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SHAKA ZIPLINE

KAUAI’S ONLY ZIPLINE ECO ADVENTURE!

OUR KAUAI ZIPLINE ADVENTURES!

Shaka Zipline

ABOUT SHAKA ZIPLINE

There’s simply no better way to see the Garden Isle’s rich foliage than Shaka Zipline’s award-winning Kauai zipline tours. Both our thrilling 8-line zipline adventure and 5-line zipline adventure glide over three unique valleys with Kauai’s mountains and ocean scenery providing quite the dramatic backdrop.

Experience our Kauai zipline for yourself and find out why Shaka Zipline is Kauai’s top-rated zipline company. Uncover Kauai’s rich history while our guides keep you safe and smiling through the tour. Our guides are experts at what they do and truly set Shaka Zipline apart from the rest!

Safety is our #1 priority! Shaka Zipline follows ACCT industry regulations and is audited quarterly to ensure all standards are met or exceeded. Book online!

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OUR ENVIRONMENTAL KULEANA (RESPONSIBILITY)

Kauai is steeped in legends and folklore handed down from generation to generation through spoken stories. One such legend is the romantic story of Ohia and Lehua. Today, the Ohia Lehua (Metrosideros Polymorpha) is facing a real-life tragedy as described below. At Shaka Zipline our mission is to connect a safe, exciting adventure that informs and educates our guests on Kauai’s history and culture through minimal environmental impact and contribute to the preservation of Kauai’s fragile resources.

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a pink flower on a plant

The Legend of Ohia

There was once a man named Ohia. He was strong and tall and it was said that the Pele, the goddess of volanoes, had a crush on him. Sadly for Pele, his heart belonged to another woman named Lehua. And Lehua returned his love. One day, Pele was walking in a forest and came across Ohia. She tried to catch his attention, but he was oblivious to her efforts. Ohia could only see Lehua as he was walking and happiness struck his face. Pele grew so angry that she could not have Ohia. She struck him and turned him into a twisted ugly tree in revenge of rejecting her. Lehua looked at her love in tears, begging Pele to return him to her or to turn her into a tree as she couldn’t bear to be separated from him. Pele refused to grant Lehua her wishes, but the other Hawaiian gods were angry with what they saw. They decided to reach down to Lehua and turn her into a beautiful red flower. They placed it upon the twisted ohia tree so she could remain one with Ohia.

Legend has it that whenever a flower is plucked from the tree, heavy rain falls upon the land like tears. Lehua still cannot bear to be separated from her beloved Ohia.

a close up of a plant

The Ohia Lehua Tree

Ohia trees are endemic to Hawaii. They are found in almost all Hawaiian ecosystems, both wet and dry, ranging from lowland dry shrublands and rainforests to dry lava flows and high elevation bogs. Ohia was used by early Hawaiians to create weapons, everyday tools, and medicinal teas. Leaves of this tree sustained populations of native birds, such as the apapane and the mamo, whose vibrant feathers were used in traditional Hawaiian clothing and ceremonial adornments. Today, Ohia blossoms continue to be used in cultural ceremonies and practices, such as lei and hula, though many hula practitioners have begun forgoing the use of Ohia to prevent the spread of Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) and protect this culturally significant tree species. Adapted to the variable and sometimes harsh weather conditions of the Hawaiian islands, Ohia play a key role in watershed protection and water conservation by retaining water following storm events and preventing subsequent erosion and flooding.

a close up of a flower

Rapid Ohia Death

Unfortunately, in 2014 Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) was discovered. It is a fungus (Ceratocystis fimbriate) that attacks and quickly kills Ohia trees. On Hawaii thousands of Ohia trees have already been killed by ROD. As researchers believe this fungus can spread over long distances, ROD has the potential to kill Ohia trees across the entire state. 2018 saw the first case of ROD on the Garden Isle of Kauai.

How can we stop the spread?

By properly cleaning shoes before entering the course, and upon exiting, we can make sure we aren’t spreading infected seeds, leaves or debris. Shoe cleaning stations include dry scrubbing as well as a rubbing alcohol spray on the soles of your shoes. Sadly, ROD has spread to locations on Kaua’i. Please be sure to use shoe cleaning stations on our course, and any other locations on the Garden Isle where provided. YOU can stop the spread.

a pink flower on a plant

The Legend of Ohia

There was once a man named Ohia. He was strong and tall and it was said that the Pele, the goddess of volanoes, had a crush on him. Sadly for Pele, his heart belonged to another woman named Lehua. And Lehua returned his love. One day, Pele was walking in a forest and came across Ohia. She tried to catch his attention, but he was oblivious to her efforts. Ohia could only see Lehua as he was walking and happiness struck his face. Pele grew so angry that she could not have Ohia. She struck him and turned him into a twisted ugly tree in revenge of rejecting her. Lehua looked at her love in tears, begging Pele to return him to her or to turn her into a tree as she couldn’t bear to be separated from him. Pele refused to grant Lehua her wishes, but the other Hawaiian gods were angry with what they saw. They decided to reach down to Lehua and turn her into a beautiful red flower. They placed it upon the twisted ohia tree so she could remain one with Ohia.

Legend has it that whenever a flower is plucked from the tree, heavy rain falls upon the land like tears. Lehua still cannot bear to be separated from her beloved Ohia.

a close up of a plant

The Ohia Lehua Tree

Ohia trees are endemic to Hawaii. They are found in almost all Hawaiian ecosystems, both wet and dry, ranging from lowland dry shrublands and rainforests to dry lava flows and high elevation bogs. Ohia was used by early Hawaiians to create weapons, everyday tools, and medicinal teas. Leaves of this tree sustained populations of native birds, such as the apapane and the mamo, whose vibrant feathers were used in traditional Hawaiian clothing and ceremonial adornments. Today, Ohia blossoms continue to be used in cultural ceremonies and practices, such as lei and hula, though many hula practitioners have begun forgoing the use of Ohia to prevent the spread of Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) and protect this culturally significant tree species. Adapted to the variable and sometimes harsh weather conditions of the Hawaiian islands, Ohia play a key role in watershed protection and water conservation by retaining water following storm events and preventing subsequent erosion and flooding.

a close up of a flower

Rapid Ohia Death

Unfortunately, in 2014 Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) was discovered. It is a fungus (Ceratocystis fimbriate) that attacks and quickly kills Ohia trees. On Hawaii thousands of Ohia trees have already been killed by ROD. As researchers believe this fungus can spread over long distances, ROD has the potential to kill Ohia trees across the entire state. 2018 saw the first case of ROD on the Garden Isle of Kauai.

How can we stop the spread?

By properly cleaning shoes before entering the course, and upon exiting, we can make sure we aren’t spreading infected seeds, leaves or debris. Shoe cleaning stations include dry scrubbing as well as a rubbing alcohol spray on the soles of your shoes. Sadly, ROD has spread to locations on Kaua’i. Please be sure to use shoe cleaning stations on our course, and any other locations on the Garden Isle where provided. YOU can stop the spread.

SHAKA ZIPLINE FAQS

OUR ZIPLINE IN KAUAI HAS 800+ 5-STAR REVIEWS!

Shaka Zipline
First time, best time

"First time zip-lining, and it was incredible! Jen and Crystal were fantastic guides, very fun, energetic, and knowledgeable. You can't beat the views either! A group of us went, and a few had been zip-lining before (in CA and UT) and said this was the best experience by far."

– Kayla C. • Tripadvisor
Shaka Zipline
Great guides!

"Our zipline guides were great; knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful with making us feel confident and comfortable as well as sharing extra stuff for those wanting more. It was such a fun time. Breathtaking scenery."

– Leeann E • Tripadvisor
Shaka Zipline
Great time!!!

"It was our first time zip lining. We did the 8 line tour. Definitely worth the extra 3 lines. I was worried about hiking, but very little hiking has to be done. Our guides were great and we learned a lot about the culture as well. Cody was very personable. Definitely would do it again!"

– Jenny M. • Tripadvisor
Shaka Zipline
Amazing!

"Eddie and Jared did an amazing job! They made the experience so much fun with jokes and laughter! I would definitely recommend using this company and these guides!"

– Kristie B. • Tripadvisor
Shaka Zipline
Favorite Adventure!

"This is our second time ziplining in HI and it was a great experience! This is, hands down, our favorite family adventure! Our guides, Jenn and Lowen, were both fun and safety and enjoyment were their number one priority! The views were spectacular! We'd love to try the 8 line zip next time!"

– Salenri R. • Tripadvisor
Shaka Zipline

My son and I had never been ziplining before and this was just amazing! Our guides were so nice, funny, and helpful. We could not have been in better hands. Truly an experience I want to go back and do again.

– Holly A. • Google Reviews
Shaka Zipline

We had so much fun! Jen and Crystal were personable, fun and literally do all the work for you. This was my first zip line experience and I was a little nervous but they took such good care of us and I felt a hundred percent safe the entire time. Not only is the experience super fun but the views are breathtaking. I can’t recommend this spot and crew more :) if you’re thinking about booking it, do it! And make sure you book for the full 8 lines!

– Jessica P. • Google Reviews
Shaka Zipline

Excellent service and experience. This was my 1st zipline and I would highly recommend it. I definitely will do this again when I find myself back on Kauai. Both the young ladies that took us out made it fun and memorable.

– James K. • Google Reviews
Shaka Zipline

A quick 10 minute drive from their office brings you to the zipline spot. Their pre and post zip line process is smooth and requires little prep. The team is great and ensured they kept the activity fun and interesting. We did the 5 line Zipline and as we got comfortable, they introduced new tricks (running start, trust fall, zig zag). Overall a great and memorable experience.

– Rahul S. • Google Reviews