REVIEW · ISLAND OF HAWAII
Hawaii: Big Island Hilo Zipline Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Hawaii Zipline Tours- Akaka Iki zipline adventure · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Watch the waterfall get closer fast. This Hilo adventure strings together 7 ziplines over 3,300 feet, with your finish line flying high above Kolekole Falls. You’ll also get a real sense of Big Island life from the farm setting and the way the guides pace the experience.
I especially like two things. First, the course starts smaller and gradually grows, which helps you build confidence before the big moves. Second, you’re not just in the trees—you’re over a working agricultural farm, passing apple banana fields, Hawaiian ginger, pineapples, and sugarcane.
One consideration: the rules are strict. There’s a 40–260 lb weight limit, plus you must be able to hike 0.5 miles over uneven terrain before you fly.
In This Review
- Key things I’d highlight before you go
- Ziplining in Hilo: Why this course feels different
- Price and value: What $235 buys you
- Where it starts: Meeting point and timing that actually matters
- The farm-side setup: What you’ll see before you ever launch
- The course itself: Seven ziplines that ramp from easy to thrilling
- Tandem rules for lighter riders
- The last line and Kolekole Falls: The moment you’ll remember
- Safety rules you should read before you pack
- Weight, health, and physical ability
- Shoes and what not to wear
- What about the groups and the pace?
- Photos and getting there: two simple planning moves
- Who should book this zipline tour (and who should skip it)
- The bottom line: Should you book this Hilo zipline tour?
- FAQ
- How many ziplines are included?
- What’s the duration of the tour?
- How long is the final zipline and what will I see?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What should I wear or bring?
- What items are not allowed?
- Who can participate based on weight and physical ability?
- Is transportation included?
- Are photos included in the price?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key things I’d highlight before you go

- 7 crossings, big total distance: you’ll cover more than 3,300 feet of zip time
- Farm views, not just jungle: apple banana fields, ginger, pineapples, and sugarcane along the way
- Built-for-first-timers progression: shorter, lower lines first; longer and higher later
- The Kolekole Falls finish: the last line reaches 1/2 mile and keeps you airborne for more than a minute
- Fitness and weight requirements matter: you’ll hike uneven ground and must fall within the stated range
Ziplining in Hilo: Why this course feels different

This is the kind of zipline tour that makes you slow down and look. The big wow isn’t only speed—it’s the altitude and the way you’re guided from one “moment” to the next. You start with easier crossings, then the line length and height ramp up until the final stretch.
What makes it stand out from the usual zipline pitch is the setting. You’re out on a working agricultural farm, so the experience has that Big Island texture: rows of plants, farm smells, and views that change as you glide. And yes, you’ll be able to spot things like apple banana fields, Hawaiian ginger, pineapples, and sugarcane while you’re up in the air.
Another reason people love this one is the guides. The tour is fully guided, and the vibe is meant to be relaxed, funny, and focused on safety. Depending on your session, you might hear from guides such as Ku’uipo and Julia, Josh and Ryley, or Maurice and Skylar—all names that have come up with this operator. Different voices, same goal: keep you laughing and moving right.
Price and value: What $235 buys you

At $235 per person for about 150 minutes, you’re paying for more than cables and harnesses. You’re paying for a guided, structured course with 7 separate ziplines, total distance over 3,300 feet, and a finale built around long flight time above the falls area.
Is it a bargain? Not really. But it’s not overpriced for what’s included here either. You’re getting:
- 7 zipline crossings (that’s the core value)
- a course designed to work for a range of skill levels
- a high-profile finish over Kolekole Falls (more on that below)
Two costs to keep in mind: transportation isn’t included, and photos aren’t included. So if you’re trying to keep the trip budget tidy, plan how you’ll get there and decide early whether you’ll buy photos on-site (if they’re offered) or rely on your own pictures.
Where it starts: Meeting point and timing that actually matters

You meet at a building on the corner of Honomu Rd. and Old Mamalahoa Hwy. It’s the kind of place where being on time isn’t optional. The tour needs you there about 30 minutes before departure because it runs on a schedule and the team can’t wait for late arrivals.
That early arrival window matters because before you fly, you’ll do the essentials: gear check, a release/waiver, and getting your body ready for the hike and stairs. Think of it as a short lead-in so you don’t start the zipline part rushed or shaky.
The farm-side setup: What you’ll see before you ever launch
This tour isn’t only about the cables. You’re also walking through a working farm area, and that gives the whole thing a grounded feel.
As you move through the course, you’ll likely spot:
- apple banana fields
- Hawaiian ginger
- pineapples
- sugarcane
And you might even be offered small samples, since the tour info notes that tasting could be possible. Even if you don’t get a sample that day, it’s still a nice change of pace from purely scenic “look but don’t touch” tours.
Culturally, the guides also share what they know about local flora and fauna, plus how farming fits into island life. This is practical information you can carry with you after you leave—like names of plants and what grows where.
The course itself: Seven ziplines that ramp from easy to thrilling
The course is designed for all levels. The structure matters: the lines start smaller and lower, then step up gradually. That way, first-timers don’t feel thrown into the deep end.
Here’s what that progression does for you:
- You learn how to handle the harness and braking timing on the easier lines.
- Your body gets used to the sensation of hanging and moving through the air.
- Your confidence builds before the final lines, which are longer and higher.
By the time you reach the last section, you’re ready for the big “whoa” moments.
Tandem rules for lighter riders
There’s a specific setup for “Tandem Child” participants who weigh 40–69 lbs. The key detail: those riders zip lines 1–4 independently, then do lines 5–7 tandem with a certified guide. So the experience is still structured, not a one-size-fits-all swap.
The last line and Kolekole Falls: The moment you’ll remember
The finale is built around Kolekole Falls. The waterfall is described as downstream from the famous Akaka Falls, so if you’re doing other sights nearby, you’ll have a mental map when you see it from above.
Here are the standout numbers:
- you’ll soar over a 250-foot waterfall
- the last line reaches 1/2 mile
- you’ll be in the air for more than a minute
- you also fly above a 450-foot ravine, with the waterfall crashing below you
That last line isn’t just longer; it’s the payoff for the earlier ramp-up. You spend the earlier zips learning how it feels, then the finale turns that into a full-on aerial viewpoint.
If you’re the type who gets nervous about heights, take comfort in the design: you’re not skipping to the biggest line first. The course keeps you moving step-by-step until the falls reveal itself from above.
Safety rules you should read before you pack

This operator is serious about safety. The list is straightforward, but it’s strict.
Weight, health, and physical ability
You must weigh between 40 and 260 lbs. The policy is strictly enforced. You also need to be physically able to hike 0.5 miles over uneven terrain. That means this tour isn’t only “sit, harness, fly.” You’ll hike and climb before the ziplines.
There’s also guidance on health conditions:
- if you have serious neck, back, or joint injuries, use your own discretion
- if you have chronic heart problems, use your own discretion
- the tour is not suitable for pregnant customers
Shoes and what not to wear
Bring closed-toe shoes. The guidance says you should wear hiking boots or athletic shoes. Open-toed shoes aren’t allowed.
Other no-go items:
- swimwear
- backpacks
- alcohol and drugs
- no smoking of any kind on tour
You’ll also need to sign a release and waiver of liability before taking part, and if you’re bringing someone under 18, a legal guardian must sign for them.
What about the groups and the pace?

The tour lasts about 150 minutes, which is long enough to feel like a real activity without dragging into a half-day slog.
The pacing also matters for first-timers and mixed-age groups. One reason this tour gets high marks is that the course works well for people who are new to ziplining. The early lines are intentionally modest, and the guides coach you so you know what to do.
You’ll also see that families tend to like it, including setups that include kids through older adults. In practice, that usually means the stairs and walking are manageable—but only if you can handle the uneven hike requirement.
Photos and getting there: two simple planning moves
Two things aren’t included, so plan ahead:
- Transportation: you’ll need to arrange your own ride to the meeting point.
- Photos: they’re not included, so if photo memories matter, ask in advance what’s available and what costs extra.
If you’re trying to keep things simple, treat this like an outdoor activity day: arrive on time, wear proper footwear, and plan on being focused once you’re in the harness area.
Who should book this zipline tour (and who should skip it)
This is a great fit if:
- you want a guided, structured zipline course with 7 lines
- you like the idea of mixing ziplining with farm views and local plant spotting
- you’re a first-timer who prefers an experience that builds in difficulty
It’s probably not the right fit if:
- you’re pregnant
- you have heart problems or serious back issues
- you don’t meet the 40–260 lb weight requirement
- you can’t handle a 0.5-mile hike over uneven terrain
Also, if you’re the kind of person who needs a completely low-impact experience, this isn’t that. You’re going to hike, walk, and move on stairs.
The bottom line: Should you book this Hilo zipline tour?
If you’re going to zipline on the Big Island, I’d take this one seriously. The value is in the combination: 7 crossings, serious total distance, and a finale that flies you over Kolekole Falls with long time in the air. The course design—starting smaller and building up—also makes it a smart choice when you’re not sure how your body will react to heights.
Book it if you meet the weight rules, can hike uneven ground, and want the falls to be your main payoff. Skip it if you fall into the health or pregnancy restrictions, or if you’re uncomfortable with stairs and pre-zip walking.
FAQ
How many ziplines are included?
The tour includes 7 zipline crossings.
What’s the duration of the tour?
The tour runs for about 150 minutes.
How long is the final zipline and what will I see?
The final line reaches 1/2 mile and you’ll be soaring for more than a minute. It goes over a private 250-foot Kolekole waterfall area, above a 450-foot ravine.
Where is the meeting point?
You’ll meet at a building on the corner of Honomu Rd. and Old Mamalahoa Hwy.
What should I wear or bring?
Wear closed-toe shoes. The guidance recommends hiking boots or athletic shoes.
What items are not allowed?
Swimwear, open-toed shoes, backpacks, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.
Who can participate based on weight and physical ability?
Participants must weigh between 40 and 260 lbs, and you must be physically able to hike 0.5 miles over uneven terrain.
Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included.
Are photos included in the price?
No, photos are not included.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.






