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Is Ziplining Safe? Walk with our Guides on a Zipline Safety Check

October 29, 2025

Here at Hawaii Zipline & Hiking Tours, we’re all about giving you the ride of a lifetime high above the lush Hilo landscape. Ziplining is an incredible experience, and while the adrenaline rush is real, we know that one of the biggest questions is always: Is ziplining safe?

We take zipline safety very seriously so you can focus 100% on the fun. Think of this as your peek behind the curtain at what makes us one of the most trustworthy ziplines in Hawaii.

Your Safety is Our Daily Routine

When you soar with us, you can trust that your gear and the course itself are in pristine condition.

Inspections: Before You Even Arrive

Every single morning, our team is out on the course performing intensive daily checks. We look at everything:

  • The Lines: All cables, ground anchors, and support poles are checked to ensure they are in proper working order.
  • The Gear: Before each tour, we thoroughly inspect all guest equipment—including helmets, harnesses, and pulleys.

We run over 10,000 happy guests a year through our course, so we have strict protocols for gear replacement. Our equipment undergoes an intensive quarterly inspection, and if any gear shows the slightest sign of wear or age, it goes into immediate retirement. No exceptions!

Expert Guides: Your Certified Co-Pilots

Our incredible guides are not just fun companions; they are highly trained safety experts!

Every guide completes an intensive 80-hour training program (classroom and on-site). This is followed by weeks of assistant guide days, where they are continuously coached by senior guides and management. Plus, every guide is certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED training. They are truly the best in the business, and they handle all the mechanics. They’re the ones clipping you in and catching you safely on the landing platform, so you can just relax and enjoy the amazing view.

The Nitty-Gritty: Common Safety Questions Answered

We love answering your questions! Here’s what you need to know about our rules and why they exist.

The Weight and Age Limits (They’re for Your Safety!)

We have a 40lbs to 260lbs weight limit. These limits are in place to ensure a safe and fun ride for everyone—it’s not about exclusion, it’s about physics.

  • Minimum Weight (40 lbs): Ensures you weigh enough to make it safely across each line without slowing down mid-course.
  • Maximum Weight (260 lbs): Ensures you maintain a safe speed and don’t exceed the upper weight limit for our equipment.

As for age, we’ve taken guests as young as 4 years old, all the way up into their late 80s! If you meet the weight requirements, you’re ready to soar.

Feeling Scared? We Got You.

It’s totally normal to be a little nervous. We designed our course to start small and gradually increase in length and height. This helps our guests get more and more comfortable as we move along. Plus, remember those awesome guides are there to help you every step of the way, giving you time and encouragement before you take the plunge.

But What If I Get Stuck Mid-Line?

Don’t worry, it happens. Our retrieval process is quick and simple. Your guide will clip themselves into the line, come right out to meet you, clip you onto them, and safely take you to the landing platform. You’re never alone out there.

Can I Brake or Slow Myself Down?

You don’t need to! The guides are at the end of every line, ready to help control your speed at the landing. They’ll ensure you come in at a safe, comfortable pace. All you have to do is hold on and smile for the camera.

What About Hilo’s Famous Rain?

Hilo gets its beautiful, lush landscape thanks to its rain, and we love it. Rain has no effect on the safety of our ziplines. Our operation goes rain or shine, so get ready for some misty, magical views!

A Quick Note on Hair

For guests with long hair, we highly recommend pulling it back in a low ponytail or braid. We also have hair ties on site if you need one. This ensures your hair stays safely out of the way of the equipment.

Safety is the foundation of every unforgettable adventure here at Hawaii Zipline & Hiking Tours. When you step onto our course, know that you’re in the hands of the best-trained guides and are using the most rigorously inspected equipment.

Now that your safety questions are answered, it’s time to book your Hawaii zipline adventure. Come join us for the ultimate high-flying zipline experience on the Big Island!

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