Ziplining in Kauai -- Post 1

On my last full day in Kauai, I decided to go ziplining for the first time.  There are many companies, most of which have different zipline options, but I decided to go with Kauai Outfitters.

But first I took a few photos of sunrise at my hotel.

 

 

My appointment was at 8:00 in the morning.  On the way I passed through one of the Tunnel of Trees.  This represents a previous entry to a royal palace on the island.

 

 

Kauai Outfitters has the information below on their web page http://outfitterskauai.com/zipline-trek-lele-eono.php .

Tour Description

BRAND NEW from Kauai’s original zipline company...high velocity smiles high above lush jungle terrain. Enough thrills for your whole vacation—in just 4 hours.

Join us on our “flyin’ six”—the Lele ‘Eono—six heart-thumpin’, exhilarating zip lines, each different. Try it platform-to-platform, center dismount, zippel, jumping out of tree houses, crossing rivers and waterfalls, through the canopy and over the treetops. Single rides, tandem rides, hootin’-n-hollerin’ rides—big, huge fun! And when your pulse is back to normal, be sure to have a look around. You’re on Kipu Ranch, hiking secret forest trails and crossing aerial suspension bridges over tumbling streams and waterfalls.

From beneath the lush tropical canopy to soaring alongside a friend across the spectacular panoramic views, the Lele ‘Eono is excitement the family will never forget. Have a blast while you learn about the ecology, natural history, culture, folklore, and legends of Kauai from your awesome guides. Explore the very same fabulous private lands made famous by movies like Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, The Descendants and many more.

Contact us today for the thrill of a lifetime. 808-742-9667

We left the outfitter's office for around a 30 minute drive up the mountain.  Once there, our guides (Alex and Justin--who were great!) helped us correctly put on our harnesses.

Next to where we were assembling there was a cool river.  As it turns out, we ziplined right over this river a few different times.

Looking down at my harness.

Let's go!

Justin explaining the rules at our first platform...

Justin hooking up the tether for the first volunteer.

And then he jumped....

Next....

This is one of the many waterfalls that we ziplined over.

The second line allowed us to control our speed due to the pneumatic system.

Backing down the steps for the step off point.

The next platform was more of a tree house.

 

Below is a picture of the five million year old vesicular basalt.  Notice the empty vesicle pockets.  There has not yet been enough geologic time for these pockets to mineralize and fill.

 

Other basaltic boulders have broken off the cliffs, but not yet rounded with erosion.

Waterfalls were everywhere.

One of the receiving platforms at the end of a zipline.

Platform to platform...

Getting hooked up and ready to jump...

This is the only end platform that we needed help getting down.

There were a few of these jungle bridges that we had to carefully cross to get to the next platform.

There were ten of us and we had to pair up for some of the tandem lines.  We each had our own zipline, and had to jump separately but at the same time.

Boulders, boulders, and more boulders.

Basaltic cliff wall...