Ziplining is a popular activity for visitors of all ages, combining a rush of adrenaline with scenic beauty. O‘ahu has four zipline courses spread out across the island, and each offers something different in terms of its location, size, stature, and extracurricular activities.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
- An introduction to ziplining
- Comparison of all O‘ahu ziplines
- 1: Climbworks
- 2: Jurassic Ziplines
- 3: Coral Crater
- 4: Bayview zipline
What is ziplining?
As the name suggests, ziplining consists of riding (zipping) down one or more cables, experience the thrill of flight at sometimes considerable speed thanks to the force of gravity. Zip line courses can be split in roughly two categories: those designed for speed (adrenaline rush!) or those designed for the scenic views that let you enjoy the natural surroundings such as our lush rainforest and/or waterfalls.
What to expect on a zipline tour
Zipline tours generally start with a safety instruction that includes getting you a well-fitting safety harness. Afterwards you are transported to the first zipline and you can start zipping. You hike or drive between the different ziplines, and depending on which tour you choose extra stops are made to explain interesting things about local culture and/or history.
In total, these tours take between 2 and 3 hours. Some other things that are good to know about ziplining are:
- Ziplining is always done with the assistance of professional guides.
- “Dual-track” ziplines are very popular now, but why? Dual-track simply means that there are two lines (tracks) next to each other, which means that two people can ride side-by-side at the same time. Sharing the zip with family or friends is a lot of fun!
- You will wear a safety harness during ziplining. These harnesses only come in limited sizes which means size and/or weight restrictions are part of ziplining.
- No personal gear or prior experience is necessary to zipline. Helmets and gloves are provided, but you are required to wear closed-toed footwear (sneakers, hiking boots, crocs, etc.). We also recommend you wear some comfy clothes (nothing too loose or baggy) and to tie your hair back if it’s long.
Complete list of Zipline Tours on O‘ahu
There are 4 ziplines on O‘ahu. 3 of those offer multiple-hour “adventures”, while the 4th one (the Bayview Zipline) lets you buy rides on a per-zip basis. The number of lines differs for each location with an average of ~ 6 ziplines, the longest of which is 2400 feet (730 meters)! The speeds you can reach while soaring down depend on a lot of variables (including your weight) but speeds up to 35 mph are reachable.
| # of lines: | Best for: | Price: | Duration: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climbworks | 8 | Thrill Seekers | $180 | 3 hours |
| Jurassic Ziplines | 7 | Scenery | $183 | 2.5 hours |
| Coral Crater | 6 | Families | $100 | 2 hours |
| Bayview zipline | 1 | Beginners | $30/line | n/a |
We list the most important differences between the zipline tours in the table above. Keep reading for a more in-depth description for each one.
Climbworks Keana Farms
Best For: Thrill Seekers
Climbworks offers the longest tour by time, and has the longest and highest line on O‘ahu, making it the clear choice for those who prioritize an adrenaline rush above all else. Though not as dramatic as Kualoa, Keana Farms boasts its fair share of scenic beauty.
A working ranch along the North Shore, it offers views of the ocean from its lines. Educational exhibits on Hawai‘i history, culture, and farming are also included in the tour.
- Location: North O‘ahu, 40 miles (1 hour) from Waikīkī
- Price: $180
- Tour Length: 3 hours
- Other Activities included in tour: A 10-minute, 2-mile ATV ride, 2 rappels, and 3 sky bridges
- Number of ziplines: 8
- Length of lines: between 500 and 2400 feet
- Highest line: 150 feet
- Minimum age: 7. Participants ages 7-14 must have an adult go on the tour with them.
- Weight restrictions: max. weight: 270 lbs (122 kg)
- Website: CLIMB Works zipline tours
Kualoa Ranch – Jurassic Ziplines
Best For: Scenery
Kualoa Ranch is located on one of the best-preserved ahupua‘a (land division) on O‘ahu, with jagged mountain peaks and wide open valleys. It’s no surprise, then, that it has been the film location for dozens of movies throughout the decades, and the stunning scenery also makes it a wonderful place to horseback ride.
While not the longest or the highest, this zipline course’s location ensures you’ll get equal doses of scenic beauty and adrenaline-driven adventure. Plus, there’s a whole lot more to see on the Ranch afterwards, including a cafe selling the ranch’s own beef, chicken, and oysters.
- Location: East O‘ahu, 23 miles (37 minutes) from Waikīkī.
- Price: $183
- Tour Length: 2 hours in the zip course, excluding ~45 minutes of drive time to and from the Zip Tour Base Camp during which you will be able to see some of the many Movie Site locations.
- Other Activities included in tour: 2 suspension bridges and 3 mini-hiking nature trails about 5 minutes in length.
- Number of ziplines: 7
- Length of lines: between 200 and 1300 feet
- Minimum Age: none, but there are size restrictions
- Size restrictions: To properly fit the safety harness the following size restrictions are implemented: Height: 4’8” – 6’9” (1.4m – 2.05 m), Waist Size: 22” – 50” (55cm – 127cm), Upper Thigh Size: 18” – 28” (45cm – 71cm).
- Weight restrictions: between 70 and 280 lbs (32 and 127 kg)
- Website: Jurassic Ziplines website
Coral Crater Adventure Park
Best For: Families
Coral Crater is a family adventure park that features a short (as compared to Climbworks and Kualoa) zipline course and an array of other activities, such as off-roading, climbing, and an adventure tower. One key differentiation is that Coral Crater offers after-dark zipline tours, something that’s popular with families.
Located in a small lot in Kapolei, it does not offer the same sense of place that you’ll find at Kualoa and Climbworks.
- Location: South-west O‘ahu, 25 miles (32 minutes) from Waikīkī
- Price: $100 for the 3 zipline option, $180 for the 6 zipline option.
- Tour Length: 2 hours
- Number of ziplines: 6
- Length of lines: between 300 and 900 feet
- Minimum Age: 6
- Weight restrictions: between 60 and 275 lbs (27 and 125 kg)
- Other Activities on Site: ATV; Climbing Wall
- Website: Coral Crater zipline tours
Bayview Mini Putt and Zipline
Best For: Beginners and Budget Conscious
Located in Kaneohe, Bayview is a small family center that has a modest 3-line zipline course. The smallest and lowest course on the island, this entry-level experience is for true beginners simply looking to get their feet wet. Because it is not a guided canopy tour, the cost is significantly cheaper, and you can pay by the ride.
- Location: South-east O‘ahu, 14 miles (24 minutes) from Waikīkī
- Price: $30 one ride, $40 three rides (per person)
- Tour Length: n/a
- Number of ziplines: 1
- Zipline length: 400 feet
- Minimum Age: 6
- Weight restrictions: between 60 and 240 lbs (27 and 109 kg)
- Other Activities on Site: Mini golf.
- Website: Bay View website
Zipline Tours on other Hawaiian islands
Because of the tropical nature, waterfalls, and volcanoes, ziplining is a popular activity on all Hawaiian islands. We have written comparisons of all zipline offerings in the state: