Kauai: Koloa Zipline Adventure & Flyin' Kauai'ian Harness

Summary

Zip through Kauai forests soar over Waita reservoir try flying harness

You’ll start your Koloa zipline adventure surrounded by Kauai’s lush forests and warm local humor. Fly hands-free over Waita Reservoir using the Flyin’ Kauai’ian harness, learn zipline tricks from your guide, and snack mid-tour while swapping stories with fellow travelers. The wind, laughter, and wild views will stick with you long after you land.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at the Koloa zipline office was the smell — sunscreen and damp earth, mixed with that faint sweetness you only get in Kauai after rain. Our guide, Maka, handed out harnesses and cracked a joke about “superhero mode.” I honestly didn’t think I’d be brave enough for the Flyin’ Kauai’ian harness, but somehow peer pressure (and maybe too much coffee) got me clipped in before I could overthink it. The gear felt snug but not uncomfortable, and Maka double-checked every strap like he was packing his own kid for school.

We hiked a short trail under these enormous monkeypod trees — their leaves made this soft flickering shadow on our faces. At the first platform, you could see the Waita reservoir glinting below. Someone in our group tried to pronounce it properly; Li laughed when I tried to say it in Hawaiian — probably butchered it. The wind up there is different: sharper and cooler than down by the road. When it was my turn, Maka gave me this quick nod and off I went, flying hands-free above the trees. My stomach dropped for a second but then all I could hear was wind and my own ridiculous whooping.

I’m not sure what possessed me to try going upside down (Maka called it “zipline aerobatics”), but there’s something about being that high up that makes you forget how you look. My legs were shaking when I landed, but in a good way — like after running into cold water. We did a few more lines; each one felt faster or maybe just scarier because you knew what was coming. Snacks at the halfway point tasted better than they should’ve — salt from my hands on a granola bar, which sounds weird but trust me.

On the last line we paired up for tandem zipping — kids went with guides or parents depending on weight (the guides handled all of that). There was this moment where everything just went quiet except for someone laughing behind me and birds calling out from somewhere deep in the forest. I still think about that view over the reservoir sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Koloa Zipline Adventure in Kauai

• Check in at tour office
• Receive Flyin' Kauai'ian harness
• Zipline over Waita Reservoir
• Soar through native forests
• Learn zipline aerobatics
• Enjoy tandem zip for kids
• View and film epic scenery

Top questions

How long are the ziplines on the Koloa Zipline tour?

The Koloa Zipline features some of the longest lines on Kauai, soaring above forests and Waita Reservoir.

Is there an age or weight limit for this zipline tour?

Yes, there is a 280 lbs weight limit. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 25 or older.

What is included in the Koloa Zipline tour?

The tour includes snacks during your adventure along with all necessary safety equipment.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at 1 Mahaulepu Rd, Koloa HI 96756 for check-in 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

Can kids do tandem zipping on this tour?

Yes, lighter guests including kids may be asked to tandem zip with a guide or partner depending on conditions.

Are there any health restrictions for participants?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with recent surgery or certain health conditions.

Do guides teach any special ziplining techniques?

Yes, guides show fun moves like Starfish or Upside Down if you’re feeling adventurous!

What’s included

Your day includes all safety gear fitted by experienced local guides and snacks along the route—plus instruction on zipline tricks if you want to try them—before returning to base at Koloa after your adventure above Waita Reservoir.