Kipu
Falls Zipline Safari with Hike & Kayak
   
2008 Rates: $175 pp plus 4.167% tax for adults,
$135 plus tax for kids ages 3-14 year old
Must be able to walk 2 miles & kayak 60
- 90 minutes
Min zipline age is 7 yrs. Max
zipline weight is 275 lbs
 Take
a fun downwind kayak trip on a beautiful jungle stream. After an easy 2-mile
paddle, they'll tie your kayaks to a tree and you'll take a short walk
to a gorgeous area of waterfalls and swimming holes. Next, you'll jump
onto their covered wagon for a fabulous trip across Kipu Ranch - you'll
be pulled by their big 4WD tractor to Kamapua'a Falls trailhead- you'll
take a short stroll down to our incredible Swiss Family Robinson-style
tree house, which is built around a huge Banyan tree. You'll be overlooking
the middle pitch of the 120' bridal veil Kamapua'a Falls from their picnic
benches, while enjoying a delicious catered luncheon. Following lunch,
guests will have the option of taking a wild ride on our 275' zipline over
a waterfall and river, returning on foot via an 80' suspension bridge.
State-of-the-art equipment and procedures make for a 100% safe and exhilarating
extreme experience. From there you'll be continuing along our forest
trail through the exotic foliage to Kipu Falls for swimming. The more adventurous
types will be jumping into swimming holes at the base of waterfalls cascading
over black lava rock cliffs, and swinging on ropes tied to tree branches
high above mountain pools. Others will simply relax and enjoy the quiet
beauty! From there, you'll be cruising by covered wagon to a jungle trail,
where you'll walk to their river landing. Kick back on their exotic and
unique twin-hulled powered Hawaiian canoe for a delightful cruise back
down river: a fun ending to a fun day.
  The
Zip Line: Soar on a zipline through the forest canopy high above
rivers and waterfalls at speeds up to 35mph. The Zipline is designed, built,
and operated according to the highest safety standards as set by the ACCT
(the Association for Challenge Course Technology). The setting is magnificent:
a ¼ mile foot trail through the jungle leads to a steep valley at
the confluence of two streams, with a 150 ft waterfall tumbling over fern-covered
black basalt boulders on one side and a lazy 80ft wide tropical stream
on the other. The steep terrain allows for a ground-level launching platform
that wraps a huge Banyan tree with a 30 ft diameter trunk. Participants
(Zippers) are outfitted with mountain climbing harnesses and helmets and
walk through a labyrinth of aerial Banyan roots to arrive at the gated
take-off area. A protocol is followed in which your guide runs through
an equipment checklist and attaches a tether from the Zipper's harness
to a two-wheeled trolley that rides on the zip cable. The gate opens, the
Zipper takes a giant step and zooooom; forget about all your earthly limitations.
You are sailing 50 ft above ground, over rivers and waterfalls, and through
the treetops at a speed of about 35mph. Hooting, hollering, and ear-to-ear
grins seem to be standard operating procedure! Working your way back to
the starting point is half the fun! You'll cross streams and waterfalls
on a foot trail that leads to a Swiss Family Robinson-style system of aerial
platforms and stairs that take you back to the launching pad to watch your
friends have the big fun like you just did!!
 The
Kayaking: It's a delightful downwind paddle, about two miles in length.
They use two-person, open-cockpit type kayaks-stable, comfortable, easy
to get in and out of. You'll go through the Hule'ia Nat'l Wildlife Refuge,
a place for the preservation of endangered Hawaiian water birds. You'll
paddle passed the Alekoko (Menehune) Fishpond, a living archaeological
site- it's an example of the ancient's fishing and aquiculture methods
that's still utilized today. Your backdrop is the magnificent Haupu Mountain
Range, a dramatic 2000' shield volcano that looms over the river. The area
is steeped in legend, and your guides will tell you exciting stories about
the supernatural inhabitants of the valley in days gone by. Interestingly,
Hule'ia has been the site of filming many major motion pictures, including
Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and it's sequel Lost World.
 The
Wagon Ride: You'll be riding on benches in their custom covered farm
wagon, pulled by their big, quiet John Deere 4wd tractor. It's an adventure
that takes you back in time on a unique narrated hayride across Kipu Ranch,
a 4000-acre working cattle ranch. It's home to the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys)
descendants of William Hyde Rice, the first missionary to come to Kauai,
and, incidentally, 2000 head of cattle. Bound for Kipu Falls, you'll be
spotting wild boar, peacocks and pheasant as you traverse the expansive
Ranch.
 The
Trekking: You'll be leaving your kayaks behind to hike on three different
jungle trails, leading to hidden waterfalls and swimming holes. Each of
your treks are conducted as a nature walks, through pristine tropical rain
forests containing many different interesting communities of plants, birds,
and aquatic life, both native and introduced. You'll be stopping for dives
into beautiful pool-drop waterfalls cascading over black lava rock cliffs,
and exciting swings on ropes tied to tree branches high over mountain pools,
while trekking through fern forests and flowering gingers. Snacks and cold
drinks, a great picnic lunch, exercise, fresh air, interesting discussion
of natural history, folklore, culture and legends- a great day in a great
place.
 The
Canoe Ride: On the downriver return trip, rather than paddling your
kayaks for two miles into headwinds, you'll be kicking back and soaking
up the sun and scenery on our big, double-hulled Hawaiian Canoe. It's 32'
long and 10' wide, with plenty of comfortable seating. Powered by a small,
quiet 4-stroke outboard motor, they'll be taking a slow, relaxing ride
down the river, towing our kayaks behind us empty while you enjoy the beautiful
sights. A perfect ending to a perfect day!
What, Where, and When:
Guests staying at Poipu area or Westside
resorts check in is in Poipu. Check-in 7:30 am, return at 3:45 pm.
Guests from Eastside or Northside Check
in in Lihue. Check-in 8:15am, return at 3:30pm.
What's Included: Snacks, cold drinks, and
a GREAT picnic lunch.
What to wear and bring: Swimsuit, shorts,
t-shirt, windbreaker or light rain coat, footwear with aggressive tread
for muddy conditions (example: sport sandals with heel straps or aqua socks
with tread), sunscreen, hat, bug spray, H2Oproof camera. You can buy these
items at check-in, or rent sport sandals (as available).
Zipper Weight Restriction: Must be
able to walk 2 miles & kayak 60-90 minutes. In order to participate
in the zipline portion of the tour, passengers must weigh less than 275lbs
in order to fit into the safety harness, and the minimum age requirement
is 7 years of age. Younger kids are welcome to take the tour, but will
not be able to zip.
Cancellation policy: 24-hour notice is required
for cancellation, 72 hours for groups of 6 or more passengers. 100% penalty
charge strictly enforced. |
Soar
on ziplines through the forest canopy high above rivers & waterfalls.
Hike, Swim, and rope swing unto a deepwater pond at the base of a mountain
stream waterfall. Enjoy learning about the ecology, natural history,
culture, folklore, and legends of Kauai.
