Sky-High Waterfalls: 9-Line Zipline Over Umauma Falls on the Big Island

Zipline · Waikoloa Village

9-line Zip & Transportation

Soar across two miles of ziplines above river gorges and more than fourteen waterfalls at Umauma Falls. This full-day tour from Waikoloa Village blends family-friendly thrills with striking coastal and mountain views.

View experience
Duration6.5–7.5 hours
LocationWaikoloa Village, Hawaii
OperatorUmauma Falls & ZipLine Experience

Adventure brief

9-line Zip & Transportation

Soar across two miles of ziplines above river gorges and more than fourteen waterfalls at Umauma Falls. This full-day tour from Waikoloa Village blends family-friendly thrills with striking coastal and mountain views.

On Hawai‘i’s Hamakua Coast the 9-line Zip & Transportation tour launches at Umauma Falls (meeting point: 31-313 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Hakalau HI 96710), about an hour north of Hilo and a scenic shuttle ride from Waikoloa Village. Over roughly 6½–7½ hours you’ll traverse two miles of ziplines that sweep across river gorges, lava tubes, fern grottos and ocean-facing ridgelines, delivering close-up views of more than fourteen waterfalls and the broad flank of Mauna Kea. This is an active, family-friendly outing: guests as young as four can ride, and the course accepts weights between 35 and 275 pounds.

The first four dual lines open the tour with long, fast runs; line #2 pauses over a hundred-foot cascade while line #4 sends riders more than two thousand feet across river water and falls. Between lines you cross a 200-foot suspension bridge that hangs a hundred feet above a water-filled lava tube, and a guest-only shelter affords a privileged view of the famous dual falls at the apex of the route. Local flavor and natural drama make the experience unique.

The riparian corridor supports native ohia and ferns and is home to the native Hawaiian hawk (I‘o), which guests sometimes spot circling above the gorge. Geologically the route threads old lava flows carved by streams and holds one of the island’s most accessible concentrations of waterfalls, the kind of scenery most Big Island residents rarely see from this angle. Logistics are straightforward: pick-up is offered from Waikoloa (Waikoloa Queens’ Shops and the Shops at Mauna Lani) with the latest return by mid afternoon; check-in at the park requires arriving 45 minutes early.

Tours run rain or shine and rainwear is provided. Expect moderate to advanced exertion—participants must be able to climb several flights of stairs and walk short distances. Closed-toe shoes and secured eyewear are required; pregnant guests or those with serious back or neck conditions cannot participate.

Why book it? Few zipline operators combine length, waterfall density and ocean views in one route. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, family memories, or dramatic photos, this trip delivers layered scenery, technical zipping and thoughtful safety standards. Reserve through the provided referral link to lock your spot and experience one of the Big Island’s signature aerial adventures.

The operator emphasizes safety with certified guides, redundant harness systems and on-site briefings before each line; no previous experience is necessary. Pickup windows start at 8:00am from Waikoloa Queens’ Shops and 8:15am at the Shops at Mauna Lani, with a latest drop-off around 3:15pm. Note the 48 hour cancellation policy when you book.

For travelers staying on the Kohala or Hilo sides this tour turns a long coastal stretch into a single, unforgettable day of Hawaiian scenery. Book early.

Adventure tips

Plan your experience.

Curated tips for an optimal adventure.

  1. 01
    Arrive 45 minutes early

    Check-in begins 45 minutes before launch for harnessing, safety briefings, and gear checks.

    essential
  2. 02
    Wear closed-toe shoes

    Sturdy sneakers or light hiking shoes protect your feet and improve stability on platforms and stair climbs.

    essential
  3. 03
    Secure cameras and glasses

    Use straps or wrist leashes — waterfalls and wind can send loose items flying during long runs.

    warning
  4. 04
    Plan for shifting weather

    Hamakua Coast weather changes fast; bring a light rain shell and a dry bag for electronics.

    info
DifficultyModerate
Duration6.5–7.5 hours
FitnessParticipants should be able to climb several flights of stairs and walk short distances; good mobility and basic cardio recommended.
Technical skillsNone

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

Closed-toe shoes

Protects feet and provides traction on platforms and stairs.

Essential
02

Light rain shell

Rainwear keeps you dry during sudden showers and is provided if needed, but a personal shell is handy.

winter
03

Secure camera or phone strap

Keeps your camera or phone attached during long ziplines and windy conditions.

Essential
04

Small daypack

Carries water, sunscreen, and a spare layer without getting in the way on the course.

Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

Nearby secrets

Guest-only shelter with a private view of the dual falls at line #7, Fern grotto and water-filled lava tube visible from the 200' suspension bridge

Wildlife

Local fauna

Native Hawaiian hawk (I‘o), Humpback whale (seasonal offshore sightings)

History

Historic heritage

The Umauma Falls corridor sits along historic Hamakua ranch and agricultural lands where waterfalls and streams have shaped both ecosystem and local land use.

Conservation

Mindful exploration

Follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on marked platforms, and avoid disturbing native plants; supporting guided operators helps fund land stewardship in the gorge.

Photography tips

Capture the moments

Viewpoints
From the suspension bridge looking into the lava tube and grotto, Guest-only shelter overlooking the dual falls, Platform at the ocean-view line for coastal panoramas
Subjects
Waterfalls and river gorges, Aerial motion shots on long dual lines, Native forest and circling I‘o hawk
Best times
Morning golden hour, Late afternoon for softer light, Overcast for rich greens

Frequently asked questions

Before you go.

What are the age and weight limits?

Minimum age is 4 years; weight limits are 35–275 lbs. Children must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older to ride in the van.

Where and when are pickups?

Pickup is offered from Waikoloa Queens’ Shops (8:00am) and the Shops at Mauna Lani Foodland parking (8:15am); return times vary with the latest drop-off around 3:15pm.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is a 48 hour cancellation policy; bookings cancelled less than 48 hours before tour time will be charged in full.

Do tours run in the rain?

Yes — tours run rain or shine and rainwear is provided if needed.

How physically demanding is the tour?

The tour is moderate to advanced: expect stair climbs and short walks between platforms but no technical climbing skills are required.

Can I take photos on the lines?

Yes — you may bring cameras, but they must be secured with straps or wrist leashes; guides may restrict shots on certain lines for safety.

Umauma Falls & ZipLine Experience

Sky-High Waterfalls: 9-Line Zipline Over Umauma Falls on the Big Island