Zip Through Maui

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It's not surprising a number of zipline outfitters have popped up on Maui in the last few years: the island's many peaks and valleys create a terrain that lends itself beautifully to the increasingly popular outdoor activity. Luckily for you, while each of Maui's five zipline tours provide a custom experience, they all deliver the adrenaline spiked thrill of flinging yourself into the hands of gravity.

Why not start our zip tour on the nation's first-ever zipline? Created in 2002 by zipline pioneers Skyline EcoAdventures, the Haleakala Skyline Tour offers a gentle progression of five lines. The slow, easy start and grand finale finish make a great entry-level zipline, especially for those who's will for daring-do is a little more reserved. The lines zigzag down a gulch so views are somewhat limited. The experience, which takes a little over an hour, is rounded out with a short five-minute hike and bit of education on native forestry and fauna. At an hour and a half, this tour can be conveniently piggybacked on day trip to Haleakala Crater.

As with most new adrenalin sports, the mantra quickly becomes bigger, faster, more. Skyline EcoAdventures answered the call with a second 8-line zip tour traversing the ruggedly steep valleys above Kaanapali. Zippers bump, bump, bump their way up to the course in 4WD vehicles. The reward is a half-day adventure with sweeping views of West Maui and the islands beyond. The tour includes a picnic at a valley overlook at a 1000 ft. elevation, providing a visit to an otherwise un-accessible pocket of paradise. It is worth noting that the harness/ trolley system that Skyline EcoAdventures uses, which is different from other operators on Maui, allows for spinning while on the line. Though some amount of steering can be done with your leading hand (the guides will demonstrate the technique) beginners may find themselves executing a less-than-graceful backwards dismount on the landing platforms. Some, on the other hand, may enjoy the extra thrill.

Kapalua Resort fastened their carabineers next, taking off in signature high-end style. Upping the ante, Kapalua Adventures' eight ziplines feature parallel lines so you can glide through the air side-by-side with your honey—or race your brother. Their harness and pulley system offers more of a supportive seat and fixes you in a forward position. The course sprawls over a scant two miles and come complete with ropes course tower and giant two-person free-fall swing. The fun starts at the mountain outpost at 1400 ft. elevation. It sits on the edge of a pristine nature preserve and overlooks Molokai and Lanai. Warning: incredible views ahead! Kapalua has maximized the variety of their equipment into a handful of tailor-made tours from the 4.5 hour "Ultimate" to shorter experiences, and some combining the ropes course or swing. Kapalua cleverly offers a sunset zipline and, for those zippers who've done it all, full moon tours are offered once a month. Hint: choose a tour that includes line #3, at 2,300 feet it is among the longest in the state.

One of Maui's oldest ranching families recently got in the game, allotting a gorgeous stretch of their verdant upcountry land to building a state-of-the-art zipline course right outside of Makawao town at Piiholo Ranch. Similar to Kapalua, Piiholo uses the seat-style harness and four-point trolley system, and their entire course is parallel lines for side-by-side fun. Their six different lines crisscross each other, playing off of the ranch's rolling terrain and forestry. The compact nature of the course lends itself well to walk alongs, which are available for those who'd feel more comfortable playing photographer. But for those that want to streak down a cable like lightening, Piiholo delivers—and big. This course boasts a 2,800 foot long finale line (line #5) and another that accommodate four side-by-side zippers (line #1). Now that's togetherness! Along with two different zipline tours, Piiholo offers their Tango Tower, a massive structure with a number of climbing challenges. Ask about renting a helmet cam to record your experience.

Across the central valley is the island's newest outfitter, The Flyin' Hawaiian Zipline. This massive five-hour tour scales over two miles of ridgelines from Waikapu to Maalaea. Because the tour is located on the dryer side of the island, the topography is decidedly different. Expansive views are afforded in nearly all directions. The course's eight lines create a point-to-point tour and the experience comes complete with the opportunity to take part in a native reforestation initiative. Get ready for a real leap of faith on the tour's 3,200 ft "monster" line—you'll barely be able to see the landing platform! More than the other tours, this tour requires a little more hiking and is more physically demanding. But don't worry, you don't have to hike back to the start, shuttles are provided.

Each of these zipline operators varies slightly on their age and weight restrictions and health requirements, so be sure to carefully to research thoroughly before booking. All recommend sneakers or lace-up shoes, comfortable clothing and dressing in layers. And of course, hats and sunscreen are always appropriate.

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