Big Island: Full-Day Kohala Zipline and Waterfall Adventure

Planning a day full of adventure on Hawaii Island? If you’re craving a mix of adrenaline, natural beauty, and some well-earned relaxation, the Full-Day Kohala Zipline and Waterfall Adventure might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t done this exact tour myself, I’ve gathered plenty of insights from reviews, descriptions, and details to help you decide if it fits your travel style.

What really appeals to us is the combination of exhilarating ziplining and the chance to cool off beneath private waterfalls. Plus, the scenic picnic with panoramic views adds a relaxed vibe to an action-packed day. On the flip side, some might find the length of the tour a bit demanding, especially if you’re not used to long outdoor days. Still, if you love diverse experiences and stunning vistas, this tour strikes a pretty solid balance. It’s especially suited for active travelers who want a mix of thrill and nature, and don’t mind a full day on their feet.

Key Points

• All-in-one adventure: Combines ziplining, waterfall swims, and scenic picnics.
• Expert-guided experience: Guides are knowledgeable, passionate, and safety-conscious.
• Breathtaking scenery: Expect views of valleys, coastline, and Haleakala from various spots.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for those 8 and older, with some physical requirements.
• Value for money: At $340, it offers a comprehensive day with multiple activities.
• Good for adventure lovers: Especially those who enjoy a mix of adrenaline and nature.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This full-day tour is designed to give you a broad taste of what Hawaii’s natural landscape has to offer. Starting from Kona, you’ll journey north to Hawi, with a brief stop at the Kohala Zipline Headquarters. From there, your adventure truly begins as you head inland and uphill in a 4×4 vehicle toward Kohala’s oldest volcano. This drive alone provides scenic glimpses of the coast and mountains, setting the mood for what’s to come.

Ziplining Over Kohala’s Canopy

The core thrill is the full aerial canopy course, which features 8 zipline sections, 6 sky bridges, and a rappel. It’s actually the only full canopy tour on Hawaii Island, which makes it a unique experience. Certified guides are there to ensure safety and share stories about Kohala, making the experience educational as well as exciting. Expect to fly from tree to tree with the lush forest around you, feeling the wind and enjoying the sense of perspective above the treetops.

From the reviews, guides are praised for their patience and knowledge—not just about the zipline but also about the island’s legends and natural features. One reviewer even noted, “Dane was a great guide, very knowledgeable and friendly,” which is a good sign that you’ll be in capable hands.

Scenic Picnic with a View

After zipping around, you’ll take a break at a private picnic area perched on Kohala Mountain. The deli-style lunch, with choices like turkey, ham, pastrami, or veggie sandwiches, paired with chips, a cookie, and drinks, is a perfect fuel for the next part of the day. The views here are impressive, overlooking the Kohala coastline and Haleakala on Maui in the distance.

Waterfalls and Oceanfront Trek

Post-lunch, you’ll gear up for a walk through a private nature reserve that was once a sugarcane plantation. This part of the tour offers a chance to see secluded waterfalls and dramatic vistas of Pololu Valley. The highlight? A refreshing swim or dip beneath a private waterfall, which reviewers say is a real treat. One guest described the experience as “a wonderful way to cool off after the zipline”, emphasizing how these natural spots feel exclusive and special.

The walk involves some uneven terrain and about 25 stairs, so a reasonable level of mobility and comfort walking on uneven ground is needed. But the experience of standing under a waterfall or sitting beside a quiet pool is worth the effort.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour is thoughtfully curated, including all the essentials for safety and comfort. You get zipline gear, walking sticks, rain gear, towels, sunscreen, bug spray, and a comprehensive interpretative guide who shares insights along the way. The lunch is straightforward but satisfying, and drinks are plentiful.

Extras like GoPro rentals and professional photos are available for purchase, but they aren’t included in the base price. You might want to consider bringing your own camera—just note that waterproof cases are advisable if you plan to take photos during water activities.

The tour is priced at $340 per person, which might seem steep at first glance. However, considering this covers a full 9-hour day of varied experiences—ziplining, scenic hikes, waterfalls, and a picnic—it offers a lot of value. Most reviews agree that guides make the experience memorable and safe, which is crucial given the physical aspects involved.

Practical Details

The tour begins with pick-up from various locations along the Waikoloa and Kohala Coast resort areas—a real convenience. The exact start time depends on your schedule, so it’s best to confirm your pick-up slot. Participants are weighed at check-in to ensure they fit safety requirements, which specify a weight range of 70-270 lbs.

You’ll need to wear closed-toe shoes, pants or knee-length shorts, and a light jacket or sweatshirt. Sandals, flip-flops, sleeveless shirts, backpacks, and large bags are not allowed for safety and practicality reasons. Also, this isn’t suitable for pregnant women, children under 8, or anyone with certain medical conditions or mobility issues.

The entire experience lasts about 9 hours, making it a full day outing. When packing, don’t forget swimwear if you want to enjoy the waterfall swim, and bring a jacket for the cooler mountain areas.

Genuine Feedback from Travelers

Reviewers consistently highlight the guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and patience. One noted, “Our guides were great, exceptionally patient, and took the time to make sure we understood what we needed to do,” which is reassuring if you’re new to ziplining or outdoor adventures.

Many guests mention how stunning the views are, with some describing the scenery as “breathtaking.” The waterfalls also seem to be a big hit—one reviewer said, “the waterfalls were really cool,” and the chance to swim in a private waterfall is often cited as a highlight.

Some mention that the photos taken during the zipline weren’t of professional quality, so if capturing memories is important, consider bringing your own camera or phone with waterproof protection.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a balanced day of adventure and relaxation. It’s perfect for active travelers comfortable with walking and some physical activity, and those who enjoy spectacular scenery will particularly appreciate the views of Hawaii’s mountains, valleys, and coastline.

While it’s family-friendly for children 8 and older, guests should be prepared for a full day and some physical demands. It’s also well-suited for anyone interested in learning about local legends and natural history, thanks to the engaging guides.

However, if you’re afraid of heights, not in good shape, or have medical or mobility issues, this might not be the best fit. The tour’s length and activity level require a reasonable level of stamina and comfort with uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Big Island Kohala Zipline and Waterfall Adventure offers a well-rounded glimpse of what makes Hawaii special—the lush scenery, stunning vistas, and a splash of adventure. The expert guides and carefully curated activities make it a worthwhile choice for active travelers wanting a full day of outdoor fun.

The price might seem high, but considering the range of experiences packed into one day, many reviewers agree it’s a good value. It’s especially appealing if you love an adrenaline rush paired with moments of quiet beauty, like cascading waterfalls and panoramic mountain views.

This tour is best suited for those looking for an adventurous, scenic, and educational day. If you’re comfortable with some physical activity, eager to see Hawaii from a different perspective, and want to get your blood pumping, this is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for kids aged 8 and older, provided they meet the weight requirements and are comfortable with outdoor activities.

What should I wear?
Wear closed-toe shoes, pants or knee-length shorts, and a light jacket. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, sleeveless shirts, and large backpacks for safety reasons.

Will I need to bring anything?
Bring swimwear if you plan to swim at the waterfalls, a jacket, sunscreen, bug spray, and your camera if desired. Towels and water are provided.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 9 hours, including transportation, activities, and breaks.

Are the guides experienced?
Yes, guides are certified and praised for their knowledge, safety oversight, and friendly demeanor.

What’s included in the price?
Ziplining gear, safety equipment, rain gear, towels, lunch, drinks, and taxes are included.

Are there any physical limitations?
Participants should be able to walk on uneven terrain and handle about 25 stairs. The weight limit is 70-270 lbs.

Can I buy professional photos?
Yes, photos are available for purchase, but they are not included in the base price.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you’re after a full-day adventure that mixes thrill, scenic beauty, and a taste of local nature, this Kohala zipline and waterfall tour hits all the marks. Just be prepared for a day on your feet, and you’ll walk away with memories and views that’ll stick with you long after your trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: