As our 6-wheeler Pinzauer truck lurches up the mountainside, we wonder if we signed up for the right adventure.  Big Island Eco-Adventures recently opened up the first zip-line tour on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Maui and Kaui already have this experience available so when the Big Island got their long-awaited eco tour, people have steadily signed up for this amazing half-day trip. 

The tour originates on the North side of the island near the town of Hawi, where there is more than enough rain to provide the lush canopy over waterfalls and valleys that create an amazing setting for a zipline tour. There are a total of eight cables over the hillside, starting out shorter and flatter with platforms and eventually working up to two cliff jumps down 1000-foot lines. After the truck stops mid-way up the mountainside, the 8 of us in our group walk up a pathway cut through the tropical jungle.  Large ironwood and albizia trees imported from Africa provide the canopy for the many local species of birds that thrive in this area.  The smell of guava and the wild ginger plants engage all of our senses as we walk through this surreal setting.  Making our way to the first cable, our local guides, Keali’i and Ika Ika, make sure our harnesses are secure.  Their easy going local humor make you feel at ease before taking that first leap.  As I make that first plunge from the platform I whisk across the 250-foot  line twirling as I go.  It’s an easy trip and not quite the adrenaline rush I had hoped for.  Each cable gradually progresses the adventure so that the excitement builds as we quickly become adept with controlling our spins and learning how to come in for “soft landings”.   Midway through the tour, they take a break in a hut which they have built overlooking a beautiful waterfall.  They have provided us with juice and fresh macadamia nuts which we learn to shell ourselves. 

After our snack, we find ourselves walking down to the final two jumps which are the “big ones”.  We first have to cross a suspension bridge across a deep gorge below.  Having a mild fear of heights, I look below at the 300ft drop into the stream below…it’s an unsteady walk, but safe our harnesses are attached to an overhead cable should we fall.  My head spins slightly but I conquer my fear and make it quickly across to the other side.

The last two lines require a run and jump off the cliff while you’re then carried over 1000ft canyons.  Unleashing my “cowabunga” I take a running jump and leap into the air…now THIS is what I was looking for!  Floating over the waterfall and canyon below I see the ocean in the distance and feel that for a few brief seconds I am flying.  The exhilaration is amazing and for a moment I feel young again.  One more last trip like the one before, only longer, and now I am hooked.  

Big Island Eco-Adventures is planning its next phase —extreme zip-lining.  Their plan is to have a separate extreme tour with eight lines that are as exciting as the last two.  This way those who want an easier version have that option.  Me, I’ll come back for the extreme…I’m an expert now. 

Sue Waymire, CTC

Hawaii Specialist