either limit should call ahead.
| Rule | Most restrictive (typical) | Most permissive (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 10 years | 5 years | Under-18s need a guardian’s signature on the waiver |
| Minimum weight | 80 lb | 50 lb | Lighter riders may stall mid-line |
| Maximum weight | 250 lb | 270 lb | Measured on a scale at check-in |
| Pregnancy | Not permitted | Not permitted | Standard across nearly all operators |
| Walking required | 0.5–1 mile on uneven ground | Minimal | Canopy courses add stairs and bridges |
Health and mobility considerations
Most waivers screen for recent surgery, back or neck injuries, heart conditions and pregnancy. Long-line tours also involve hiking between platforms, sometimes up steep, muddy trails. Operators usually describe these tours as moderately active rather than strenuous.
- Riders with knee or hip issues should ask how many stairs and climbs the course includes.
- Those with a fear of heights often do better on short, low family courses first.
- Guests with medications should carry them, since tours run 2 to 4 hours.
- Courses generally prohibit riders who appear intoxicated at check-in.
The same fitness questions come up on other guided adventure tours. The site’s look at Haleakala downhill bike tour fitness and age limits covers a similar set of rules for Maui’s other big upcountry excursion. State public health resources are available through the Hawaii Department of Health.
Heights, speeds, and what the ride feels like
Hawaii ziplines vary a lot in height. Canopy courses like Kohala keep riders 30 to 60 ft above the ground on short spans. Valley courses on Maui and the Hamakua Coast cross gulches where the drop below can reach 150 to 200 ft at the midpoint.
Speed rises with length and slope. Short family lines move at walking to jogging pace. The longest Maui and Kauai lines can reach about 40 to 50 mph, according to operator descriptions. Most modern courses use automatic or guide-controlled braking, so riders do not have to brake themselves.
Side-by-side vs single lines
Dual lines, used at Kapalua, CLIMB Works and Maui Zipline Company, let two riders race or ride together. That suits parent-child pairs and couples. Single-line courses move one rider at a time, which makes group tours slower. Groups on single-line courses often cap at 8 to 12 guests to keep the pace manageable.
Typical tour structure
- Check-in 15–30 minutes early, weigh-in, and waiver signing.
- Harness and helmet fitting, usually about 15 minutes.
- A short training line close to the ground.
- The main course, with walks or 4×4 rides between platforms.
- Return to base, with optional photo package sales.
What to wear and bring
Dress codes are fairly consistent across the state. Closed-toe shoes are required almost everywhere, and staff turn away riders in sandals or slippers (the local word for flip-flops). The safest choice is athletic shoes with grip, because trails between platforms are often wet red dirt.
- Shorts or pants long enough to keep the harness from chafing the inner thigh.
- Fitted athletic tops. Loose clothing can snag on trolleys.
- Hair tied back, since long hair can catch in pulleys.
- A light rain jacket for Hamakua, Kohala and Upcountry Maui courses.
- Reef-safe sunscreen applied before arrival, since there is little shade on the platforms.
- Clothes that can get muddy. Red dirt stains are hard to wash out.
Cameras and phones
Policies on personal cameras vary. Some operators allow helmet-mounted action cameras with an approved mount. Others prohibit phones entirely and sell guide-shot photo packages, typically $50 to $90 per group. Dropping a phone from a 150-ft line is a common way to lose one, so a lanyard or zippered pocket is the minimum precaution.
Upcountry temperatures
Courses at elevation are noticeably cooler. Piiholo Ranch and Skyline Haleakala can be 15 to 20°F cooler than Kihei or Lahaina on the same morning. A long-sleeve layer that can be tied around the waist or stored in the base locker is a practical addition from November through March.
Pairing a zipline with nearby sights the same day
Most zipline tours take a morning or an afternoon, not a full day, so the stops nearby matter. Choosing a course near another attraction cuts the driving and makes the rental car’s mileage worthwhile. The table below shows pairings that fit into one day without backtracking.
| Zipline | Nearby pairing | Drive between (approx.) | Extra cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piiholo Ranch (Maui) | Makawao town, Kula farms | 10–25 min | Meals only |
| Maui Zipline Co. (Maui) | Iao Valley State Monument | ~15 min | $5 entry + $10 parking (non-residents) |
| Kapalua Ziplines (Maui) | Kapalua Coastal Trail, Napili Bay | 5–10 min | Free |
| Skyline Akaka Falls (HI Island) | Akaka Falls State Park | ~5 min | $5 entry + $10 parking (non-residents) |
| Kohala Zipline (HI Island) | Hawi town, Pololu Valley Lookout | 10–20 min | Free |
| CLIMB Works (Oahu) | Kahuku shrimp trucks, Haleiwa | 5–25 min | $15–$20 per plate |
| Kualoa Ranch (Oahu) | Kualoa Regional Park, Byodo-In Temple | 5–25 min | $5–$6 temple entry |
State park reservations for non-residents at sites like Iao Valley are booked online ahead of time, often for specific time slots. A morning zipline followed by an early afternoon park slot is a common sequence, because afternoon clouds tend to build over the West Maui Mountains and the Hamakua Coast.
Visitors splitting a trip between islands can use the two-island Hawaii itinerary to decide which island gets the zipline day. On Maui, a wet morning can be moved to one of the rainy day activities on Maui and the tour rebooked for later in the week.
Costs beyond the ticket price
The advertised price is rarely the full cost. Hawaii’s general excise tax is a gross receipts tax, not a sales tax. Businesses often pass it through to customers at an effective rate of about 4.7 percent. Some operators include it in the quoted price and others add it at checkout. Details on the tax are at the Hawaii Department of Taxation.
| Cost item | Typical amount | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| General excise tax pass-through | ~4.7% of ticket | Most bookings |
| Guide gratuity | $10–$25 per rider | Customary, not required |
| Photo package | $50–$90 per group | Optional |
| Rental car day | $60–$120 per day | Most courses lack shuttle service |
| Fuel for round trip | $10–$30 | Varies by island and distance |
For a family of four on a mid-range Maui tour at $200 per adult and $180 per child, the total often passes $850 once tax, tips and photos are added. That is before the rental car, which is effectively required for every course except a few that offer resort pickup.
Rental rates swing widely by season and airport, as detailed in the site’s guide to Hawaii rental car prices. Hawaii gasoline consistently ranks among the most expensive in the country. Weekly price data is published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Ways households trim the cost
- Booking directly with the operator often avoids third-party booking fees.
- Early-morning tour slots are sometimes discounted 10–15 percent.
- Combo packages at ranches like Kualoa bundle two activities below separate prices.
- Hawaii residents with state ID often receive kama’aina rates.
Weather, seasons, and cancellations
Zipline tours run year-round, but conditions differ by season. The wetter months, roughly November through March, bring more rain to windward and upcountry courses. Summer months, June through September, are generally drier but busier, and popular tours sell out 1 to 2 weeks ahead.
Operators usually suspend lines during lightning and when sustained winds exceed safe thresholds. Rain alone rarely cancels a tour. Most companies offer a full refund or rebooking if they cancel. Guest cancellations often require 24 to 72 hours’ notice for a refund.
Seasonal crowd and weather patterns for each island are covered in the site’s guide to the best time to visit each Hawaiian island. For zipline planning, the main point is that the windward and upcountry courses are wettest in winter, while leeward courses like Coral Crater stay drier year-round.
Local outlets such as Hawaii News Now and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser report flash flood warnings and road closures. During heavy rain events these can shut access roads to Hamakua and windward Oahu courses.
Choosing the right course for the household
The choice comes down to the youngest rider’s age and weight, how much driving the household will accept, and whether long spans or a forest canopy matters more. A few patterns hold across the islands.
- Families with children aged 5–7: Maui Zipline Company or Coral Crater.
- Families with children aged 7–9: CLIMB Works or Kohala Zipline.
- Adults chasing the longest lines: Flyin Hawaiian or Piiholo Ranch.
- Waterfall views: Umauma Experience or Skyline Akaka Falls.
- Combining with other activities: Kualoa Ranch packages.
Riders near the 250 lb mark should favor operators with a 260 or 270 lb maximum, such as Kohala, CLIMB Works and several Kauai courses. Families with a child under 70 lb should check the minimum weight specifically, not just the minimum age.
Frequently asked questions
What is the longest zipline in Hawaii?
Among published figures, Flyin Hawaiian Zipline on Maui lists the longest single line, about 3,600 ft, on an 8-line course totaling roughly 2.5 miles. Piiholo Ranch’s longest line is about 2,800 ft. Several Kauai and Hawaii Island courses have lines between 2,000 and 2,500 ft. Operators update their courses, so confirm current figures directly.
What is the minimum age for ziplining in Hawaii?
Minimum ages range from about 5 to 10 years. Maui Zipline Company and Coral Crater accept younger children, often from age 5. CLIMB Works on Oahu typically starts at 7, Kohala Zipline at 8, and most long-span Maui courses at 10. Everyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign the waiver.
What is the weight limit for Hawaii ziplines?
Most Hawaii operators set limits between 70 and 270 lb, though several Maui courses cap riders at 250 lb. The minimum weight, usually 70 to 80 lb, prevents lighter riders from stalling mid-line. Staff weigh guests on a scale at check-in, and riders outside the range cannot join the tour.
How much does a zipline tour in Hawaii cost?
Adult tickets generally run from about $100 for short family courses to $320 for long half-day tours. Mid-range courses with 7 to 9 lines usually cost $180 to $250. With general excise tax, a $10–$25 guide tip and optional photos, the real per-person cost is often 10–20 percent above the advertised price.
What should someone wear for ziplining in Hawaii?
Closed-toe athletic shoes are required, since sandals and slippers are refused. Shorts or pants long enough to prevent harness chafing work best, along with a fitted top and hair tied back. A light rain jacket helps on Hamakua, Kohala and Upcountry Maui courses, where showers and temperatures in the 60s°F are common.
Do Hawaii zipline tours run in the rain?
Yes. Most tours run in light or moderate rain, and windward courses expect frequent showers. Operators suspend tours for lightning, high winds and flash flood warnings. When the operator cancels, guests usually get a full refund or a rebooking. Guests who cancel themselves typically need to give 24 to 72 hours’ notice.
Which island is best for ziplining with young kids?
Maui and Oahu have the most options for young children. Maui Zipline Company’s 5 short side-by-side lines accept riders from about age 5 and take roughly 1.5 hours. On Oahu, Coral Crater offers short courses near Kapolei, and CLIMB Works accepts riders from age 7, on dual lines where a parent can ride next to the child.
Is a rental car needed to reach zipline courses?
In most cases, yes. Nearly every course sits outside resort areas, and few offer hotel shuttles. On Hawaii Island, Kona-based visitors face drives of 1 to 2 hours to Hamakua courses. Oahu courses are 40 to 75 minutes from Waikiki. Rental rates of $60 to $120 per day should be added to the trip budget.
