by Savannah Coules, Guest Contributor
If you’re seeking an adventure—one that’s surrounded by nature, with a bit of World War II history mixed in—then NorthShore Zipline on Maui should be on your must-do list. The Hai‘kū adventure park offers beautiful views from impressive heights. The staff is friendly and adaptable, looking to provide a safe, educational experience for the whole group while treating each customer as an individual. My group included a couple of surly teenagers and wary, self-proclaimed acrophobes (that’s someone afraid of heights), and everyone left happy.
It’s a beautiful drive to the isolated, former military base once known as Camp Maui, which has a rich, fascinating history. It’s a two-hour excursion to get there, and you might think you’ve lost your way.
Upon checking in, you sign a standard liability waiver and are then introduced to your instructors who get to know everyone and gauge the attitude of the group. I came with one other friend who has previously been ziplining. The rest of our group was a wedding party who was very apprehensive about the experience. The staff picked up on this, made sure to keep our twosome together, and managed to make both parties’ experiences ideal and unique.
The first two ziplines require a short walk and are relatively close to the ground. They are fun but are also used to gauge who exactly can and wants to continue with the activity, which gets much higher and faster. Due to the confidence and experience of our guides, everyone on our trip continued, though some were initially afraid.
The third zipline and beyond provides incomparable views of Maui’s north shore and surrounding areas. Some ziplines require climbing vertical ladders and crossing rickety bridges that your mates can (and most likely will) shake, and require a bit of physical exertion.
Depending on your comfort level, you can be twisted, bounced and/or posed for different lines. Each line has a unique, beautiful view and history passed on via our amazing guides. There is also no need to bring a Go Pro (which is permitted) or camera (which is not); there is a photographer on staff that will take your picture in slideshow form available for purchase later.
I personally am not a fan of heights and would never skydive or bungee jump. Ziplining is most likely the closest thing I’ll get to either. NorthShore Zipline is ideal for families with members weighing between 40 and 270 pounds. The guides, who clearly work to make it a safe, fun couple of hours for all and any group they’re given, make sure all participants feel secure and positively reinforced. They deserve the credit for this being a great company.
If an easy, adrenaline-inducing experience piques your interest, or if you’d just like to venture out into the gorgeous Up Country of Maui, visit NorthShore Zipline Company.
Pro Tip: Bring a little extra cash; tips for the guides at the end of your journey are suggested and definitely deserved!
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