Talk Story with an Advertiser: Kohala Zipline
Rob Pacheco has a passion for the natural world of Hawai‘i. His passion began almost as soon as he stepped off the plane in 1990 and quickly realized that these islands contained diverse and unique ecosystems rivaling any place on earth. He had worked as a naturalist on the mainland and concluded most residents and visitors were only seeing Hawai‘i’s beautiful scenery and had little knowledge of Hawai‘i’s natural history.
He decided to combine his passion and vision—to share the natural history with others and to help conserve Hawai‘i’s endangered environment by educating them about it. It was a vision that fit well with the growing worldwide interest in eco-tourism.
Soon thereafter, and with the help of his wife Cindy, the idea for Hawaii Forest & Trail was born in 1994. Many years later, Rob and Cindy opened a second business and Kohala Zipline was born.
If you are new to ziplines, please know that your safety and comfort always come first. Kohala Zipline has one of the best guide to guest ratios in Hawai‘i—one guide for every four guests. Your first zip is a short practice run for education. Kohala Zipline guides provide detailed, hands-on instructions and teach you how to adjust your speed and orientation.
As you glide from tree to tree during the course itself, guides are available to help you at each platform, a strategy that’s part of their redundant safety systems. There is time on the platforms for the guides to answer all your questions, from basic know-how to place-based inquiry and technical intricacy.
North Kohala is a land of stunning beauty and profound cultural significance. Towering waterfalls and resplendent forests create the backdrop on which the story of King Kamehameha the Great begins. Kohala Zipline offers exciting and educational adventures in the lands of Hawai‘i’s first king.
Old Hawai‘i comes alive on the Kohala Zip & Dip as you zipline high above the forest floor, picnic on the rim of Pololū Valley, and swim under a private waterfall.
The Kohala Zipline Kohala Canopy Tour is unique as it’s almost entirely tree-based. The elevated platforms are built directly into the trees. The suspension bridges arch high above a streambed. You are up in the forest at all times, so you can fully experience a serene Hawaiian environment. How do they get you out of the trees? The course ends with a safe and exciting rappel.
Whether you live here or are a visitor, you are sure to enjoy this amazing experience!
Kohala Zipline
7:30am–3pm, 7 days a week
808.331.3620
55-515 Hawi Road, Hawi
KohalaZipline.com
This story is a special feature for our advertisers. If you have a business you would like to have featured, please call 808.327.1711 x1.
