Looking for the next, latest and greatest Big Island adventure? Travel to the very tip top of the island of Hawaii and join in the zip line fun! A few minutes drive toward the incredibly beautiful Pololu Valley from the picturesque town of Kapa’au, is the Big Island Zipline Tour. A four-hour block of fun under the Big Island sun; Or rain. The staff is famous for saying “Rain or shine, Zipline!” Which is critical to know, because it can pour down rain in North Kohala, as if you were standing under a waterfall. This tour has waterfalls, galore!
The adventure begins with strapping into the harnesses and choosing a protective hat. All hats have names across the front, and “Hairball” just expressed how I was feeling that morning as we climbed into the 6-wheel drive, off road truck and headed up mauka. Here’s the big secret; The drive up to the zip line is about 20 minutes of crossing (on a perfectly legal easement) over private land, that otherwise, most people would never have an opportunity to see; Including myself! I feel exceedingly grateful that my job as Broker-in-Charge for Hawaii Life includes the opportunity to walk and drive across some of the most incredibly gorgeous and sacred land on this island. The land in this area is definitely all of those things. The drive, the geography, the scenery, our guides; Wayne and Keali’i  are all worth the price of admission alone.
Then, there is the zip line experience itself:
You can see a waterfall from this zip line, along with a few others. The adventurer can also take in the ocean and some of the most amazing scenery ever; like an Albezia tree forest gently rippling in the wind. Other trees so tall, you’ll think you’re in the Redwoods, which in fact are Eucalyptus trees. Along with a path through the forest, which triggers me to look around for Frodo or Ewoks, perhaps. It’s relaxing and inspiring, grounding and uplifting, all at the same time.
We had a wonderfully sunny morning of eight zips and breathtaking (jumping) experiences along with incredible scenery. Embraced by the land, we all felt like ‘ohana by the end of our four hour tour. For those who arrived scared of heights, made personal breakthroughs and received opportunities to challenge those fears. For those of us who went for the thrill, we got everything we paid for, and then some. A week later, I still can’t shake the fabulous memories and anticipation of repeating the experience, that only this special place can offer.
Rain or Shine – Zipline! http://www.bigislandziplinetour.com
Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)
July 21, 2009
Katie, it is funny how often people ask me if I don’t feel isolated way up here in Kapa’au. In fact, it is quite the opposite as I feel like I’m already living at the destination others leave their homes and hotels to experience! But let me make clear that within 7 or 8 mile stretch from Puakea to Pololu, you have rainfall ranging from maybe 15 inches per year to 70 inches or more. Have to check out our rainfall map: http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/06/a-world-of-climate-zones-on-the-big-island/ The area you zipped through is indeed where you can feel like you are under a waterfall even when you aren’t, but most of that rain comes during a few winter weeks and only after dark in the summer. Sort of like that song from the movie “Camelot…”
Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)
July 21, 2009
Katie, it is funny how often people ask me if I don’t feel isolated way up here in Kapa’au. In fact, it is quite the opposite as I feel like I’m already living at the destination others leave their homes and hotels to experience! But let me make clear that within 7 or 8 mile stretch from Puakea to Pololu, you have rainfall ranging from maybe 15 inches per year to 70 inches or more. Have to check out our rainfall map: http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/06/a-world-of-climate-zones-on-the-big-island/ The area you zipped through is indeed where you can feel like you are under a waterfall even when you aren’t, but most of that rain comes during a few winter weeks and only after dark in the summer. Sort of like that song from the movie “Camelot…”