Kauai Zipline Adventure - Outfitters Kauai Tour Review
View from wagon ride on Kipu Ranch
Looking for a little adventure to add to your Kauai vacation? The Outfitters Kauai Kipu Zipline Safari is a great way to take in Hawaii's natural beauty and lush rainforests, with just enough adventure to get your adrenaline pumping (in the best way possible). We did this safari on our last visit to Kauai and it was an unforgettable experience. And now, it's one of the top things to do in Kauai that I regularly recommend to clients.
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Quick Facts
| Quick Fact | Details |
| Tour | Kipu Zipline Safari — Outfitters Kauai |
| Duration | 6.5 hours |
| Cost | $275/pp — check with Outfitters Kauai for current pricing & cancellation policy before booking |
| Included | Picnic lunch, snacks, and refreshments |
| Minimum Age | 5 years old to participate; 7 years old to zipline |
| Weight Restrictions | Minimum 60 lbs to zipline; maximum 275 lbs to kayak |
| Group Size | Maximum of 12 guests per tour |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible. No prior experience required. Participants should be comfortable walking one mile on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and paddling for approximately 30 minutes. |
| Who Should Skip | Guests with heart conditions, pregnant women, or guests with back or neck concerns should consult with their doctor before booking. |
What to Expect
The Kipu Zipline Safari is a full-day adventure that packs a surprising amount into 6.5 hours. Here's how the day unfolds:
Kayak on the Hule'ia River — a scenic paddle through lush jungle that sets the tone for the day
Easy hike through a tropical rainforest — with multiple stops at swimming holes featuring water zips and rope swings, including a Pirates of the Caribbean filming location
Scenic wagon ride through Kipu Ranch — a working ranch and filming location for Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Two ziplines and a suspension bridge
Hike back to the river — followed by a motorized twin-hull canoe trip back to the dock, with a bit of island history and legendary tales to round out the day
Total walking between activities is approximately one mile, making this accessible for most fitness levels.
Our Experience
We did the Kipu Zipline Safari as a large, multigenerational group of 10 — a mix of family and friends spanning a range of ages and activity levels — and it delivered for everyone.
This tour felt tailor-made for me. It combines some of my favorite outdoor activities — kayaking, hiking, a refreshing swim in a hidden swimming hole, and ziplining — into a single day. What impressed me most was how approachable it felt for every member of our group without ever feeling like it was watered down, providing just enough adrenaline rush for the adventure seekers. The walks through the rainforest were stunning; just be prepared for mud, as these trails tend to stay wet. The scenic ride through the real-life Jurassic Park was jaw-dropping, and seeing family members in their 60s jumping off rope swings at the swimming holes was so much fun.
Lunch is a bagged sandwich — not a gourmet meal, but delicious after a morning of paddling, and made even better by the stunning mountainside setting.
My personal highlight was the ziplines — specifically the Bamboo Pool water zip, which was as fun as it sounds. I'll admit I've never met a zipline I didn't like (with one notable exception in Baja, Mexico), and this one ranks near the top. It was an unforgettable adventure, and one of those experiences our group still talks about.
For those who are on the fence about the physical activity... I found the tour guides to be helpful and encouraging. They provide a thorough briefing before the zips and those who are afraid of heights have the ability to opt out of that portion of the tour if they don't feel comfortable.
Would I do it again? Without hesitation. The Kipu Zipline safari provides an incredibly unique way to take in the breathtaking beauty of Kauai and see some exclusive parts of the island not accessible any other way.
What to Wear
Water shoes — sport sandals with a heel strap like Chacos or Tevas work great
Longer shorts — the zipline harness needs to sit above them
Swimsuit — worn under your clothes
Quick-dry sun shirt
Hat
A note for those with long hair: a French braid that fits easily under your helmet is the way to go for the zipline portion.
What to Bring
Dry bag and/or waterproof phone case
Cash for tips — your guides earn it
Reef-safe sunscreen — you're not in the ocean, but these waterways feed into it
GoPro or waterproof camera
Practical Tips:
This tour departs from the east side of the island, near Lihue
They offer two departure times, 7:45 or 9 am - I recommend the later, simply because most guests will be driving 30+ minutes to the check-in location.
Book well in advance, this tour frequently sells out especially during holidays, summer months and cruise ship days.
FAQs
Is transportation from my hotel included?
No — Outfitters Kauai does not provide hotel transfers. A rental car is essential for this tour and for getting around Kauai in general.
Is there an age limit for this tour?
The minimum age to participate is 5 years of age. Guests must be at least 7 years old and weigh a minimum of 60 lbs to zipline. Always check the Outfitters Kauai website for the most current requirements before booking.
Is this the only zipline tour operator on Kauai?
Not at all — Kauai has a great selection of zipline tours. Outfitters Kauai alone offers three additional tours, including:
The FlyLine Zipline — one of Kauai's longest ziplines
PowerLine Zipline Tour on Kipu Ranch — Kauai's longest zipline tour
For a different experience, Koloa Zipline offers an 8-line course, Kauai's longest zipline course, on the site of the island's first sugar plantation along the south shore. Additional tour operators include Shaka Zipline and Kauai Backcountry Adventures.
Want personalized recommendations or help booking your ziplining tour? I'd love to help!
Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
