Big Island Zipline Showdown
Compare the ultimate zipline operators and find your perfect Hawaiian adventure
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerThe Ultimate Big Island Zipline Showdown
Now that you know the lay of the land, let's get down to the details. Each zipline operation has its own unique personality and set of thrills. I've zipped them all, from the misty gulches of the Hilo side to the historic canopies of North Kohala.
🌊 The Umauma Experience: The Waterfall King
The Vibe: If your main goal is to see as many waterfalls as humanly possible while flying at top speed, Umauma is your champion. It's often called the "Mercedes of ziplines" for a reason—it's a massive, thrilling, and incredibly well-run operation that delivers on its promise of epic views.
The Course: This is a monster course featuring 9 lines that cover a total of 2 miles. You'll hit speeds up to 65 mph and fly over an incredible 14 different waterfalls. The course includes a 200-foot suspension bridge that crosses high above a fern grotto and a water-filled lava tube, a truly unique Big Island feature.
My Take:
I've zipped all over Hawaii, and trust me, nothing compares to the sheer number of waterfalls you see at Umauma. Line 4, soaring over 2,000 feet of the Umauma stream, is pure magic. It's my top recommendation for families because of the low minimum age (4 years) and weight (35 lbs), which means almost everyone can participate.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Price: Approximately $242
Weight: 35-275 lbs
Best For: Waterfall lovers, families
🌳 Kohala Zipline: The Ultimate Treetop Trek
The Vibe: For those seeking a more hands-on, immersive adventure, Kohala Zipline offers a true canopy tour. It's less about one single, massive waterfall and more about the thrill of navigating through the treetops of a historic and ecologically unique forest.
The Course: This is the only full canopy tour on the island, featuring 8 ziplines, 6 sky bridges, and a rappel to get you back to the ground. You'll reach speeds of up to 45 mph as you traverse the course in a true "tree-to-tree" design.
My Take:
If you're staying on the Kona or Kohala coast, this is your go-to adventure. The system of sky bridges and the final rappel make it feel like a real challenge, an obstacle course in the sky. The guides here share incredible knowledge of the area's history and ecology, connecting you to the land of King Kamehameha.
Duration: 3 hours
Price: Approximately $235
Weight: 70-270 lbs
Best For: Technical adventure, Kona guests
🎯 Hawaii Zipline Tours: The Perfect First Flight
The Vibe: This tour is brilliantly designed for beginners, families, and anyone feeling a bit nervous about taking that first leap. The course is structured to build your confidence step-by-step, leading up to one of the most spectacular grand finale zips on the island.
The Course: The tour consists of 7 lines that are designed to get progressively longer and higher, easing you into the experience. This thoughtful design culminates in the final, epic line: a half-mile (2,640 feet) long monster that soars 400 feet high over the stunning 250-foot Kolekole waterfall.
My Take:
This is the tour I send all my nervous first-timer friends on. The progressive design really works. Line one is only about 300 feet long and maybe 30 feet high—just enough to get your feet wet without overwhelming you. By the time you get to that last monster zip over Kolekole Falls, you're not scared, you're a pro.
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Price: Approximately $235
Weight: 40-260 lbs
Best For: First-timers, beginners
🌺 Botanical World Adventures: The Garden of Thrills
The Vibe: This is the ultimate combo adventure, perfectly blending high-flying thrills with the serene beauty of a world-class botanical garden. It's an ideal choice for groups or families where not everyone might be an adrenaline junkie.
The Course: The tour features 8 lines, including dual racing lines for some friendly competition, and a suspension bridge. The grand finale is a spectacular zip over a 250-foot waterfall plunging into a 330-foot gorge. The longest line is nearly half a mile (2,640 feet).
My Take:
This is my top pick for groups with mixed interests. If half your ʻohana wants to zip and the other half wants to see Hawaii's incredible plant life, this is the perfect compromise. The ziplining is legitimately thrilling, and the gardens themselves are worth the price of admission. Plus, they include free souvenir photos!
Duration: 3-4 hours (zip + gardens)
Price: Approximately $227
Weight: 35-275 lbs
Best For: Mixed groups, garden lovers
Which Zipline Is Right for You?
🌊 Most Waterfalls & Speed
The Umauma Experience
🌳 Technical Canopy Adventure
Kohala Zipline
🎯 Best for First-Timers
Hawaii Zipline Tours
🌺 All-in-One Value
Botanical World Adventures
⚡ Quick Compare
💡 Booking Tips
- Book directly with operators for easier rescheduling
- Morning tours have better weather
- Book 2 weeks ahead in peak season
- Call for group discounts (6+ people)
📖 Complete Guide
Navigate through our comprehensive Big Island ziplining guide.