Hawaii Forest and Trail Launches Kohala Zipline

Dec 20, 2011

Kohala Zipline, a sister company of Hawaii Forest and Trail, swung into action recently by introducing the Kohala Canopy Adventure. Dubbed "a new pure tree experience," the tour features five elevated suspension bridges, 14 soaring tree platforms, nine ziplines and two rappels.

The Kohala Canopy Adventure embraces the beauty and history of Kohala’s Halawa Gulch. Platforms built in towering trees connect each zipline and allow guests to absorb the tranquility of a meandering stream, ancient taro fields and the forest floor below.

Eight dual-cable single-rider and one dual-cable tandem rider ziplines were constructed by a team of expert canopy course builders from Colorado and Costa Rica. The platforms and elevated sky bridges use lumber milled from trees on site with minimal impact to the forest.

“The serenity and natural beauty of this site really speaks for itself," said Victor Gallo, site construction manager for Kohala Zipline. "Leaving as much of the canopy intact to create a nature-based tour was our biggest challenge. We wanted to honor the site by having as little disturbance as possible among these 100-year-old trees.”

The tour features the latest safety features available today, said Rob Pacheco, co-founder of Kohala Zipline.

“Our guests feel really safe and comfortable being able to utilize the customized participant control system for braking rather than the typical gravity brake other operators employ," said Pacheco. "This improved system allows the riders to control speed and orientation, making them true participants in their adventure, not simply along for the ride."

Guests from eight to 80 years old can sign up for the three-hour adventure.