What is the Hilo Hawaii rainforest zipline like on Norwegian? — featuring Michael Grimes (Norwegian Cruise Line)

In this video: 2022 Friends and Family cruise (pt3) Hilo Hawaii

Michael Grimes · 3 years ago

Is this tour suitable for first-time zip-liners?

Yes. The video shows the tour accommodates both inexperienced and experienced participants, with the course structure allowing beginners to build confidence on shorter lines before progressing to longer ones.

What this video answers

  • Is this tour suitable for first-time zip-liners?
  • How long are the zip-lines on this course?
  • What is visible during the zip-lining experience?
  • Do I need special clothing for this tour?
  • How is this tour booked?

At a glance

Length
5 min
Channel
Michael Grimes
Video from
Oct 2022
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Cruise passengers considering a rainforest zip-lining shore excursion in Hilo.
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Rainforest Zip-Lining Adventure in Hilo, Hawaii

This video documents a cruise excursion through the rainforest canopy above Hilo on Hawaii's Big Island, accessed as a shore excursion during a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage. The video captures both nervous first-timers and experienced zip-liners tackling a course that progresses from shorter introductory lines to increasingly longer spans, culminating in flights of 1,100 and 2,300 feet. The experience takes place in lush rainforest terrain with visible waterfalls and tropical vegetation, offering a genuine sense of adventure for cruise passengers looking to step beyond their ship.

This excursion suits cruise travelers of mixed experience levels—the video shows both newcomers and veterans participating, suggesting the operator accommodates beginners alongside repeat zip-liners. If you're docked in Hilo and seeking an active, nature-focused activity that combines adrenaline with Hawaiian rainforest scenery, this tour delivers both thrills and memorable views of the Big Island's landscape.

Key Moments

What You'll Experience on This Rainforest Course

  • Arrival at Hilo Bay and scenic harbor views as the cruise ship docks
  • Briefing and preparation with both veteran and first-time participants wearing harnesses
  • Progressive zip-line runs increasing in length, starting with shorter beginner lines
  • Extended flights including a 1,100-foot span and a 2,300-foot final line
  • Rainforest canopy views with visible waterfalls during the course
  • An "after-hours" run mentioned for the crew to push intensity on longer lines
Featured image for the guide to 2022 Friends and Family cruise (pt3) Hilo Hawaii by Michael Grimes

Before You Book This Hilo Zip-Lining Excursion

  • The tour is offered through Norwegian Cruise Line as a formal shore excursion during port stops in Hilo
  • Course progression begins with introductory lines for nervous or inexperienced participants before advancing to longer spans
  • The longest lines reach 2,300 feet, requiring confidence and physical ability to handle extended flights
  • Weather conditions appear favorable when the video was filmed, described as "a nice pretty day"
  • Swimwear can be worn during the experience, suggesting the activity tolerates casual attire
  • Plan to be in port long enough to complete the full excursion and return to your ship

Frequently Asked Questions About This Hilo Zip-Lining Tour

Is this tour suitable for first-time zip-liners?

Yes. The video shows the tour accommodates both inexperienced and experienced participants, with the course structure allowing beginners to build confidence on shorter lines before progressing to longer ones.

How long are the zip-lines on this course?

The video mentions lines ranging from introductory lengths up to 350, 450, 1,100, and 2,300 feet, with the progression allowing participants to build comfort before tackling the longest spans.

What is visible during the zip-lining experience?

Participants can see rainforest vegetation and waterfalls flowing through the canopy during the course, providing scenic views of Hawaii's Big Island tropical landscape.

Do I need special clothing for this tour?

The video shows a participant wearing swimwear during an after-hours run, suggesting the tour is flexible with attire, though typical outdoor adventure wear is likely recommended.

How is this tour booked?

The tour is offered as a formal excursion through Norwegian Cruise Line during Hilo port stops, meaning passengers can book it through their cruise line before or after boarding.

A still from the video 2022 Friends and Family cruise (pt3) Hilo Hawaii by Michael Grimes
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Key Terms

Shore excursion
An activity or tour offered to cruise passengers during a port stop, booked through the cruise line.
Canopy
The upper layer of the rainforest formed by tree branches and foliage through which you travel on zip-lines.
Big Island
The largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, also officially known as the island of Hawaii.
Pride of America
The Norwegian Cruise Line ship on which this excursion was taken.

Sources: Shore excursion · Canopy · Big Island · Pride of America — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video is genuinely helpful if you're trying to decide whether a zip-lining excursion suits you during a Hilo cruise stop. The creator shows real participants at different skill levels facing the same course, which removes mystery around what to expect and demonstrates that beginners are welcome.

What stands out most is seeing the actual line lengths and the rainforest setting—it's not just hype, but honest footage of people working through nervousness and completing flights they weren't sure about. If you're on the fence about adding an active excursion to your cruise, this will help you decide confidently.

⭐⭐ Great video · 2 out of 2

Justin
Justin

Years on the front lines of helicopter tour coordination — not as a travel blogger, but as the person responsible for making every guest experience go right. Managed 2,000+ cruise guests weekly as Shore Excursions staff aboard the Pride of America in Hawaii Personally coordinated with helicopter tour operators to confirm age, weight, and safety requirements.

Video by Michael Grimes on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.

Description

This videos is part 3; day four, when we docked in Hilo Hawaii. Some of us did the rainforest & waterfall zip line excursion offered through Norwegian. #ncl #nclpoa #prideofamerica #cruiselife #zipline #bigsland #hilothai #botanicalworldadventure

Video transcript for “2022 Friends and Family cruise (pt3) Hilo Hawaii” Accessibility

A full written transcript of this video, provided for accessibility. Select any timestamp to jump the video to that moment.

yo yo yo Aloha from the Big Island Hilo Hawaii we are pulling into Hilo Bay let me let you check it out it's gonna be a nice pretty day today we're going zip lining can't wait of course we've been ziplining before if you can follow me uh me myself personally have never ziplined or Big

Island so I'm looking forward to this look what you see I don't know if I can zoom in let me put a little waterfall coming down won't let me zoom in but hey it's gonna be a nice day today looking forward to it looking forward to try to

get some content on the zip lining Halo Hawaii on the big island which is also known as the island of Hawaii anymore to follow y'all have an awesome day aloha [Music]

foreign [Music] foreign [Music]

to the uh zip lining we got some veterans veterans newbie and a newbie we're gonna do this with two are you nervous yes I'm very nervous you have nothing to fear but fear itself yeah okay thank you

[Music]

oh no I'm wearing swim naked this is our after hour zip line me and the crew we come out here start kick it up a notch the next few lines are 350 feet long and 450 feet and

1100 feet and 2300 feet foreign [Music]

foreign [Music]

foreign [Music] don't forget to like And subscribe and stay tuned for part four when we visit Kona Hawaii and get to go snorkeling aloha

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