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Zipping through Hawaii

Over the past four months I've thought of participating in a challenging physical, and mental experience. It's been on my mind like a child waiting to open a present, the anticipation and unknown was a driving force for me to attain my goal. I've thought about this experience with long awaited hope, wondering if I could really do it. I'm sure you're wondering what I so much wanted to do so badly, well today I finally did it. I drove up to the high mountain slope in Hawaii this morning, wanting to be part of the group that could say, "I did it!"  I rode down the gulches in Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii, the birthplace of King Kamehameha, on a zip line from the top of the mountain and tree tops. Now I can be officially called a "zip chick".

 Our zip line adventure began with us checking into the Big Island Eco Adventure located in Hawi Hawaii. Banyan Tree Hawi HawaiiThe reservations clerk provided clear directions; from highway 270 turn makai on highway 260, the office is located next to the theater across the street from the big banyan tree. First one would need to know that makai means ocean meaning that the turn would be left. It was easy to find, not because I was raised on the Big Island but because I saw the sign that clearly identified the road.

Woody and Leolinda BowersWe checked in and were instructed to wait in the next room for rest of the group. After all were assembled, the guides provided each with a named helmet. I was named Cupcake, my husband Mr Z.  Each person was harnessed, and each harness was checked by a second tour guide.

Hawaiian Zip LinesOff we were in a four wheel vehicle previously used to transport Swiss missiles. The 45 minute trip up the rugged and muddy mountain road revealed the lush forest in its splendor. The first zip line was about 50 yards away from the drop off point. At the first platform, our tour guides explained the safety procedures in riding a zip line.

Hawaii Vacaton I was extremely reluctant to jump off the first platform to the forest canopy 400 feet below. My husband jumped off first and I was the last to zip; I really had to be bribed. The adrenaline rush on each and every jump resulted in an euphoric high. The canyons were spectacular, displaying Mother Nature in rural Hawaii with all of the verdant colors in the spectrum. Zip Line Hawaii We walked a suspension bridge over the top of a 60 foot waterfall cascading to a fountain 100 feet below.

Zip lines were 500 ft to 1,500 ft long. We zipped at 500 foot heights above the canyon floor. The company provided snacks and beverages at a tree house that towered 250 feet above the forest floor. During the short hike between the zip jump offs guides provided information of the forest and Hawaii flora, pointing out forest animals, plants, flowers and edible forest greenery.

Please excuse the screaming on my video.

I would strongly advise anyone who has the slightest desire or inclination to participate in this type of adventure to go through with it. It was one of our most exciting and enjoyable adventures that I've experienced.

 

For reservations call the Big Island Eco Adventures, at (808) 889-5111. They are located at 55-510 Hawi Rd  Hawi, HI 96719. Ask for Doug and be sure to tell him that Cupcake sent you. 

 

 

 

If you are thinking of purchasing a property in Arizona, investment, 1031, retirement or winter residence, call me. I specialize in Phoenix Retirement Communities.

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Comments (28)

Janet Jones
Just Your Style Interiors, LLC - Kihei, HI
Home Staging, Interior Redesign Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Hi Leolinda--good for you for ziplining.  It is an awesome experience and looks like you enjoyed it tremendously.  So happy you are enjoying your visit to the Big Island.  We love our mainland visitors. 

Dec 28, 2011 04:09 PM
Phil Leng
Retired - Kirkland, WA
Phil Leng - Retired

Hi Leolinda,

Not only doing the zip line, but holding a video camera while you did it!

You write well, ad the video brings us right into the action.

Including the screams and heavy breathing!!

Phil

Dec 28, 2011 09:20 PM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents

Sounds really cool. Now, I'm not sure if I dare to doit though.

Dec 28, 2011 09:27 PM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

I'm jealous Leolinda . .and I was not aware of this when I was in Hawaii last year . . but I got to climb KOKO mountain solo in Oahu

Dec 29, 2011 12:06 AM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Leolinda, that was quite an adventure. It took a lot of courage to take the leap. Would you do it again?

Dec 29, 2011 01:34 AM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Been to Hawaii 4 times and it remains one of my rewards in life...Now, you can ZIP around too? I'm in...

Dec 29, 2011 02:37 AM
Sun City Grand Homes Surprise AZ Real Estate Leolinda Bowers Designated Broker Leolinda Realty
Leolinda Realty - Surprise, AZ
Sun City Grand in Surprise Arizona

Jim, there were many names. How's about honey or snuckums?

Sharon, I need a whole lot of courage for what's going to happen in a few weeks.

Janet, it's always nice to come home especially to see how the well cared for aina.

 

Dec 29, 2011 02:38 AM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

This has me trembling in my Southern MD sneakers. Even Riley Rover looks scared! Good for you!

Dec 29, 2011 03:39 AM
Lana Robbins Realtor ® Licensed Real Estate Broker
Aloha Kai Real Estate - Clearwater, FL
Licensed in Florida, Washington, and Hawai'i

Hi Leolinda. Looks like fun! Especially on the Big Island. So beautiful.

Dec 29, 2011 03:57 AM
Anne M. Costello
Weidel Realtors - Yardley, PA

Hey Cupcake, I like the new nickname. This is something I would love to do but probably never will. Do you train or are you just naturally in good shape? Was is still scary after the first zip? And was your insurance paid up? LOL SOunds like you are having a fabulous holiday with family! Happy New Year and Continued Success in 2012!

Dec 29, 2011 07:11 AM
Bruce Kunz
C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ
REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale

Looks like you're having a great trip, Leolinda. Thanks for sharing it, enjoy the rest, and have a safe trip back home!
Bruce

 

Dec 29, 2011 07:35 AM
Joy Daniels
Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd. - Harrisburg, PA

I am  heading to Hawaii next week and am looking forward to seeing some of these beautiful places!

Dec 29, 2011 08:41 AM
Sun City Grand Homes Surprise AZ Real Estate Leolinda Bowers Designated Broker Leolinda Realty
Leolinda Realty - Surprise, AZ
Sun City Grand in Surprise Arizona

Phil, I strapped my camera around my shoulder, then supported it in the front of my jacket with hopes I could photograph the valleys below. Although I had a a harness, I still hung on.

Dec 29, 2011 01:09 PM
Sun City Grand Homes Surprise AZ Real Estate Leolinda Bowers Designated Broker Leolinda Realty
Leolinda Realty - Surprise, AZ
Sun City Grand in Surprise Arizona

Loreena, it's easy only after you see a few people jump.

Fernando, Koko Head is a very nice hike.

Michael, yes, I am definitely going to do it again.

Dec 29, 2011 01:13 PM
Sun City Grand Homes Surprise AZ Real Estate Leolinda Bowers Designated Broker Leolinda Realty
Leolinda Realty - Surprise, AZ
Sun City Grand in Surprise Arizona

Richie, you'll surely like it.

Cheryl, each and every jump was scarry but the adrenoline rush and the beauty of the forest made it all worthwhile.

Lana, that's why the "Big Island is Hawaii". Malama pono

Anne, no training needed. I am not athletic and rarely exercise.

Dec 29, 2011 01:27 PM
Sun City Grand Homes Surprise AZ Real Estate Leolinda Bowers Designated Broker Leolinda Realty
Leolinda Realty - Surprise, AZ
Sun City Grand in Surprise Arizona

Bruce, my vacation was too short.

Dec 29, 2011 01:29 PM
Sun City Grand Homes Surprise AZ Real Estate Leolinda Bowers Designated Broker Leolinda Realty
Leolinda Realty - Surprise, AZ
Sun City Grand in Surprise Arizona

Joy, I hope you get to try a zip line, can't wait to read your blog.

Dec 29, 2011 01:32 PM
Pacita Dimacali
Alain Pinel - Oakland, CA
Alameda/Contra Costa Counties CA

Leolinda

This is on my list of want-to-dos...my nephews and nieces have already done it, and are raving about it.  We have enough places close by that I don't have any excuse not to try. Thanks for posting. It reinforces the burning desire to do it!

Happy new year!

Dec 29, 2011 03:12 PM
Bruce Hicks
Best Homes Hawaii - Honolulu, HI
Your Best Hawaii Realtor!

Leolinda, there are other adventures to add.  There is the wonderful experience of riding down the mountain on horseback across the fields around Kohala.  Also, the canals, and zooming irrigation ditches by canoe up there.  That is some of the most fantastic country.  We like the area so much that we like KAMUELA.  We gave our son the middle name KAMUELA, which means Samuel.

Dec 29, 2011 03:17 PM
Mary Stewart
HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, Homes for Everyone - Wilsonville, OR
Wilsonville and Surrounding Portland Metro Areas

What an adventure that must have been.  Next time I am in Hawaii I "might" check into it.  I know if I mention it to my granddaughter or daughter who live there they would probably want to do it.  I am 67 so hopefully the fear factor would not do me in.  I love adventures !

Dec 30, 2011 03:43 AM