The Big Island isn’t just home to active volcanoes and black sand beaches. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful rainforests and waterfalls in the world. Hiking is always a great way to experience the island’s beauty, but ziplining offers a perspective of Hawaii that you simply can’t get from the ground. If you’re staying at our Big Island bed and breakfast, you’re perfectly positioned to experience some of the most spectacular ziplining on the Big Island, with several world-class courses just a short drive away along the stunning Hamakua Coast.
The Best Big Island Zipline Tours Near Volcano Village
Kolekole Waterfall Zipline Adventure with Hawaii Zipline Tours
28-1692 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Honomu, HI 96728
Hawaii Zipline Tours operates on private land, offering a 2.5-hour adventure with eight ziplines. You’ll start with shorter lines to get comfortable with the equipment and technique, then graduate to longer, faster runs with increasingly spectacular views. The tour culminates with the signature half-mile zipline that takes you directly over Kolekole Falls, an experience that regularly leaves guests speechless. Because the tour operates on private land, you won’t encounter the crowds that you’ll find at some other attractions.
The tour is suitable for those who weigh 40-260 lbs, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. If ziplining sounds a bit too intense, but you still want to experience Kolekole Falls, they also offer a Waterfall Hike & Swim Adventure that includes guided hiking and swimming at the base of the waterfall. It’s the perfect alternative for families with younger children or anyone who prefers to stay closer to the ground.
Umauma Falls: The Big Island’s Premier Zipline Experience
31-313 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Hakalau, HI 96710
A favorite among many travelers, The Umauma Experience has earned its reputation as Hawaii’s #1-rated zipline tour. With nine long lines spanning nearly two miles of zipping, this course offers views that have been called the best in all of Hawaii. The Umauma Falls zipline starts with exciting dual racing lines where you can zip side-by-side with a friend or family member, reaching speeds up to 65 miles per hour. Throughout your journey, you’ll pass over the Umauma River, 14 beautiful waterfalls (including the famous triple-tiered Umauma Falls), a 200-foot suspension bridge suspended 100 feet above a water-filled lava tube, and a fern grotto.
Tours run Monday through Saturday at multiple times throughout the day, and the entire experience lasts about 1.5-3 hours, depending on your group size. The minimum age is 4 years old (with a 35-pound minimum weight), making this one of the more family-friendly Big Island zipline options. Just be aware that children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
For those who want to extend the adventure, consider the Zip-N-Dip Combo, which pairs the full zipline course with swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in a private section of the Umauma River. A tasty lunch is included, making it a perfect full-day adventure.
Botanical World Adventures: Rainforest Canopy Tour
31-240 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Hakalau HI 96710
Voted best Aerial Adventure Park in the US by USA Today, Botanical World Adventures is the longest running zipline on the island and offers an eight-line zipline course that winds through 300 acres of botanical gardens and native Hawaiian rainforest. This Big Island zipline experience is unique because you’re not just flying over waterfalls, you’re soaring through one of the most diverse plant collections in Hawaii. As you move between ziplines, your trained guides are happy to share information about the Big Island and the native species that call this rainforest home.
The course features dual side-by-side racing lines, a thrilling suspension bridge, and culminates with a spectacular half-mile zip with aerial views of the 250-foot Kamae’e Falls. The tour lasts up to 2.5 hours and accommodates ages 4 and up. They also offer segway, garden, and bike tours through Hakalau, perfect for groups with varying adventure levels.
What to Expect on Your Hawaii Zipline Tour
If you’ve never ziplined before, you might be wondering what the experience actually entails. Here’s what you can expect:
Safety comes first. All reputable Big Island zipline operators prioritize safety above everything else. You’ll receive comprehensive training before your first zip, and professional guides certified in first aid will accompany you throughout the tour. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to the highest standards, so you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about safety.
It’s more accessible than you think. Many people assume ziplining requires peak physical fitness or gymnastics skills, but that’s not the case. If you can walk moderate distances and follow instructions, you can zipline. The guides do most of the technical work. You just need to trust the equipment and enjoy the ride.
Dress appropriately. Closed-toe shoes are absolutely required (no flip-flops or sandals). Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in. Tie back long hair, secure glasses with a strap, and remove any loose items from your pockets. Most tours provide gloves to protect your hands.
Weather is rarely a problem. The Hamakua Coast gets frequent light showers, which actually adds to the adventure. Rain ponchos are typically provided, and many guests say the experience is even more magical in the mist. Tours are only cancelled in extreme weather conditions.
Bring a camera, but protect it. Many zipline operators allow cameras as long as they’re securely attached with a strap. Just make sure anything you bring can be safely secured to your body.
Planning Your Zipline Adventure from Volcano Village
When you’re staying at Volcano Village Estates, timing your Big Island zipline adventure is easy. Most tours are located about an hour away along the scenic Hamakua Coast, making them perfect for a morning or afternoon excursion.
Morning tours are ideal if you want to beat the afternoon crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. You can zipline in the morning, then spend the afternoon exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or relaxing at your cottage.
Afternoon tours work well if you prefer a leisurely breakfast on your lanai before heading out. The lighting in the afternoon can be spectacular for photos, with the sun illuminating the waterfalls and rainforest canopy.
Many guests make a full day of their zipline adventure by exploring other attractions and Big Island waterfalls along the Hamakua Coast. Stop at Akaka Falls State Park to see the famous 442-foot waterfall, browse boutiques in charming small towns like Honomu, or grab lunch at a local cafe. The entire coastal drive is stunning, so take your time and soak it all in.
Your Big Island Zipline Adventure Awaits
Whether you choose the exclusive waterfall views at Kolekole, the legendary course at Umauma Falls, or the botanical beauty at Botanical World Adventures, a Big Island zipline experience will give you memories that last long after you’ve returned to ground level. These tours offer something for everyone, from thrill-seekers chasing the fastest lines to families looking for a shared adventure.
When you return to Volcano Village Estates after your zipline on the Big Island, you’ll have that satisfying exhaustion that comes from pushing your boundaries and experiencing something extraordinary. Pour a glass of wine, slip into your private hot tub, and relive every thrilling moment. That’s the beauty of staying with us, adventure is just a short drive away, but peace and comfort are right here waiting.
Book your Volcano Village escape and decide which Big Island zipline is calling your name.