New Tours for Maui Ziplines

Sep 03, 2014

As zipline tours sprout up around Hawaii, two Maui companies are taking the experience to new heights.

By introducing add-on activities, Skyline Eco-Adventures and Piiholo Ranch Zipline hope to distinguish themselves from other zipline firms on the island. At the same time, they aim to provide travel agents with new possibilities for pre-booking commissionable activities.

Skyline Eco-Adventures
Skyline Eco-Adventures has launched Bike n’ Zip, a tour combining biking, ziplining and a visit to a lavender farm. The outing begins at sunrise atop a 10,000-foot-high Haleakala volcano. Next, clients are shuttled to the 6,500-foot elevation. From there, they mount bikes and ride seven miles downhill, with 21 switchbacks and magnificent views along the way.

Then, at Skyline’s headquarters, bikes are traded for harnesses before embarking on the two-hour Haleakala zipline tour. The excursion includes five ziplines, a swinging bridge and Maui’s only up-and-back line. Afterward, clients relax at Alii Kula Lavender, a nearby lavender farm.

“We saw a great opportunity to partner with Maui Downhill bike tours and Alii Kula Lavender, located on the same path down Haleakala,” said Thomas Kratsch, director of sales and marketing for Skyline Eco-Adventures. “We’re giving tourists a convenient way to experience all three elements in one exciting tour.”

Commissionable at 10 percent, the Bike n’ Zip tour starts at $250 per person including complimentary transportation and a continental breakfast.

“Travel agents can call and book directly with Skyline Eco-Adventures,” said Kratsch. “This lets them book a combo-pack of activities for their clients ahead of time.”

Piiholo Ranch Zipline
Piiholo Ranch Zipline recently augmented its offerings with new Zip/Hike and Super Hero tours, in partnership with Hike Maui.

First, clients go on a zipline excursion including side-by-side lines with treetop views on the slopes of Haleakala. The second portion of the tour is a hike along private rainforest trails, with stops for swimming in clear pools beneath two waterfalls.

In addition, Piiholo has created the new Super Hero tour, which enhances its three- and six-line canopy adventures with an exhilarating jump from a 40-foot-high platform. Participants are attached to a free-fall device that lets them leap safely to a pad below. They also can use the device to rappel to the ground.

“This is a great opportunity for agents because it hits many different demographics,” said Janet Baldwin, owner of Piiholo Ranch. “It is perfect for adrenaline junkies as well as families with small children and large groups.”

Commissionable at 15 percent, the three-line tour costs $90 per person and the six-line tour is priced at $135 per person.