General FAQs
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.
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.
3 hours max, less depending on group size and pace.
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 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Canyoning is traveling through a canyon using various adventure techniques—like hiking, swimming, and rappelling.
Rappelling is descending a rock face or waterfall using a rope, harness, and braking system.
Abseiling is simply another word for rappelling; it’s the term commonly used outside the U.S.
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.
No. There isn’t a safe way to join the tour without rappelling. The canyon has no public trails, the terrain is steep, and the tour moves from the top down—so everyone who enters must be in full safety gear and rappel each descent with our guides.
Friends or family who aren’t rappelling can purchase entry with the Garden of Eden gate attendant and explore the beautiful grounds during your tour. If the timing lines up, they may be able to see your final rappel from one of the lookout points.
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.
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.
Booking FAQs
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.
We operate Monday–Saturday. Tours typically run at 8:00 AM, 11:45 AM and 12:30 PM, with 9:15 AM and 1:00 PM added when demand is high.
For the Classic Rappel Tour, groups typically range from 4–8 guests.
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.
Before Tour FAQs
Rain or shine, we go. If heavy rain causes water levels to rise above safe limits, we use rappel stations set safely away from the watercourse. High-water days are dramatic and fun, and cancellations are rare in our protected valley.
Bring a towel and a change of clothes for after your tour.
You may bring a phone or small camera to store in the provided dry keg and backpack, but we can’t guarantee it won’t get wet or damaged.
GoPros or similar devices that attach securely to your body (no handhelds) are welcome. Helmet mounts are available on request, but if a device comes loose or falls into the water, it’s rarely recoverable and we’re not responsible for the loss.
Yes. Rappelling is a great activity for families with active kids and teens.
Children 10 or older who weigh at least 70 lbs may join the Classic Rappel Tour when accompanied by an adult over 21.
A parent must e-sign the waiver in advance — we cannot accept signatures from relatives, family friends, or adult siblings.
You must weigh between 70 and 250 lbs for the Classic Rappel Tour. We weigh each participant (privately) at check-in.
All participants must be able to walk and hike without assistance, and must understand and speak English clearly without interpretation.
This activity may not be suitable for some people due to medical or physical conditions, or for those who use certain medical devices. It is not suitable during pregnancy, and not recommended for guests with hip, neck, or back issues, heart conditions, or those who take blood thinners.
If you’re unsure about your specific situation, please call us—we’re happy to help you determine whether this tour is a good fit.
You’ll meet us at the Garden of Eden Arboretum along the Hana Highway.
Check-in takes place just inside the main gate, where the attendant will direct you to our parking area. Please note that guides begin tours promptly, and Garden of Eden employees are unable to help you join the tour if you arrive late. Full directions and a reminder text are sent the day before your tour.
Wear clothing that protects your skin from the harness and the elements. We recommend longer swim shorts, lightweight pants or leggings, and a quick-dry shirt or rash guard.
We provide neoprene boots with felt soles for the activity. For the short walk in (100–200 yards on gravel or dirt), flip-flops, sandals, or sneakers, are all fine. Just keep in mind they may get muddy or dusty with Maui’s famous red dirt.
It's best to leave valuables and luggage at your resort/hotel/accommodations.
During Tour FAQs
Three rappels: a dry practice rappel, then two waterfall descents (conditions permitting).
Yes — we provide bottled water.
For Classic Group Tours, we set out pre-packaged snacks after the tour. Private Tours have the option to add a catered lunch—call us for details.
There is also a food truck on site; let them know you’re with Rappel Maui for a discount.
Please note: you won’t be able to visit the food truck before an 8:00 AM tour, as it opens at the same time.
Yes — restrooms are available at both the parking area and our base shed.
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.
Sun exposure is possible. If you choose to wear sunscreen, please use mineral lotion.
Yes. Remove any jewelry that could catch or get damaged. Rings may scratch during the tour. Don’t leave valuables in your car—use your hotel safe or the provided dry keg.
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.
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.
Yes, tipping is customary. If your guides delivered a great experience, gratuities are always appreciated, and can be given in cash or via Venmo. You’re also welcome to share feedback by email or leave a review on platforms like Facebook, TripAdvisor, or Yelp.
Transportation FAQs
You’ll drive a classic stretch of the Hana Highway with rainforest views, ocean vistas, curves, and about a dozen one-lane bridges. This slower, scenic portion takes about 30 minutes and isn’t the “scary” section you may read about online — most guests find it easier than expected.
No, we do not provide transportation. All guests meet us directly at the Garden of Eden Arboretum.
No. Rideshares and taxis do not service our location due to its remote setting. Cell service is very limited, and drivers are not able to wait or return for pickup during your tour.