The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

The chef’s table dinner was the best part of our two nights at the Inn in January, and the waterfall setting is hard to beat. We even took a paddle board out to the falls, using the $25 credit given to overnight guests. The breakfast area looks right over the waterfall, and the Inn’s off-grid, sustainability focus was another plus. Breakfast sandwiches were delicious, though our 8:45 time slot didn’t get us food until 9:25, which pushed our day back a bit. You have to book a slot, and service starts at 8:30. We arrived around 9pm, and the winding drive up was unlit, so daylight would have made the approach easier. There were lots of automated texts with information before, during, and after our stay, but none explained how to get from reception to our room. Finding it in the dark made for a confusing first impression. The messages were useful in some ways, but also made the stay feel impersonal. I asked about the bedding and never got an answer. The room was clean, but the furnishings and fixtures looked dated and could use a refresh. The bedding felt like cheap poly cotton, and with no AC, cotton sheets would have been more comfortable. The ceiling fan helped move the air, but the thin curtains added to the cheap feel. There was no bottom sheet for the pull-out bed. The sauce bottles at breakfast and the bug spray and sunscreen bottles by the rooms were very dirty. Having them available was welcome, but their condition made things feel a bit grubby. We really enjoyed our stay, especially the dinner and access to the waterfall. A few fairly easy improvements could have made it an outstanding experience.

We loved listening to the waterfall from our room at night. We didn’t go in the water, but sitting in the cozy viewing spot, a short walk along the trail, was so relaxing. The staff were very friendly, and breakfast was delicious with plenty to eat. It’s a short drive into town and a handy base for day trips to local sights and activities. Beautiful property.

We stayed in October 2025, and breakfast on the wooden balcony overlooking the 120-foot waterfall and forest was the main draw. The view was breathtaking, and the freshly cooked eggs or panini with assorted breads were above average for an included meal. I did find the 8:30 AM start late for tourists eager to get going, and the QR-code booking setup was a little quirky. Our King Room with Garden View was clean and had toiletries, with a compact Japanese-style design and not much storage. The bed frame has sharp metal corners, and we bumped into them more than once. The price seemed fair for such a distinctive place. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls sits in a lush, secluded spot at higher elevation, about 10 minutes from Hilo. It feels far from civilization, which suited us for a peaceful stay, though it may not work for someone after an urban buzz. The private road is newly paved and winding, and heavy rain, which is common here, can make it tricky. We had a wonderful stay and would consider coming back.

The changing and shower rooms were kept up well and had plenty of space. We took the bamboo garden trail, and despite my balance and knee issues, I managed to get down to the main falls with some help across the rocky spots. I use hiking sticks. The paths to the waterfalls were well maintained, and the effort was worth it.