Mauka & Makai
Advertiser Staff
Quick tour
Tour Haleakala by zipline
See Maui's valleys and forests ... via zipline?
Skyline Eco-Adventures takes adventure seekers to the edge and beyond. Their Zipline Haleakala tour combines a short hike through a eucalyptus forest with a series of four dramatic zipline crossings launched from 70-foot high platforms along the slopes of Haleakala Crater.
Riders sail above treetops, valleys and waterfalls anywhere from 10 mph to 35 mph to get a bird's-eye view of vegetation and wildlife in one of the most isolated places on earth.
"We want to give visitors a safe and exciting experience and hopefully, they'll leave with added knowledge about Haleakala and Hawai'i's ecology," said Daniel Boren, co-founder of Skyline Eco-Adventures.
Boren, who grew up in Pa'ia, wanted to create an experience similar to Costa Rica's canopy tours where platforms high in the rain forest launch people on thrilling zipline rides. "We don't have the kinds of trees here strong enough to support riders so we've built platforms at clifftops," Boren said. "One of our major concerns is to help protect Hawa'i's native environment." To this end, 10 percent of the company's profits go to preserve Hawai'i's ecosystems.
• Tip: Skyline Eco-Adventures operates three zipline tours daily for riders 12 and older who weigh between 80 and 300 pounds. Wear closed shoes and long pants. Cost is $69, $59 if booked online. (808) 878-8400, www.skylinehawaii.com.
• Directions: Take Highway 37 (Haleakala Highway 377. Turn left on Highway 378 (Crater Road), drive 2 1/2 miles. Look for Skyline's red-and-white building on left of road.
Top 10
Romantic Honolulu
The most romantic cities in the United States, from Bridal Guide magazine:
1. Honolulu
2. New York City
3. New Orleans
4. San Francisco
5. Orlando
6. Charleston, S.C.
7. Boston
8. Santa Fe
9. Aspen, Colo.
10. Seattle
What they're saying ...
Oktoberfest praise
Pat Broderick of Washington-based Copley News Service alerts readers to South Pacific Oompah in Hawai'i.
You didn't know that Hawai'i boasts one of the largest, longest-running and most authentic Oktoberfests? Well, now you do.
The 33rd annual event will be held Oct. 7-12 at the Ala Moana Hotel, with cowbells, polkas, flagons 'o beer and a menu of authentic German dishes.
Admission is $8 Friday and Saturday, $5 all other days. 955-4811.
