The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

Awesome spot if you love the jungle and waterfalls! Incredible essentially private waterfall experience. Kayaking around the waterfall was magical. Room was comfortable and breakfast was so so good. would definitely recommend and visit again if staying in the Hilo area! Just 10 minutes drive into town and a gorgeous drive.

This place was a true retreat of the senses.

I don't usually write a lot of reviews, but I specifically came back to this booking that we had in April of 2022 because I've thought about it so much since that stay. This was possibly the most idyllic setting I've ever had the pleasure of staying at; the grounds around the main property are like a movie set. It was impossibly pretty, and the hiking trail they set up around the multitude of tropical plants they grow there was a lot of fun to walk. We swam in the pool where the waterfall was flowing, but the water was a little too high to try and get up underneath the falls itself. We had a wonderful night's sleep away from the bustle of town; we slept with our windows open and during the night one of the house cats decided it wanted to sleep in the bed with us, so we made a little space for our new friend. If you're looking for a unique experience in Hilo I'd highly recommend this incredible property. We only stayed one night so I can't comment on a lot of the hospitality outside of the excellent breakfast we had, but I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that it would all be equally great.

This was a magical experience. So private, beautiful, and serene. Loved all the employees as well.

The key thing to understand is you are paying for the location - the waterfall, the country estate, the gated access and charming buildings. The experience is much more like an AirBnB than an hotel or resort: all very much self service. Accommodation is in a number of separate 'houses' spread along a length of driveway, and overlooking the small gorge containing at one end the waterfall and then a series of pools and a river. Depending on the amount of recent rain the falls can be very impressive. There is also a very nice river walk through bamboo gardens. Everyone we interacted with was very pleasant, but the level of service is pretty low, almost like a bunch of friends helping out rather than service matching the room price. The 'house' in which we had a room had a full kitchen and lounge. Coffee and tea was provided along with a small selection of sweet things. All very nice, but sparce. Breakfast (extra) was served on a deck overlooking the waterfall in the main building. There is little choice, and it is served late. Because of the location (20 minutes up a mostly one track road from town and then 10 to closest breakfast place) going out for breakfast is not a practical option. Every interaction from gate access to booking breakfast and checking out is all done via an app or text message. Very impersonal, and a little odd given the otherwise Zen vibe of the place. The lack of air-conditioning was absolutely fine. The rooms are not designed with cross drafts (as would be traditional in no a/c places) but it is high enough to be cool. The humidity levels are nowhere near a Midwest or New England summer. We split our week in Hilo between here and an hotel in town. We enjoyed our stay, but we wouldn't return here. We would return there.

Two friends and I stayed at the Inn for the Merrie Monarch Festival. I canʻt say enough about what a great place this is to stay. All the staff are friendly and welcoming. The waterfall was pumping at full blast (so we couldnʻt swim, but no worries because it was so beautiful to see). The breakfast every day was delicious. I love that they have the beverage station open all the time so you can grab a hot cup of tea or cocoa late at night. The bed was so comfortable and the rooms are nicely decorated. Itʻs a fun drive through the countryside to get to the inn. All in all, a perfect 3 nights and Iʻll be back for sure. Mahalo nui loa to the staff.

i especially liked meeting all the lovely workers the Buddhas the bamboo the cozyness and the spaciousness! The waterfall is a very powerful place. I plan to return again on a sunny day anytime. It’s very near Hilo town and has a very easy access above all the traffic

Beautiful location right by the waterfall -- the walk around the property is beautiful.

My husband and I booked a one night stay so that we could participate in the cooking class, visit Volcanoes National Park and the Hilo side of the island for a day. The property & grounds are beautiful, and the staff is wonderful. We enjoyed a tasty breakfast and enjoyed the extras provided for guests by the staff. We will definitely return to The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls for a longer on our next big island vacation.