Happy Thursday!! I can’t believe we’re only had three days of adventures here in Hawaii thus far! Our schedule has been so jam packed, in a good way, that I feel like we’ve been here for a week! Here’s what we’ve done so far!
- Driven up to Haleakala for sunrise followed by breakfast on the way down
- Explored the sugar plantation museum at Puunene and my Papa’s childhood family beach home in Kihei
- Driven the Road to Hana in a car (2012 Ford Explorer) that was way too large for the narrow single lane bridges and curves
- Explored the adorable beach town of Paia
- Survived a 2 way, mostly one lane road, across the Maui countryside in search of the island’s best beach and best banana bread
In between all of this, we had an afternoon tree top adventure near our home for the week in Haiku. When we booked the trip for Maui my dad did some research on Yelp and Trip Advisor to find the best activities. One for adventure sports, Northshore Zipline’s tagline immediately caught his eye: eco-exhilaration Maui style.
Their base, where you sign in and get your gear is called Camp Maui.
Based on land that used to home over 80,000 soldiers during World War II, Camp Maui is where Northshore Zipline leaves fears behind in order to take groups up into Eucalyptus “tree houses” where groups are offered amazing views of Maui’s North Shore.
Within minutes of arriving the very friendly staff had us signed in and geared up for our adventure. I’m glad they suggested we wear long pants for comfort as the harnesses aren’t the most comfortable or becoming things ever.
The team quickly explained that our adventure would take about two hours and include 7 different zip lines which would range in length, height, and speed. To ensure our safety, they asked that we listen carefully to directions, ask plenty of questions, and enjoy ourselves. Due to the fact that another family of three didn’t show up for our 11am spot, we literally had 2 lead guides for the 3 of us which was pretty incredible!
Our guides took a few minutes showing us the ropes, terminology, and explaining how we’d safely zip from tree to tree before the true fun started.
Climbing in the tree felt very Swiss Family Robinson and took me back to my childhood! I loved it! While my dad and I were loving it, my dad was on the verge of tears. Intimidated by the heights and the unknown she wasn’t sure if this was for her. Instead of forcing her to do something that would make her miserable we asked her to do the first zip line and if she didn’t like it she could watch us the rest of the time.
My mom went down the first one like a trooper but didn’t like the idea of stopping herself, or braking, with her hand. It was uncomfortable and tough.
Our leaders were so incredible that since we only had one more which required stopping yourself, they decided to go down with her tandem style! How awesome?!
Within minutes we were all smiling and climbing to higher lines, over 70 feet up!
Thanks to their great coaching and patience, we were all able to overcome our fears of heights, high speeds, and the unknown. Check our these amazing pictures from our adventure which included 40 mph zips down from the trees!
If you’re ever in Maui and looking for adventure, I can’t recommend the team at NorthShore Zipline enough! It was a great way to see Maui from a different vantage point and fun for each of us, regardless of the type thrills we wanted.
Question: Have you ever gone zip lining? Did you like it or not?
I love zip lining! This is from someone who is afraid of heights, too! I never was afraid the whole time I did it. I was even running and jumping off the platforms backwards near the end! So much fun!
Oh wow – that looks incredible! I’d be so scared, but I would really try to get over my fears since it’s such a once in a lifetime opportunity. Good for your mom!
I was going to say to check out the Waihe’e Valley Trail by I’oa Valley. My family had a blast hiking there (like a $6 enterance fee). http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=938420
But one of the other posts dated 9/2011 – said its closed.
If you’re in the area check it out to see if it is. Because if its not closed, its pretty cool.
and tell your mom not to feel bad, the guide had to catch me cuz I freaked out using my hand to stop, too.
Such a fun post to read! I’m into climbing but have never tried zip lining. But after reading this, I will definitely give it a go! 🙂
I am so scared of heights that I don’t know if I will ever attempt zip lining, however, this makes it look like so much fun! And what a beautiful place to do it!
I have always wanted to do zip-lining! Although I would have to get over my fear of heights too.
And dont you love vacations that seem to feel longer?
I’ve never been, but it looks like a lot of fun. I’m jealous of the lovely weather there!
I’ve gone a million times! I love it, but it’s always over too soon!