Activity Tips
Kevin Ditamore – Owner / Manager
Waterfall rappelling is the latest in extreme adventure-oriented activities offered in Hawaii. We now have this option on two islands … this company here on Kauai and on the island of Maui with Rappel Maui. Rappelling offers a more hands-on experience than a zipline tour, and the waterfalls give you a rush (literally!). Obviously this isn’t a tour for everyone, but if you enjoy doing something that takes you out of your comfort zone and gives you a photo op with “Look what I did on vacation in Hawaii” bragging rights, this is a great choice!!!
Island Adventures takes their responsibility for this area seriously. Their guides participate as volunteers in the adjacent Hule’ia Wildlife Refuge, which is closed to the general public. The US Fish & Wildlife purchased 241 acres on Kauai in 1973 for the protection of Hawaii’s water birds, and their efforts help the population of native Ae’o (Hawaiian Stilt), Nene (Hawaiian Goose), Koloa Maoli (Hawaiian Duck), and Hawaiian Coot.
The guides also take their role in keeping you safe on this tour seriously! My wife and I had a blast experiencing their tour first-hand recently … I’ve done quite a bit of rappelling but this was her first time. She listened intently during the instructions, which is a very good idea. This is not the time to “zone out” like the safety briefing given by a flight attendant on before your plane took off on the way to Hawaii. You do need to pay attention, not only for your own safety, but for your own personal enjoyment of the rest of the tour! The instruction given by Dundee and the demonstrations by the two other guides were really an excellent introduction to the sport of rappelling and prepared participants well … both in teaching the important basics as well as encouraging people that “you really can do this … it isn’t hard.”
A few minutes later my wife practiced and did well on the dry wall, as did everyone else on tour with us that day. Off we scampered down the trail. It’s a short walk down (a little longer coming back up) but when you arrive at the waterfall the first thing that hits you is “Wow, that waterfall looks a LOT more than 60 feet tall!”
My wife on rope … not bad form for her first time to rappel
The rope was rigged for us to the left side of the main flow of water, and everyone did SO WELL rappelling “Dundee Falls” that we were given the opportunity to try it one more time … this time with the rope centered in the strongest part of the flowing water! Most of our group (including my wife and several other first-timers) bravely tackled the challenge! Their success was a testament to just how encouraging, informative, and safety-conscious the guides were … they ABSOLUTELY MADE the tour and were every bit as important to a quality tour experience as the beautiful waterfalls we were enjoying.
I highly recommend this event … but it isn’t for everyone. While I am convinced these guides are absolutely THE BEST at what they do, it is possible to experience cuts and scrapes if you slip. This may be stating the obvious, but ROCKS are HARD … if you smack yourself on one it is going to hurt. All participants are required to sign a waiver of liability recognizing that there are risks associated with this event. This is an adventure tour … it is NOT the “It’s a Small World” ride at Disneyland. Far from it!
One other aspect I appreciated about this tour … it has a decidedly local flavor. Some Hawaii vacation activities feel very “corporate” and not very Hawaiian … but when you pull up to the Jungle Base Camp you are greeted by smiling wild boar heads, goat skulls, and various pelts … it almost feels like a hunting camp. A few people may be put off by this; if you are one of them don’t focus on that or allow it to offend you. It IS a part of local culture and these invasive animals have no place in the wildlife sanctuary dedicated to protection of native species.
Who’s this tour for? Teens, healthy non-excessive-fear-of-heights adults, and active, adventurous seniors in good physical condition … basically anyone who loves ziplining but is maybe looking for something a little more adventurous than that … and a LOT more hands-on.
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