9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island

If you’re eyeing a zipline adventure on Hawaii’s Big Island, this 9-line experience from The Umauma Experience has been catching a lot of attention—and for good reasons. With a perfect rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on nearly 1,000 reviews, it clearly hits the mark for many travelers seeking a mix of adrenaline, scenery, and solid guides.

What really stands out is how this tour combines breathtaking views of waterfalls and the Pacific Ocean with a safe, well-organized setup. Plus, with professional guides making sure everyone can enjoy the ride comfortably, it’s a favorite for those wanting to see the island from a different perspective. That said, it’s not a walk in the park—expect some walking on uneven surfaces, and it might not be ideal if you’re pregnant or have neck/back issues. Overall, it’s a great pick for adventure lovers, families with older kids, and anyone craving memorable views in a controlled environment.

Key Points

• Scenic routes: Seven of the nine ziplines offer incredible views over waterfalls, rivers, and the lush greenery of the island.
• Safety first: Guides are praised for their professionalism, ensuring everyone feels secure while zipping at heights.
• All-included gear: No need to bring anything except closed-toe shoes and a sense of adventure.
• Time commitment: Expect around 2.5 hours from check-in to finish, including safety instructions.
• Group size: Tours are capped at 20 people, keeping it personal and manageable.
• Family-friendly: Open to kids 4 and up, with a few considerations for safety and physical activity.

What the Experience Looks Like

Arrival and Check-in

Once you arrive at the meeting point on Old Mamalahoa Hwy, you’ll check in at the visitor center. The staff are quick to gather everyone for a brief overview—think of it as a quick safety chat mixed with some fun facts about the course. This part sets the tone, making you feel prepared without overwhelming you.

Gear Up and Safety Briefing

After the intro, staff take you a short walk to the gear-up zone. Here, you’ll put on your harness, helmet, and gloves. The guides are very clear about safety protocols, and we’ve seen reviews praising how knowledgeable and approachable they are—from explaining how the harness works to giving tips for the zipping sections. If you’re a bit nervous, don’t worry: many mention how the staff makes them feel comfortable, even if heights aren’t your thing.

The Zipline Course

Next, you’ll load into vans that take you partway up the property to the start of the course. Each zipline is a different adventure—some longer, some shorter, some high above waterfalls, others over rivers. The course features four dual lines, which means you can race a buddy if you’re feeling competitive—adding an extra layer of fun.

The ziplines are well spaced, giving enough time to enjoy the views and catch your breath. Reviewers rave about how scenery dominates the experience: “ziplining over waterfalls and lush greenery,” as one said, makes this more than just an adrenaline rush.

The Highlights

The most scenic zipline experience on the Big Island is a good way to describe it. Every platform offers panoramic views, and the feeling of flying over such vibrant landscapes is hard to beat. Many reviewers mention how the guides keep things light and fun, even when the weather isn’t perfect—like rain during the tour—yet it still remained enjoyable.

Ending Back at the Visitor Center

The course ends at the same spot you started, wrapping up what often feels like a well-paced adventure. If you’re keen, you can also access the garden and waterfalls for free if you’re not zipping but have accompanying guests, which adds an extra layer of value.

The Experience’s Value

At $253.41 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity on the island, but most agree it’s worth it. The key here is what you get: a 2-hour guided zipline course with top-notch safety, stunning scenery, and the chance to race friends or family. Many reviews highlight the professionalism of guides like Rusty, Skippy, Wes, and John, who are not only safety-conscious but also bring a sense of fun and reassurance to the adventure.

Considering the price, you’re paying for a premium experience—with excellent guides, impressive views, and the thrill of flying over waterfalls. Several reviewers mention how well-organized it is, and how the guides help even first-timers feel confident, which adds to the overall value.

How it Compares to Other Activities

The reviews suggest this zipline is a standout compared to other venues. One enthusiast called it “hands down the best zip line experience,” citing the combination of scenery, safety, and staff professionalism. If you’ve done ziplining elsewhere and are looking for top-tier views, this one probably won’t disappoint.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Expect about 2.5 hours, including check-in, safety instructions, gear-up, the course, and return.
• Weather considerations: Tours operate in good weather; if canceled due to rain, you’ll get a full refund or a reschedule.
• Physical requirements: Moderate fitness needed; involves some walking on uneven surfaces.
• Age and weight: Kids must be at least 4 years old, weigh a minimum of 35 lbs, and not exceed 275 lbs.
• What to bring: Closed-toe shoes are a must. Other than that, you can leave your camera and phone in the gear, but many mention capturing photos beforehand.
• Group size: Limited to 20 travelers, which keeps things intimate and manageable.
• Children: Suitable for older kids, and those with accompanying adults can sometimes access other parts of the property for free.

Overall Experience

Reviewers are unanimous in their praise: from guides being “awesome” and “hilarious” to the scenery being “breathtaking,” it’s clear this experience hits the right notes for many. Even those who initially felt nervous reported feeling at ease thanks to the knowledgeable staff, and numerous reviews mention how fun and safe the experience was.

Who Should Consider This Zipline?

This tour is perfect for adventure seekers who want a mix of adrenaline and scenic beauty. It suits those who don’t mind some physical activity and are comfortable with heights—though many mention that even first-timers or heights-averse individuals found it manageable thanks to excellent guidance. It’s especially great if you’re traveling with older kids or teens, as they often find the racing element and aerial views most exciting.

If you’re after a relaxed day with nature and a thrill, this tour checks both boxes. However, if you’re pregnant, have back or neck issues, or prefer less physical activities, this may not be the best choice.

The Sum Up

To sum up, the 9-Line Waterfall Zipline experience on the Big Island offers a well-rounded mix of spectacular scenery, professional guides, and fun. Its high ratings speak to consistent quality and positive experiences, with many reviewers emphasizing how safe and enjoyable it is—even for first-timers or the more cautious.

For travelers who value stunning views over waterfalls and lush island landscapes, this is a perfect way to see the Big Island from a completely different angle. The ability to race friends, the well-organized safety protocols, and the knowledgeable staff make it a worthwhile splurge, especially if you’re craving an active adventure with memorable scenery.

While it’s a bit pricier than some other activities, the value lies in the quality of the experience—and the chance to fly over some of Hawaii’s most beautiful natural sights. If you’re looking for an experience that’s exciting, scenic, and professionally run, this zipline tour is an excellent pick.

FAQs

How long is the zipline experience?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including check-in, safety briefings, gear-up, and the course itself.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4 and older can participate, provided they meet the weight requirement of at least 35 lbs. They must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes are required. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is best, especially since there’s some walking on uneven terrain.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour only runs in good weather. If canceled due to rain or weather conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I race my friends on the ziplines?
Absolutely. Four dual lines allow for friendly competitions, adding to the fun.

How many guides will there be?
Typically, the guides are very knowledgeable and friendly, making sure everyone feels safe. Reviewers frequently mention how much they appreciated their guides’ professionalism.

Are there any restrictions on weight?
Yes, the minimum weight is 35 lbs, and the maximum is 275 lbs.

Is this experience family-friendly?
It is, especially for families with older children who enjoy outdoor activities and have the physical ability for some walking and zipping.

What’s included in the price?
All necessary safety equipment, guides’ expertise, and the 2-hour ziplining adventure are included. Photos or videos are not specified but are often captured by guests themselves.

If you’re after a scenic, safe, and fun way to see some of the Big Island’s waterfalls and greenery, this zipline ticks all those boxes. Just prep for some physical activity, follow safety instructions, and enjoy the ride—you’re in good hands!