Zipline Tours
Ziplining on one of Maui’s several courses lets you satisfy your inner Tarzan by soaring high above deep gulches and canyons—for a price that can seem steep. A harness keeps you fully supported on each ride. Each course has its own age minimums and weight restrictions, but generally, you must be at least 10 years old and weigh a minimum of 60–80 pounds and a maximum of 250–275 pounds. You should wear closed-toe athletic-type shoes and expect to get dirty. Reconsider this activity if you are pregnant, uncomfortable with heights, or have serious back or joint problems.
Flyin' Hawaiian Zipline. These guys have the longest line in the state (a staggering 3,600 feet), as well as the most unique course layout. You build confidence on the first line, then board a four-wheel-drive vehicle that takes you 1,500 feet above the town of Waikapu to seven more lines that carry you over 11 ridges and nine valleys. The total distance covered is more than 2½ miles, and the views are astonishing. The price ($185) includes water and snacks. You must be able to hike over steep, sometimes slippery terrain while carrying a 10-pound metal trolley. Waikapu, Hawaii, 96793. 808/463–5786; www.flyinhawaiianzipline.com.
Kapalua Ziplines. Begin with a 20-minute ride in a four-wheel-drive van through pineapple fields to the Mountain Outpost, a 3,000-square-foot observation deck boasting panoramic ocean and mountain views. If you're on the seven-line zip ($209), you'll climb even higher above the Pacific Ocean in a Polaris Ranger to experience 2 miles of parallel zipping plus snacks. The shorter five-line zip ($179) and full moon zip ($159) are great if you're on a time budget. 500 Office Rd., Kapalua, Hawaii, 96761. 808/756–9147; www.kapaluaziplines.com.
Piiholo Ranch Zipline. Four- to seven-line zipline courses are on this gorgeous 900-acre family ranch, with prices starting at $140. Access to the fifth and longest line is via a four-wheel-drive vehicle to the top of Piiholo Hill, where you are treated to stunning bicoastal views. Guides do a good job of weaving Hawaiian culture into the adventure. You must be able to climb three steep suspension bridges while hefting a 12-pound trolley over your shoulder. For those who fear heights, cheaper rates are available to follow along on foot. For the ultimate adventure, try the Zipline/Waterfall Hike ($238), for which the company has partnered with Hike Maui, the oldest land company in Hawaii. Piiholo offers significant discounts for online bookings. Piiholo Rd., Makawao, Hawaii, 96768. 800/374–7050; www.piiholozipline.com.
Skyline Eco Adventures. The first company to open a zipline course in the United States, Skyline operates in two locations on Maui: the original course on the slope of Haleakala (five lines ranging 50–720 feet) and its west side venue at 1,000 feet above Kaanapali (eight lines ranging 50–1,000 feet). Tours at Haleakala range in price from $120 for the five-zipline tour to $250 for the Haleakala Sunrise Bike N' Zip tour, which combines a downhill bicycle safari with a five-line zip. Tours in Kaanapali range in price from $160 for the eight-line tour to $180 for the ultimate eleven-line tour. Advance reservations are suggested, and discounts are available for online bookings. Original Course, 8303 Haleakala Hwy., Kula, Hawaii, 96790. 808/201-2469; www.skylinehawaii.com.
