Choose by Course and Drive, Not a Ranking

Big Island zipline tours split into two useful groups: waterfall-focused courses along the Hāmākua Coast (Hilo side) and a canopy course up in North Kohala. The right pick depends less on a generic ranking than on where you are staying, the youngest rider in your group, and whether you want a stand-alone zipline or a longer waterfall day. So this page is organized by geography, Hilo side first, Kohala second — not by preference.

Four operators currently run bookable courses: Umauma Experience, Botanical World Adventures, Hawaii Zipline & Hiking Tours, and Kohala Zipline. Older comparison articles may still name Skyline for the Honomu course, list KapohoKine zipline-and-volcano packages, or describe Kohala's former eight-line format. Those names and course details may no longer match current booking navigation. We checked the operator pages in July 2026, but prices, hours, and rider rules can change. Confirm the specifics on the booking screen before you pay.

Hāmākua Coast — Umauma Experience (Hakalau)

Umauma Experience runs the widest menu on the Hāmākua Coast. The flagship 9-Line Zipline Tour crosses the Umauma River with waterfall views and side-by-side dual sections. A shorter 4-Line Zip Tour runs as a lighter option, and the Zip N Dip day pairs the full course with swimming and kayaking in the operator's private river area.

This is the cleanest fit for a group that wants the zipline itself to anchor the day. Umauma's main site currently lists zipline participation for ages four and older, while the booking flow sets the detailed height, weight, and course-specific rules. Check every rider against those live requirements.

• Long dual lines, river gulches, and waterfall views — the zipline is the day.
• Pairs naturally with a Hāmākua Coast plan built around Umauma Falls.
• Confirm on the booking screen which format (9-line, 4-line, or Zip N Dip) is running on your date, and re-check the current height and weight numbers for every rider.

Hāmākua Coast — Botanical World Adventures (Hakalau)

Botanical World Adventures runs an eight-line course with a suspension bridge at its Hakalau garden property north of Hilo. The route looks across tropical plantings and Kamaeʻe Falls, and the same property sells self-guided garden access for anyone in the group who would rather stay on the ground.

Pick this one when the trip is based in Hilo or when you want a zipline stitched into the ʻAkaka Falls and Hāmākua Coast corridor. The operator's current page lists ages four and older, with its youngest and lightest riders paired tandem with a guide on some lines. Check the live weight and health rules before booking.

• Eight rainforest lines, a suspension bridge, and Kamaeʻe Falls views.
• Non-riders can walk the gardens on the same property.
• Recheck the age, weight, footwear, and weather policy on the operator's page before booking.

Hāmākua Coast — Hawaii Zipline & Hiking Tours (Honomu)

Hawaii Zipline & Hiking Tours runs a seven-line course on private land in Honomu, minutes from ʻAkaka Falls State Park. The route ends on a roughly half-mile dual line over 250-foot Kolekole Falls. Its current booking page offers child tickets for ages four through twelve and publishes rider weight limits; check the live rules for each child before paying.

Choose this course when the group wants a dedicated zipline rather than a garden or river combo. The operator also runs a separate cruise-ship pickup version out of Hilo Harbor, so confirm whether you are booking the standard Honomu self-drive check-in or a port package.

• Seven progressively longer lines with a waterfall finale.
• Fits a Honomu, ʻAkaka Falls, and Hilo-side day.
• Confirm the live age and weight rules, then pick the right check-in (Honomu vs. cruise pickup).

North Kohala — Kohala Zipline (Hāwī)

The current Kohala Zipline course page says Phase 1 of its new Kohala Canopy Adventure is open with five ziplines, two sky bridges, and a spiral tree staircase. The operator advertises about two hours from start to finish. A full-day Zip and Dip adds a private-waterfall stop after the canopy course.

This is the logical choice for guests staying along the Kohala Coast or anyone already planning a day around Hāwī and North Kohala. The operator currently lists a minimum age of eight and publishes rider weight limits. Recheck those requirements on the live course page.

• Compact canopy route with sky bridges and a spiral tree staircase.
• Fits a Kohala Coast, Hāwī, and North Kohala day.
• Make sure every rider can manage the bridges and staircase, and check the live weight range.

Course Comparison at a Glance

Use this as a planning shortcut, then confirm the live booking rules.

Booking Checklist

• Check every rider, not just the youngest. Age minimums, weight floors, weight ceilings, mobility, and health restrictions vary by course.
• Wear secure closed-toe shoes, and read the operator's exact footwear rule before leaving the hotel.
• Compare course time to total day time. Check-in, gear fitting, transport to the first platform, and the drive back to your hotel all sit outside the advertised zip time.
• Read the rain and cancellation policy. A wet Hāmākua morning does not automatically cancel a tour, but unsafe conditions can change operations.
• Ask about phones and action cameras. A course may allow a secured GoPro-style camera while banning a loose phone or handheld device.
• Decide up front between the base course and the combo. Umauma's Zip N Dip and Kohala's Zip and Dip take a full activity day; the base courses leave room for sightseeing.

Related reading: Umauma Falls guide · ʻAkaka Falls State Park · Big Island waterfall adventures · Big Island ATV tours · Things to do in Hilo · All Big Island activities