Okay, so seriously. Aren’t all zipline adventures the same? You lock into a harness and fly through the air on a cable tethered between trees. Right? But according to Kohala Zipline’s website, they set out to create an interactive course in which you’re the “active participant in the experience.” Sound intriguing? We thought so, too. Let’s look into this further to validate or prove it’s groundless.
Let’s start at the beginning. In 2011, Rob and Cindy Pacheco poured their 20-years of experience operating Hawaii Forest & Trail into their new venture: Kohala Zipline. But instead of being just another zipline adventure, they wanted to create a tour unlike any other in Hawaii. With this in mind, they hired Bonsai Designs, one of the nation’s premier canopy tour designers. The goal: create a world-class course with the best safety features that maximize guests’ adventure.
To translate, this means that you’ll learn how to control your speed and various body positions on a Kohala Zipline course. Along with zipping over the canopy, you’ll cross challenging bridges, climb sky stairs, and rappel. Additionally, the twin steel cables are coated with a nylon-based polymer for a quiet ride. How quiet? The coating reduces cable noise by 50%, so you’ll hear more of nature and less of the steel. Currently, no other zipline company in Hawaii uses this cable system.
Sounds good so far, right? The next essential ingredient to becoming world-class is the guides. At Kohala Zipline, guides spend more hours getting certified than recreational pilots do to get their license. The extensive training at the Association for Challenge Course Technologies (ACCT) covers safety skills, facilitation, and interpretation. Next, Kohala Zipline opted to have one of the lowest guest-to-guide ratios in the industry, giving guests a more personalized adventure.
Of course, all of this isn’t very meaningful if the course doesn’t deliver a thrill ride. Kohala Zipline has two options. Let’s explore each in more detail.
Kohala Canopy Adventure
You’ll zip on the only full canopy tour in Hawaii. Guests sail over towering trees in a nature reserve on courses designed to satisfy the novice and challenge the expert. Kohala Canopy Adventure has eight ziplines, six sky bridges, and a rappel.
Your tour will last around 2.5-3 hours, and you’ll have at least two guides with you at all times. These experts will ensure you’re having fun while being safe. Additionally, they’ll educate you on the natural and cultural features of the area.
Kohala Zipline provides all your necessary equipment, including rain gear and water.
Kohala Zip & Dip
This six-hour adventure includes a little bit of everything and is limited to eight guests. You’ll experience driving off-road through the nature reserve, see secluded waterfalls, and swim (this is the “Dip”) beneath a private waterfall. Next, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the beautiful Polulu Valley.
After you eat, you’ll sail on the eight zipline courses. You’ll also climb six sky stairs and rappel. And if you get thirsty or hungry, complimentary drinks and snacks are on hand.
Naturally, as with any zipline adventure, there are requirements and restrictions. Here they are:
- Must be at least 8-years old
- Weigh between 70-270 pounds
- Not for expecting mothers
- Must be able to climb 25 stairs
- Must be able to walk over uneven surfaces
- Must wear closed-toe shoes
- Must wear pants, capris, or knee-length shorts
Now back to our initial question: does Kohala Zipline offer unique zipline adventures? We think you’ll agree that the answer is a resounding “Yes!” If you want the most adrenaline-pumping and special canopy courses in Hawaii, sign up for an adventure with Kohala Zipline!
Insider Tips:
-Kohala Zipline offers private excursions for groups of eight or less.
-Budget to tip your guides after your adventure.