The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

Lovely inn right next to a waterfall with great activities. Beautiful and secluded, well worth the extra little drive from Hilo. The resident cat was super friendly. The included (with an overnight stay) breakfast was delicious.

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.

The pond at the waterfall was incredible! While swimming in the pond, the perspective of the surrounding beauty of the trees and sky felt like paradise. Would return for sure.

The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is an absolute hidden gem on the Big Island. You have your own waterfall! And you only need to share it with a few other guests! How do you get better than that? There are a few confusing things about this place which might not be obvious on a third-party booking site, so I'll try to explain here. 1. There are two broad accommodation types here. The Inn, which is an inn, and the cabins. The cabins are located on a farm next to the Inn. You have to turn right, not left, from the road from Hilo to access the farm. This can be confusing at night, since the area is quite dark. 2. The cabins do not have their own plumbing; you will have to use toilets and showers located at the barn (they were squeaky clean). The cabins have solar panels to run lights and charge phones, but for anything higher voltage, you'll need to go to the barn. Oddly, the WiFi was excellent in the cabins. 3. "Barn" is a somewhat misleading term. The top floor of the barn is a laid-back lounge/kitchen area. You'll share it with the other guests and with the farm staff. The kitchen was well-equipped and had some basic oils, sauces, and spices for common use. The staff were all very cool and passionate young people. They gave excellent recommendations on things to do in the area. One staffer made us the best cup of coffee we've had in a long time. 4. If you stay at the cabins, you can use the services at the Inn, including booking meals and experiences.

The Inn is on a beautiful property that is accessed via a gate protected private road. The waterfall is amazing and very peaceful. It is not your standard hotel as there is no TV or standard amenities, however there is a common area kitchen space with shared refrigeration and appliances.

Loved the sound of the falls. This place is actually a great value compared to other options in this part of the island especially because of the free breakfast and coffee/tra available throughout the day. They offer optional paid activities which are great and unique. Access is thru a very long, single lane road so best to arrive during the day.

We were blown away by this property - definitely one of the top that we have stayed at with such an amazing ambiance! Lush greenery all the around with birds, fruit trees, and waterfall. We had an awesome view of the waterfall from our room. And loved the sound of it through the night. Everyone can enjoy that view from the breakfast area! This fall was actually better and without crowds than Rainbow fall. The private little serene trail on the property was a great surprise! The kitchen area in our building was also stocked with coffee/tea/muffins etc. we were able to store some leftovers as well as fruit we bought in the fridge. Stayed here for 2 nights but wish we could have stayed here 1 more night. The Hawaii tropical bio reserve and garden is about 25 mins away and was another pleasant surprise that’s a must-visit. Only thing I can think of as far as improvement is to have vegetarian options for meals - specifically the chef’s dinner. We didn’t do chef’s dinner because the staff was upfront with us about the menu (which we appreciated).

We really liked that they are self-sufficient, they produce their own electricity using the waterfall in the picture. There we can grab bananas from trees, the dining terrace has a nice view of the waterfall and lush vegetation around. We missed (a little) an air conditioning system in the room and it is hard to get there without a rental car. All in all a very pleasant stay.

We loved it. We paddleboarded and kayaked around the waterfall, which is beautiful , btw. We had an excellent breakfast. The service was stellar. We loved our room with views of the waterfall.

This inn is more a retreat than a hotel. Location take a drive through country road, some one-lane. But once get there, the water fall is beautiful. It is a short hike from the hotel. There are only about 10 guest rooms. Staff are locals and very friendly. Breakfast is included for room stays. I like the home style kitchen where snacks and refrigerator is available. Very comfortable.

Our room was sold as a full view of the falls from our balcony, but there was a roof line extended from below our balcony that obstructed the full view of the falls. The room space was a little smaller than expected. The grounds were great, the waterfall was beautiful. Breakfast was good and staff was friendly. The linens (primarily towels and wash cloth) needed to be updated/replaced. The outdoor dining area fell very short of it's potential. Such a beautiful location, but the design and architecture looked like a poorly executed afterthought.

Nice suroundings beautiful waterfall. The rooms are oldfashioned, no room mainteinance. Old furniture and linen Breakfast ok

The lotion bottle and the soap bottle are better to be labeled.

The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is an absolute hidden gem on the Big Island. You have your own waterfall! And you only need to share it with a few other guests! How do you get better than that? There are a few confusing things about this place which might not be obvious on a third-party booking site, so I'll try to explain here. 1. There are two broad accommodation types here. The Inn, which is an inn, and the cabins. The cabins are located on a farm next to the Inn. You have to turn right, not left, from the road from Hilo to access the farm. This can be confusing at night, since the area is quite dark. 2. The cabins do not have their own plumbing; you will have to use toilets and showers located at the barn (they were squeaky clean). The cabins have solar panels to run lights and charge phones, but for anything higher voltage, you'll need to go to the barn. Oddly, the WiFi was excellent in the cabins. 3. "Barn" is a somewhat misleading term. The top floor of the barn is a laid-back lounge/kitchen area. You'll share it with the other guests and with the farm staff. The kitchen was well-equipped and had some basic oils, sauces, and spices for common use. The staff were all very cool and passionate young people. They gave excellent recommendations on things to do in the area. One staffer made us the best cup of coffee we've had in a long time. 4. If you stay at the cabins, you can use the services at the Inn, including booking meals and experiences.

Didn’t have enough time to enjoy the facility, but everything went well. Clean spacious room. Great check in. Wish there was an elevator for the heavy luggage(who travels heavy to Hawaii? Me!).

No AC inside the house and no cleaning service was done

The property itself was beautiful. Also the person who greeted us upon arrival was kind and helpful. The General Manager however was not kind and helpful. When we pulled down the covers of the bed we found at least 10 hairs in the sheets and on the pillowcase. There were also pieces of dirt/grains of sand in the sheets. When we complained someone came up to change the sheets but at that point we were grossed out. We couldn't stay both nights we booked - we could only stay one night due to being grossed out and wondering what else might be dirty in the room. The next day, when we spoke to the general manager via text, she (or he) was not helpful and was unwilling to admit any wrongdoing. I would definitely NOT recommend this place to anyone for staying overnight. If you want to stay just go for the outdoor activities and then leave.

The waterfall in front of house was so wonderful. Whole facilities were somewhat old but nicely maintained clean.

Our room was sold as a full view of the falls from our balcony, but there was a roof line extended from below our balcony that obstructed the full view of the falls. The room space was a little smaller than expected. The grounds were great, the waterfall was beautiful. Breakfast was good and staff was friendly. The linens (primarily towels and wash cloth) needed to be updated/replaced. The outdoor dining area fell very short of it's potential. Such a beautiful location, but the design and architecture looked like a poorly executed afterthought.

This is a place to relax. Staff is very friendly. Be aware that there is no TV or AC in the room.

Didn’t have enough time to enjoy the facility, but everything went well. Clean spacious room. Great check in. Wish there was an elevator for the heavy luggage(who travels heavy to Hawaii? Me!).

The waterfall and pond was superb. The site was far from the crowds. The room was samll but fine, and shared dining area very good. Only suggestion - the breakfast would have been far better as a buffet. The breakfast booking process raised expectations too high.

The Inn is on a beautiful property that is accessed via a gate protected private road. The waterfall is amazing and very peaceful. It is not your standard hotel as there is no TV or standard amenities, however there is a common area kitchen space with shared refrigeration and appliances.

No AC inside the house and no cleaning service was done

The room is basic, but honestly, why would you spend time in your room when yiu have the most majestic views right outside?

Fantastic. This is a beautiful place to stay, and the hopitality was just wonderful. Do sign up for the extras, like the Chef's Table. Definitely worth it!! Great beds, amazing views in all directions!

Waterfall right outside our room! Tranquil and peaceful!! Great place to relax and enjoy nature!

We loved it. We paddleboarded and kayaked around the waterfall, which is beautiful , btw. We had an excellent breakfast. The service was stellar. We loved our room with views of the waterfall.

A one - night stay. Beautiful setting, lovely room, friendly & helpful staff. Do recommend arriving & leaving in daylight re: the road in can be a little confusing in the dark.

Friendly staff, will answer posed question but dont offer info. Property has very zen style. Breakfast low key but gorgeousview of waterfall. Walked to and swam in waterfall which is breathtakingly beautiful. Long pretty drive in from town-2 gates you need code for. Lots of electronic commination-sign up for a breakfast time, sign up for housekeeping, check in. etc was a bit much putting us on a schedule when domt want to be on one on vacation but understand its for staffing needs. Cute dog and cat on property who like visiting with guests. Would recommend based on zen setting and waterfall.

the crew was great property was very nice

The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is an absolute hidden gem on the Big Island. You have your own waterfall! And you only need to share it with a few other guests! How do you get better than that? There are a few confusing things about this place which might not be obvious on a third-party booking site, so I'll try to explain here. 1. There are two broad accommodation types here. The Inn, which is an inn, and the cabins. The cabins are located on a farm next to the Inn. You have to turn right, not left, from the road from Hilo to access the farm. This can be confusing at night, since the area is quite dark. 2. The cabins do not have their own plumbing; you will have to use toilets and showers located at the barn (they were squeaky clean). The cabins have solar panels to run lights and charge phones, but for anything higher voltage, you'll need to go to the barn. Oddly, the WiFi was excellent in the cabins. 3. "Barn" is a somewhat misleading term. The top floor of the barn is a laid-back lounge/kitchen area. You'll share it with the other guests and with the farm staff. The kitchen was well-equipped and had some basic oils, sauces, and spices for common use. The staff were all very cool and passionate young people. They gave excellent recommendations on things to do in the area. One staffer made us the best cup of coffee we've had in a long time. 4. If you stay at the cabins, you can use the services at the Inn, including booking meals and experiences.

Quiet and peaceful manor with a lovely waterfall, along with other pretty natural views. Friendly owner and staffs.

I truly enjoyed my stay here I stayed in one of the cabins and the hospitality was excellent kinds of sort of attentive even comforting I enjoyed that everyone was worked well together and that it was a healthy environment. The staff were kind considerate and easy to connect and converse with. I live on Maui and I know tourism can be a pain. I didn't feel that with anyone on premises. It was a Lovely stay and I would stay here again. Mahalo Nui loa

Fantastic. This is a beautiful place to stay, and the hopitality was just wonderful. Do sign up for the extras, like the Chef's Table. Definitely worth it!! Great beds, amazing views in all directions!

Absolutely incredible location. Beautiful waterfall, very private and quiet. Staff was friendly, breakfast was delicious. Very unique and beautiful place.

We loved it. We paddleboarded and kayaked around the waterfall, which is beautiful , btw. We had an excellent breakfast. The service was stellar. We loved our room with views of the waterfall.

Incredible experience - staff were wonderful location can not be beat!

A one - night stay. Beautiful setting, lovely room, friendly & helpful staff. Do recommend arriving & leaving in daylight re: the road in can be a little confusing in the dark.

The Inn is on a beautiful property that is accessed via a gate protected private road. The waterfall is amazing and very peaceful. It is not your standard hotel as there is no TV or standard amenities, however there is a common area kitchen space with shared refrigeration and appliances.

Loved the sound of the falls. This place is actually a great value compared to other options in this part of the island especially because of the free breakfast and coffee/tra available throughout the day. They offer optional paid activities which are great and unique. Access is thru a very long, single lane road so best to arrive during the day.

Quiet and peaceful manor with a lovely waterfall, along with other pretty natural views. Friendly owner and staffs.

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

the property puts you on the edge of the rain forest and natural wonders

We really liked that they are self-sufficient, they produce their own electricity using the waterfall in the picture. There we can grab bananas from trees, the dining terrace has a nice view of the waterfall and lush vegetation around. We missed (a little) an air conditioning system in the room and it is hard to get there without a rental car. All in all a very pleasant stay.

Absolutely incredible location. Beautiful waterfall, very private and quiet. Staff was friendly, breakfast was delicious. Very unique and beautiful place.

This property is remote in a beautiful location. The waterfall provides a wonderful backdrop to the property. Staff was amazing and our overall experience was great.

This inn is more a retreat than a hotel. Location take a drive through country road, some one-lane. But once get there, the water fall is beautiful. It is a short hike from the hotel. There are only about 10 guest rooms. Staff are locals and very friendly. Breakfast is included for room stays. I like the home style kitchen where snacks and refrigerator is available. Very comfortable.

It was very nice except there is no A/C. Breakfast was excellent. We wished we had dinner option other than the Chef’s choice since it was out of our budget range. But the grounds are beautiful and unique.

Friendly staff, will answer posed question but dont offer info. Property has very zen style. Breakfast low key but gorgeousview of waterfall. Walked to and swam in waterfall which is breathtakingly beautiful. Long pretty drive in from town-2 gates you need code for. Lots of electronic commination-sign up for a breakfast time, sign up for housekeeping, check in. etc was a bit much putting us on a schedule when domt want to be on one on vacation but understand its for staffing needs. Cute dog and cat on property who like visiting with guests. Would recommend based on zen setting and waterfall.

It was a very quiet place to stay out of town in nature. The falls were nice, unique feature. We were disappointed that we were not able to get any special dinner or farm to table lunch on short notice, even though they were not off.

Loved the sound of the falls. This place is actually a great value compared to other options in this part of the island especially because of the free breakfast and coffee/tra available throughout the day. They offer optional paid activities which are great and unique. Access is thru a very long, single lane road so best to arrive during the day.

We were blown away by this property - definitely one of the top that we have stayed at with such an amazing ambiance! Lush greenery all the around with birds, fruit trees, and waterfall. We had an awesome view of the waterfall from our room. And loved the sound of it through the night. Everyone can enjoy that view from the breakfast area! This fall was actually better and without crowds than Rainbow fall. The private little serene trail on the property was a great surprise! The kitchen area in our building was also stocked with coffee/tea/muffins etc. we were able to store some leftovers as well as fruit we bought in the fridge. Stayed here for 2 nights but wish we could have stayed here 1 more night. The Hawaii tropical bio reserve and garden is about 25 mins away and was another pleasant surprise that’s a must-visit. Only thing I can think of as far as improvement is to have vegetarian options for meals - specifically the chef’s dinner. We didn’t do chef’s dinner because the staff was upfront with us about the menu (which we appreciated).

We loved the Inn. The property was gorgeous and the falls were amazing. We enjoyed our special Chef's Table dinner immensely. The quiet and the closeness to nature were much appreciated.

Fantastic. This is a beautiful place to stay, and the hopitality was just wonderful. Do sign up for the extras, like the Chef's Table. Definitely worth it!! Great beds, amazing views in all directions!

Absolutely incredible location. Beautiful waterfall, very private and quiet. Staff was friendly, breakfast was delicious. Very unique and beautiful place.

We loved it. We paddleboarded and kayaked around the waterfall, which is beautiful , btw. We had an excellent breakfast. The service was stellar. We loved our room with views of the waterfall.

This inn is more a retreat than a hotel. Location take a drive through country road, some one-lane. But once get there, the water fall is beautiful. It is a short hike from the hotel. There are only about 10 guest rooms. Staff are locals and very friendly. Breakfast is included for room stays. I like the home style kitchen where snacks and refrigerator is available. Very comfortable.