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. The 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.

We 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.

Off 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.

 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.  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.

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. 

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