06
Mar
2011
jloomis

Ziplining with Kauai Backcountry Adventures

The weather changed for the worse on Thursday after our mostly sunny hike to Hanakapi'ai Falls on Tuesday. We decided to go ziplining anyway. We drove to the Kauai Backcountry Adventures headquarters off hwy 56 in Hanamaulu (SE part of island). At the warehouse we geared up in full body harnesses and climbing helmets. As we waited to leave, we could hear the rain pounding the metal roof. It was really coming down and sounded as though we were under a waterfall.

After jumping into a six-wheeled vehicle with our two guides, we headed off toward the base of Waialeale. There were the four of us plus six other people for a total of ten plus the two guides. The rain eased up as we drove to the first of seven zipline stations. One of the guides spoke about the area through a loudspeaker during the drive. He did a great job distracting us from the bumpy road while keeping us entertained with jokes. After arriving at the first zipline, we unloaded and the guides helped everyone tighten their harnesses before proceeding. Safety was stressed throughout the trip.

6-Wheel Drive Kauai Adventures Vehicle     Katie, Jason, Mom, and Grandpa Geared up for Ziplining

The seven ziplines zigzag back and forth across a river canyon. One of them is the second highest in the United States (the tallest is in Alaska). Each zipline cable is anchored to pilings tied into the ground with platforms on each end.

Zipline Platform     Several Zipline Stations

Once everyone was ready, the rain began coming down in buckets again. We were instantly drenched, but with the warm temperature of around 75%deg;F it didn't really bother anyone. This was the first time ziplining for Grandpa, Mom, and I, but the second time for Katie. Her first adventure was in Nicaragua a couple years ago. I volunteered to be the first of our group to go. At each station, one guide zipped across to the other end to help each of us stop and detatch from the cable. The other remained to hook us to the zipline and instruct us when and how to leave. After being hooked in and given the green light to go, I whizzed along the first line to the other side. It was an absolute blast. Once on the other side, I was able to take pictures of Katie, Mom, and Grandpa as they came across. Everyone had a blast and Mom let out an occaissional scream, as expected.

Katie on Zipline     Jason on Zipline

We worked our way across succeeding ziplines, growing closer and closer to the canyon floor. On the last two lines, our guides let us go freestyle, meaning we could twirl around, bounce, or hang upside-down etc. to our hearts content. Everyone in our group had fun letting out his lor her inner kid on these lines.

Mom on Zipline     Grandpa on Zipline

After the final zipline, we took off our gear and sat down at a nearby picnic shelter for lunch. They provided sandwiches, chips, and cookies along with cold water. We could swim in the river, but no one did on this trip. We were already plenty wet even though the rain had again stopped.

View from Zipline     View of River from Zipline

After lunch we piled back into the six-wheel drive vehicle and headed back to the warehouse. The one guide again spoke over the loudspeaker on the trip back. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. Our guides were fantastic and very entertaining. To entice future adventure-seeking, Kauai Backcountry Adventures offers a 10% discount on all return trips, including their other adventures.

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Disclaimer: You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards of backcountry travel and taking the necessary precautions. Loomis Adventures may not be held liable.