Zipline Tours in Kauai

The latest adventure on Kauai is "zipping" or "ziplining." It's so new that the vernacular is still catching up with it, but regardless of what you call it, chances are you'll scream like a rock-star fan while trying it. Strap on a harness, clip onto a cable running from one side of a river or valley to the other, and zip across. The step off is the scariest part. Pack knee-length shorts or pants, athletic shoes, and courage for this adventure.

Just Live. When Nichol Baier and Julie Lester started Just Live in 2003, their market was exclusively school-age children, but now they've added visitor tours. Experiential education through adventure is how they describe it. Whatever you call it, sailing 70 feet above the ground for 3½ hours will take your vacation to another level. This is the only treetop zipline in the state where your feet never touch ground once you're in the air: six zips and two swinging bridges make the Tree Top Tour their most popular one. For the heroic at heart, there's the Climb-Zip-Eco-Challenge that includes two ziplines, a climbing wall, and a free fall from 40 feet. Both run $115. They still incorporate team building in the visitor tours, although their primary focus remains on community programming. Enjoy knowing that money spent here serves Kauai's children. Koloa. 808/482-1295. www.justlive.org.

Outfitters Kauai. This company offers a half-day, multisport adventure of ziplining and rope swinging with hiking in between. Four ziplines soar over a Swiss Family Robinson-like jungle setting. Plus, you'll trek over suspension bridges and elevated walkways, winding up at Kipu Falls for a swim. The price is $125. Outfitters Kauai also has a zipline stream crossing as part of their Kipu Safari tour. 2827-A Poipu Rd., Poipu. 808/742-9667 or 888/742-9887. www.outfitterskauai.com.

Princeville Ranch Adventures. The North Shore's answer to ziplining is an eight-zipline course with a bit of hiking, waterfall crossing, and swimming thrown in for a half-day adventure. This is as close as it gets to flying; just watch out for the albatross. Prices start at $115 for the Zip Express and $135 for the Zip and Dip. West of Princeville Airport on Rte. 56, between mile markers 27 and 28, Princeville. 808/826-7669 or 888/955-7669. www.adventureskauai.com.