"The location is stunning with rooms just in front of the waterfall."
Michele from United States
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"Free access to the waterfall from the hotel that associated with the community."
Peter from Australia
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"The waterfall is a very powerful place."
Storyteller659618 from United States
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"We stayed in the Maile room, which is the closest to the Falls."
Dave C from United States
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"unbeatable location just outside Hilo with a stunning waterfall on the property."
Clare S from United States
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Boutique eco-friendly hotel with private access to the Big Island's largest waterfall
Waterfall Access & Activities
Overnight guests have exclusive access to Kulaniapia Falls, the largest privately accessible waterfall on the Big Island. The hotel offers guided waterfall rappelling tours of Kulaniapia Falls, as well as kayaking and paddleboarding on the lagoon at its base. Hiking trails through bamboo gardens and swimming in the waterfall pool are available without additional fees for guests.
Eco-Sustainability
The property generates its own electricity from a hydroelectric system powered by the falls, making it self-sufficient in energy. All accommodations are designed with sustainable practices, including the use of natural ventilation instead of air conditioning. Guests have access to shared kitchen facilities and a communal lounge to reduce individual resource consumption.
Dining
A daily breakfast is served on a deck overlooking Kulaniapia Falls, using locally sourced ingredients prepared fresh each morning. Guests can book a chef's table dinner, which features farm-to-table meals cooked by a private chef using ingredients from the property and nearby farms. A self-serve beverage station with coffee, tea, and fresh juice is available throughout the day.
Accommodations
Rooms are located in several buildings including Harmony House and Pagoda Guest House, with some offering private lanais facing the waterfall. The Pagoda Guest House includes a full kitchen, while Harmony House provides a shared living room, kitchen, and dining area for guests. All rooms are furnished with ceiling fans and screened windows to maximize airflow from the rainforest environment.
Location & Grounds
The inn sits on 22 acres of lush tropical rainforest along the Kulaniapia Stream, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Hilo. Nearby attractions include Hawaii Volcano National Park, Akaka Falls State Park, and Rainbow Falls, all within a 30-minute drive. The gated property also features a bamboo garden, scenic hiking trails, and an outdoor picnic area with BBQ facilities.
Highlights
Waterfall: Exclusive access to Kulaniapia Falls - largest private waterfall on Big Island
Activities: Guided rappelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking
Dining: Locally sourced breakfast with waterfall views; chef's table dinner
Sustainability: On-site hydroelectric power generation
Rooms: Private lanais, full kitchens in select units
Grounds: 22-acre rainforest with bamboo gardens and BBQ facilities
“The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls truly centers on its spectacular waterfall, a remarkable amenity that guests can paddleboard or hike to, and even dine beside. While the property embraces an off-grid, sustainable ethos, the guest rooms could benefit from a refresh to match the exceptional chef's table experience and the natural beauty outside. My impression is of a place with immense potential, where the genuine magic of the falls is sometimes dimmed by details needing attention, though the attentive staff and natural setting remain compelling.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ushawaii
Select your room type
The Inn At Kulaniapia Falls offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Premium King Room Partial Waterfall View
2 persons
25 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Balcony
Shower
room details
Premium Queen Room Waterfall View
2 persons
25 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Balcony
Shower
room details
Cottage Waterfall View
2 persons
33 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Balcony
Shower
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
June 2026 - June 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Inn At Kulaniapia Falls offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score
General
Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
Parking
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
Luggage storage
Fireplace
Sports & Fitness
Canoeing
Hiking
Services
Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance
Dining
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Children
Board games
Game room
Spa & Leisure
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Full body massage
Room features
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
Flat-screen TV
In-room computer
Room decor
Parquet floor
Show more
The Inn At Kulaniapia Falls Location
100 Kulaniapia Drive, Hilo, 96720,
Explore Hilo
Explore Hilo's Best
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Pe'epe'e Falls & Boiling Pots
15 minutes' walk
Scenic waterfalls perfect for photography and a local favorite for relaxation by the water's edge.
Waiale Falls
15 minutes' walk
A stunning waterfall located in a serene natural setting, ideal for picnics and nature walks.
Kaumana Springs
25 minutes' walk
Natural springs amidst lush surroundings; great for swimming and unwinding in a peaceful atmosphere.
Rainbow Falls
30 minutes' walk
Iconic waterfall known for its colorful rainbows; offers great photo opportunities and easy-access viewpoints.
Kulaniapia Adventures
4 minutes' walk
Outdoor adventures such as zip-lining and waterfall hikes, perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Yoga Retreats
5 minutes' drive
Relax and rejuvenate with local yoga classes that emphasize tranquility and connection to nature.
Hilo Farmers Market
10 minutes' drive
Vibrant market showcasing local produce, crafts, and foods; open Wednesdays and Sundays for family fun.
Hilo Bay Cafe
10 minutes' drive
Casual dining with a local twist; try their fresh fish tacos and enjoy bay views. Reservations recommended.
Cafe Pesto
10 minutes' drive
Charming bistro offering pizza, pasta, and local specialties. Vegan and gluten-free options available.
Nori Sushi
10 minutes' drive
Authentic Japanese cuisine including sushi and sashimi, perfect for casual dining after a day of activities.
Hilo Town Tavern
10 minutes' drive
Popular bar with live music and a laid-back vibe; great spot for local brews and performance nights.
Merrie Monarch Festival (Seasonal)
5 minutes' drive
Annual hula festival featuring competitions and cultural displays, attracting visitors worldwide every spring.
Palace Theater
10 minutes' drive
Historic theater showing films and live performances; a cultural hub with a diverse entertainment schedule.
Getting around
City Centre
Hilo 8 min · 3.0 mi
Airports
Hilo (ITO) 19 min · 7.8 mi
Waimea-Kohala (MUE) 146 min · 60.2 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-20:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at .
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs US$19 per person per day.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 2.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
21
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Inn At Kulaniapia Falls from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 229 verified reviews
8.9 /10
Great
89 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.5/10
Comfort
8.8/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free WiFi
8.0/10
Location
9.3/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Waterfall access
Jungle setting
Tasty breakfast
Cons
Awkward check-in
Outdated furnishings
Guest reviews
based on 175 reviews
8.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.