April 26, 2024

The Best Zip Lines on Oahu

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have limited or ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

Known as “the heart of Hawaii,” Oahu is cherished for its beautiful beaches, turquoise-colored waters, lush landscapes, and verdant forests and jungles. Thanks to its dramatic natural beauty, Oahu is the perfect destination to explore by zip line from high above in the treetops. After consulting both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News identified the following outings as the best available. These airborne adventures promise hours of high-flying fun for first-time zip liners and experts alike.

Note: Each zip line tour operator has a different weight, height and age requirement. Some tours also have a higher level of activity, so it’s best to check the requirements and guidelines prior to booking. All of the companies recommend wearing comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Due to safety concerns, the tours are not recommended for pregnant women.

CLIMB Works Keana Farms – Zipline Tour on Oahu’s North Shore

Keana Farms’ guided zip line tour features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Koolau Mountains and the picturesque North Shore. The company’s zip lines are some of the longest on Oahu (between 500 to more than 2,400 feet). The three-hour adventure begins with a 10-minute, 2-mile ATV ride through the jungle and the company’s working agricultural farm to the top of the mountain. The tour continues with a thrilling ride on one of eight side-by-side zip lines that start at approximately 410 feet above sea level. Along the way, you’ll encounter two rappels, four sky bridges, scenic boardwalks and other surprises while exploring the working farm. Plus, you’ll enjoy a few samples of the farm’s produce. During the tour, guides will share information about Hawaii’s history and culture and offer a unique perspective of the North Shore.

Tours are offered Monday to Saturday. They depart every 20 to 40 minutes (this timing varies daily), beginning at 8 a.m. The last tour is usually at 2 p.m., but it can be later in the busy summer season. Participants must be at least 7 years old to ride. Prices start at $169 per person and include all of the adventure activities above. Water is available to tourgoers on the property. Reviewers rave about the entertaining tour guides and the incredible experience. Many say it was the highlight of their trip and that they can’t wait to come back and do it again. The company also offers packages that combine zip lining with other activities like a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Transportation from Waikiki is also available.

Kualoa Ranch – Jurassic Valley Zipline Tour

Tour-takers can soar above the landscapes that appeared in movies like “Jurassic World” at this zip line course located in eastern Oahu. Kualoa Ranch is an approximately 4,000-acre private and sustainable nature reserve spanning the Kaaawa, Hakipuu and Kualoa valleys. Kualoa, known as “the backlot of Hawaii,” has been the backdrop for films like “Along Came Polly,” “Jurassic Park” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.” The ranch’s three-hour guided zip line tour begins at the top of the Kaaawa Valley and features seven tandem zip lines, three short hiking trails and two suspension bridges. The zip lines range from 200 to 1,320 feet long. During the tour, participants will learn about Hawaiian traditions and culture, as well as the region’s indigenous flora and fauna. Travelers say that it’s an incredible excursion for first-time zip liners and praise the knowledgeable and entertaining guides. They also comment that they enjoy seeing the movie sets during the tour.

Jurassic Valley Zipline Tours are offered daily every 30 minutes between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Prices are about $170 for adults and $140 for children ages 7 to 12. Optional round-trip transportation from Waikiki costs about $15 per person. Each tour accommodates a maximum of 10 people. The company recommends booking in advance as the tours usually sell out during their busy season, May to August. Kuaola Ranch also offers several other outings, including a movie-themed tour.

Coral Crater Adventure Park – Full Zipline Tour

Coral Crater Adventure Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to soar through the treetops above a 10-acre crater. The quarry was originally created by the U.S. Navy in the 1940s to be used as a naval airport. See this and more on the company’s two-hour Full Zipline Tour, which includes six unique lines that range from 300 to 900 feet in length and reach up to 25 mph. Participants must be at least 6 years of age. The cost is approximately $150 per person for the morning tours and $140 for afternoon excursions. The company also offers optional round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels at $29.99 per person. Reviewers say the guides and staff are friendly and helpful. They also comment that this is an entertaining outing for multi-generational families. You’ll find Coral Crater on the southern coast of Oahu, just north of the Kalaeloa Airport.

Coral Crater Adventure Park is open daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and tours are offered on the hour. The 35-acre park features a variety of other family-friendly activities and attractions, including a 50-foot high freefall, a climbing wall, an aerial obstacle course and ATV rides on the trails surrounding the quarry. For all-day family fun, book one of the Adventure Packages that include transportation and offers some or all of the above-mentioned activities, including zip lining, at discounted prices. These combo packages start at $200 per person.

Coral Crater Adventure Park – Half Zipline Tour

Coral Crater’s 60-minute Half Zipline tour is perfect for adventure seekers that don’t want to invest a lot of time in one outing. It’s also ideal for first-timers curious about zip lining who want to check it out before committing to an extended excursion. The park’s shorter tour includes three zip lines that range in length from 300 to 900 feet. Guides are with participants during the ride, so even novices will feel secure. Additionally, the lines have a breaking system so tour-takers will not need to worry about stopping themselves. This tour is available daily on the hour.

The cost is approximately $100 per person for the morning tours and $90 for afternoon outings. There are discounts for Hawaii residents and military personnel. Tour-takers comment that the guides are patient and knowledgeable, especially for beginners. They also say that it’s a fun experience and they appreciate the guides’ focus on safety protocols. For a thrilling evening out, book one of the nighttime outings. After zip lining across three lines during sunset, tourgoers are treated to s’mores over a campfire. When the sky is pitch black, riders head back out to experience three more zip lines in the dark.

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