You'll want to wear something that protects your skin from the harness and the elements, so we recommend longer swim trunks, board shorts or light-weight pants, leggings or yoga pants and a quick-drying shirt, rash guard or tank top.
While you can wear a two-piece bathing suit under clothing, wearing a swimsuit alone usually leads to discomfort from the harness, the terrain, or the dreaded wardrobe malfunction. Wear something that can get muddy, dirty or snagged.
You can bring a wetsuit top, especially in the winter, or if you're sensitive to chilly water.
Bring a towel and a dry set of clothes to change into at the end of the trip, so that you can continue on with your journey in comfort. If you want to wear a mask when you're not rappelling, use one made of cloth. Leave all jewelry (including wedding rings) at your accommodations, as you won't be able to wear it on the tour. Items lost in the pond during the tour are usually not retrievable.
You're provided with a neoprene boot with a felt sole that you can hike, rappel and swim in. You'll do about 100-200 yards of walking from the parking area to the staging area on a gravel or dirt road (which may be muddy or dusty), so flip-flops, hiking shoes or sandals or sneakers are OK to wear on your way to and from the activity. Whatever you wear may get muddy or covered in Maui's famous red dirt, so wear something inexpensive and/or washable.
Rain or shine, we go. There is at least a little rain in the rainforest every day. When very rainy weather causes water levels to rise too high to safely use the waterfalls, we use stations that are a safe distance from the water course. High water days are very thrilling, as the roaring waterfalls make for a spectacular sight. We operate in a protected valley away from the ocean; unlike most other outdoor tours, it's very rare for us to cancel due to weather.
Bring a towel and a change of clothes to change into after the rappelling tour. You can bring a camera, with the understanding that the rugged and wet nature of the tour can damage fragile devices. You also won't be able to hold a camera while rappelling. If you lose a device in one of the pools, it's usually not possible to retrieve it. We do provide all your necessary gear, including backpacks and footwear. We also provide snacks and plenty of bottled water. The tour is not suitable for people who rely on certain medical or assistance devices or medications. Please ask a reservation agent for details.
No, but we will provide your with a pack that's intended for use during the tour. You have the option of placing a dry keg in your backpack, for keeping small items dry.
Please keep them to a minimum, as items may become damaged, lost or interfere with equipment. Small items will usually fit in the waterproof kegs and sealable bag we provide. Please note that it's possible for kegs to leak or break, and items that fall into the pools may not be retrievable.
It's best to leave valuables and luggage at your resort/hotel/accommodations.
Yes, rappelling is often the perfect activity for families with active kids and teens. Children 10 or older who weigh at least 70 lbs. may participate in the Classic Rappel tour when accompanied by an adult over the age of 30.
If a member of your party who's under the age of 18 is not accompanied by his/her parent, we send a participation form for an e-signature before tour time to the child's parent. We're not able to accept a signature of a relative, family friend, or adult sibling in lieu of a parent's signature.
Your waist must measure between 22" and 48". You must weigh a minimum of 70 lbs. and a maximum of 250 lbs. for the Classic Rappel Tour. We weigh each participant (in private) at check-in before the tour.
All participants must be able to walk and hike without any kind of assistance, and understand spoken English well without assistance or interpretation/translation, as well as speak it fluently.
Your safety is our top priority, and so this activity may not be suitable for some people due to a medical or physical condition or for people who use some medical devices or equipment. It's not suitable during pregnancy. It's not suitable for those with hip, neck or back issues, for those with a heart condition, or for those who take blood thinners. Please call us to learn more about participating.
Your guides will provide you with plenty of bottled water.
For the Classic Tour, individually wrapped and fresh snacks are provided. It's a good idea to eat a hearty breakfast or lunch before joining the tour. There are food trucks and restaurants located on the Hana Highway, but it's advisable to check their hours and offerings before leaving.
Private tours have the option of adding a catered picnic lunch to the reservation. Ask about pricing on adding food to your private tour.
Yes, there are two flush toilets on-site at the gear shed, and two private changing rooms.
Yes; however, mosquitoes don't land well in breezy or foggy conditions, and they don't usually come out into sunny areas. We have repellent wipes, but you probably won't need them. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt will protect you from most bites. Please do not use spray or DEET repellent, as it damages the helmets, harnesses and gear.
You will get some sun exposure, especially during the late summer months. Use reef-safe sunscreen to keep chemicals out of the water. Be prepared to be in the sun for at least an hour. You may wear a baseball cap or visor under your helmet to protect your face and keep the sun out of your eyes. A long-sleeved rash guard is usually adequate protection for your arms and torso.
If you cancel 48 hours or more prior to the date of the event, you will receive a full refund less a 10% cancellation fee. If you cancel within 48 hours, you will receive no refund, unless we can replace you. If Rappel Maui cancels, you will receive a full refund.
We don't issue a refund if a participant doesn't meet the age or weight restrictions at check-in, so please make sure to weigh yourself at least 48 hours before your tour date. You can find the full cancellation policy at the reservation booking page; it's also emailed to guests upon making a reservation.
The Rappel Maui tour is a fun and active experience for anyone over 10 who wants to experience the excitement and beauty of Maui’s rainforest and waterfalls through the sport of canyoning. It’s a recreational tour that requires no previous climbing or rappelling experience. Follow these links for more about what it’s like, who can join us, when tours run, and how to book.
Of course, you can always call with your questions about Rappel Maui at (808) 270-1500 between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
The only difference in making your reservation online vs. over the phone is that you can make an online reservation any time of the day or night. Check availability or make a reservation now. Our reservation phone hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hawaii time, Tuesday through Friday. Call (808) 270-1500 to make a phone reservation.
The Classic Canyon Rappelling Group Tour costs $230 per person, plus tax. That includes all gear (with special footwear), and snacks/bottled water. You can make your rappelling tour reservation here.
The Private Rappelling Tour prices start at $1,840, plus tax, for 1 - 8 guests. Please call us to ask about availability, maximum number of guests and other details, or to make your reservation.
Simply put, canyoning is the exploration of canyons. Some necessary activities associated with exploring and traveling through canyons are hiking, scrambling, jumping, sliding, rappelling, and swimming.
Rappelling is the practice of using ropes, anchors, and other equipment to descend (and sometimes ascend) vertical or nearly vertical terrain. When we conduct our rappelling tours, we use harnesses, ropes, and a redundant system of anchors to descend natural wet and dry jungle walls.
Out on the pitches and trails, it’s best to keep things simple and un-blingy. Remove any pieces of exposed jewelry that might catch on equipment or rocks. You will also be using your hands quite a bit, and they will likely contact hard, rough and muddy surfaces, so if you’re worried about damaging rings with or without stones, we do recommend removing them. We don’t, however, recommend leaving any valuables in your car. Either leave jewelry in your hotel safe, or bring it with you so that you can keep it in the dry keg in your backpack.
We operate tours Monday through Saturday, with a maximum of four tour times per day, depending on seasonal demand. Call to ask about availability for any particular days or time slots.
Classic rappelling tour times are at 8:00, 9:15, 11:45 and 1:00 PM. Note that these times are the meeting times at the activity site on the Road to Hana. Just call or email us to ask questions about Rappel Maui or the tour details.
Usually 3 on the classic canyon rappelling tour. The format may be different if you’re taking a custom private rappelling tour. Call to ask us about custom private tours for small or larger groups.
The maximum elevation between Kahului and the activity is encountered in Haiku, during the drive from Kahului to the rappelling site, and is about 750 feet above sea level. There are higher elevations between the activity site and Hana Town. Once you enter the rappelling site, there’s no more elevation gain, as you’ll descend first, and walk back up to the beginning elevation at the end. If you’re continuing on your own to Hana after your rappel tour, please note that you may encounter elevations of 1,000 feet above sea or higher during the drive.
There are two guides assigned to a maximum of eight participants. When making a rappelling tour reservation, your group may include other parties. To make a reservation exclusively for your party of one or more people, call to ask about a private rappelling tour. Please call us to ask about parties larger than 8.
Yes. There are lots of opportunities to capture your memories on a still or video camera, but you won’t be able to hold a camera or selfie stick while rappelling. Likewise, your guides will not be able to take photos during a rappel. You can keep your small camera or other small, non-waterproof or fragile items in the dry keg, such as car keys and watches. Pro tip: Place water-sensitive items in a sealed plastic bag before putting them into your dry keg, as it’s possible for them to break or leak.
Your guides will meet you at the activity site, located at The Garden of Eden, 10600 Hana Highway in Haiku. Google Map to the location.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour time.
The activity site is about 1 hour from Kahului, 1.5 hours from Kihei, 1.75 hours from Lahaina, and 2 hours from Kapalua. Please check your map before leaving your accommodations, and call our offices if you’re running late. Cell phone reception past Paia (approximately 45 minutes from the site) can be unreliable.
Once you arrive at the Garden of Eden gate, you’ll proceed about 100 yards to Rappel Maui’s designated parking area. Your guides will meet you there. Please note that guides begin tours promptly, and Garden of Eden employees are unable to help you join the tour if you arrive late.
There’s hand sanitizer and cold running water at the rainforest site, but no shower. There are changing rooms & bathrooms for you to use after your tour. Bring clothing to change into after the tour and a towel. We give you a dry box with your backpack to keep your non-waterproof items dry during the tour, but bring your non-waterproof items in a sealable plastic bag. If you like to keep it neat, bring a separate or plastic bag to stash your wet swimsuit and clothing after you’ve changed.
You’ll take the scenic Hana Highway to the activity location. There are bathrooms along the way, in Kahului and in Paia (about 40 minutes from the activity location.) There are also facilities at the rappelling site, along with private changing rooms. On the ride to Hana, you’ll travel past charming North Shore towns like Paia and surfer- and windsurfer-approved beaches like Ho’okipa. As you go, the road becomes a little less straight, and the roadside vegetation a little more green and lush. You’ll see waterfalls on one side of the road, and the infinite sea on the other. It’s some of the best sightseeing in the world.
The canyon where we rappel is located in the Puohokamoa Valley, located on the Hana Highway, approximately halfway to Hana. It’s about 1 hour from Kahului, and 1 hour 15 minutes from Hana Town. We’ll send you specific directions about where to meet us at the site once you make your reservation.
It’s normal and natural to feel nervous about making your first descent–we welcome beginners and experts alike. Your guides have accompanied all kinds of guests, from children to seniors and beginners to seasoned canyoneers; they’re great at helping adventurers face the challenge of doing something as unusual as walking down a waterfall–and doing it safely. Listen to your guide’s instructions and tips–they know some great techniques for minimizing nervousness and maximizing enjoyment of the sport. And if you decide while on the course that making one or more rappels isn’t for you, you’ll be able to wait for your party at the staging area.
Although a rappel tour is full of excitement, your guides’ first priority is safety. That’s why your tour group size is small (maximum size of 8), with two guides assigned to each group.
Your guides are highly-trained in canyoning techniques, first aid, swift water rescue and wilderness rescue. They receive ongoing training during the year, and maintain certification in Red Cross CPR.
Our courses and equipment are monitored daily and equipment is carefully evaluated and retired when appropriate. When heavy rains and severe weather cause the streams to flood, we use the rappel stations that are a safe distance from the water. And everyone wears a helmet and flotation jacket from the tour’s start to finish, no matter what.
These are a few of the precautions that make a Rappel Maui tour safer than a day at the beach. Read these related posts on questions about Rappel Maui, why the tour is safe, how we keep it safe, and what kind of excitement you can expect from a day in the rainforest.
The most important skills in having a great day of rappelling are listening and attentiveness, with the most physical exertion happening at the end of the tour. After the three descents, you’ll hike a well maintained trail under the cool forest canopy back up the 300 vertical feet to the top–it’s like walking up multiple flights of stairs (an estimated 15 flights or so). At the supply shed, you’ll be able to change clothing in one of the private changing rooms.
You’re in good company. Most of our guests are first-timers or are new to the sport and skill of canyoning. If you’re interested in learning the how-tos of canyoning, or further skills you’ve already developed, call us to ask about courses.
You must weigh between 70 and 250 lbs to participate in the Classic Rappeling Tour. All participants must measure between 22 and 48 inches around the waist. The minimum age is 10. You must be in good general health and have no neck or back issues. You must be able to hike/walk for 1/2 to 1 mile on uneven, loose, or slippery terrain unassisted.
The activity (including the observer/hiking option) is not appropriate for people with some medical or physical conditions or for pregnant women. You must also be able to speak and understand spoken English well, and without an interpreter or translator. This is not a safe activity for those using some medical devices or medications, for those with neck, back, or hip injuries, or for those with a heart condition. Please call to ask if your condition precludes your participation.
If you feel that the service your guides provided was exemplary, tipping them is one way to express your appreciation. You can bring cash with you to the tour, you can add a prepaid gratuity when making your reservation, or you can call the reservations line to authorize a charge to your credit card for any amount. You can also email us about your experience with your guides, or use a social site like Facebook, Twitter, TripAdvisor, Yelp and others.
For more information, here's an extensive, detailed list of frequently asked questions. Our blog is an excellent source of information about what the tour is like, and provides tips and suggestions for making the most of your day.