Get a bird's view of the rainforest on Hawai'i's newest and longest zip line eco-adventure at Pi'iholo Ranch above Makawao, Maui. Pi'iholo Ranch Zipline owners/operators and brothers Jeff, Duke and Chris Baldwin have built one of the country's longest and most ecologically cool zip lines, offering three miles of scenic thrills, with heights up to 600 feet and speeds up to 40 mph.

The course includes the zip lines, a suspension bridge, a 42-foot climbing tower and ropes course together across 100 acres.

All tours start by crossing a 317-foot-long suspension bridge from the parking lot to the course. Zip lines criss-cross over deep gulches and over a forest canopy of koa, 'ohi'a, halapepe and kukui trees, with views of the coast and Haleakala summit.

Pi'iholo Zipline adventures start at $140 per person; the Tango Tower climbing adventure is $95 per person, and the Walk Along adventure is $25 per person.

Tours are every hour from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. 808-572-1717, www.piiholozipline.com, or e-mail info@piiholozipline.com. View video footage at www.piiholozipline.com/zipline_video.html.

— Advertiser staff

MAINLAND

THE BEST PARTIES IN AMERICA? DUDE! SOMEBODY HAS TO FIND 'EM

When Colorado native Mike Guerriero lost his job in 2007, he used his severance pay to to travel and research the best parties across the U.S. "Party Across America! 101 of the Greatest Festivals, Sporting Events, and Celebrations in the U.S.," $12.95, is every party hopper's travel guide. "You come to realize that our country is filled with a huge variety of celebrations where no one is talking about the economy or politics but just existing in the present and having fun," said Guerriero, who came to Maui two years ago for the Valley Isle's famously "wild Halloween."

Partying wasn't all fun and games: "Lots of driving ... and so often I ended up sleeping in my car," said Guerriero. Will the recession close parties down? "A good party is like a mutating virus; it will always find a way to survive," he said.

— Chris Oliver

ALASKA

AS THE 49TH STATE CELEBRATES ITS 50TH, CASH IN ON THE TRAVEL DEALS

To recognize Alaska's 50th anniversary of statehood, Holland America Line is offering 50 percent discounts on many of its 2009 Alaska cruise tours. The deal applies to 13 itineraries lasting 11 to 14 days. For example, an 11-night cruise tour departing Sept. 6 — including a seven-night cruise from Vancouver to Seward, and a four-night land tour that visits Anchorage, Denali National Park and Preserve, and Fairbanks — starts at $949 per person double occupancy after discount, plus $156 taxes. 877-724-5425, www.hollandamerica.com.

— Advertiser staff