The Inside Scoop on Ziplining in Maui

Zipline adventures are starting to pop up all over the country, but Maui has the unique honor and distinction of starting the first zipline tour in America, back in 2002.  Now eight years later, the Maui Skyline Eco Adventures company has harnessed up more than one million tourists and locals for a ride they will never forget.

As a Christmas present in 2009, I was given a pass to try the Haleakala Skyline Tour.  The tour starts with a short walk through a Eucalyptus forest as two guides teach you about the history of the grounds, Hawaiian birds, Hawaiian words, and other culturally significant tidbits.  I held my tongue during the rounds of Q & A, since I am already well versed in all things Maui… after all, I am a NileGuide Local Expert!

The zipline tour consists of a series of about five zipline rides which get progressively longer and steeper.   Every ride (except the last) starts from a treehouse-like platform and ends on another safe/well-constructed platform where a guide helps you with your “landing.” The collection of ziplines take you across steep gultches, through eucalyptus forests, and even over some smaller creeks formed during instances of high rainfall. One particular zipline requires you the cross a pretty intimidating swinging bridge that looks like it could have be used on the set of a Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

The tour ends with a bang on the final zipline.  Instead of ending at a platform, you simply let gravity slow you down.   As you spend the first 30 seconds reaching high speeds and gazing at terra firma some 100-300 feet below you, you finally come to a point where the zipline begins to climb in altitude, thus slowing you down.  I must say, the final zipline is quite intimidating when you are standing on the launch platform and see the distance you are about to travel.

If you aren’t able to make it up to the Haleakala Zipline tour, not to worry. There is also a Ka’anapali Skyline Tour (located on the other side of the island) that is operated by the same award-winning tour company, although according to their website, this tour is priced significantly more.

[Photo source: Alyssa & Colin]