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Reviews of The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

3.5 out of 5
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
100 Kulaniapia Drive, Hilo, HI

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 401 out of 619 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 154 out of 619 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 36 out of 619 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 21 out of 619 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 619 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

KRISTINA

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staying at Kulaniapia Falls was an absolutely incredible experience! Stayed for one night, but would have stayed longer, if possible. It was my absolute favorite part of my Big Island experience. Highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was a true retreat of the senses.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.

10/10 Excellent

Shelley

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was a magical experience. So private, beautiful, and serene. Loved all the employees as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Qian

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location right by the waterfall -- the walk around the property is beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Logan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay!
My husband and I had a great stay. The waterfall was beautiful and the breakfast was delicious!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Kayaking down by the waterfall.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charies

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property was exceptional. The only issue is that I felt rushed with the inn trying to place a deposit hold on my card several times
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A truly magical special place like any other. Words can’t describe. So much peace and serenity in this beautiful place. We were worried about spending the amount we did before getting there but honestly now that we have been feel it was priceless. There is a serenade of frogs and insects at night in addition to the raging water sounds of the falls that are way closer than they seen in photos of the property. There is a beautiful peaceful trail down to the falls with hidden benches and views. We even swam in the 50ft deep pool beneath the waterfall! The staff work from the heart in presenting the property and preparing the free breakfast (which is made from ingredients grown on the associated farm). I can’t say enough good things about this special place!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Eric

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from Christophe on Apr 1, 2023
Aloha Eric, we are glad you enjoyed the falls and are sorry you were not able to join us for lunch or dinner. We send all of our guest multiple messages letting them know that advance booking is required for those meals, as each one is prepared special, for a maximum of 8-10 guests. At this scale, we are not able to buy additional ingriedients that will go to waste if nobody decides to book last minute. I am sure it was frustrating to see other guests enjoying a meal, and hope that next time you are able to book in advance. For guests reading this review, please take a moment to prebook, as our lunch and dinner offerings are both very special. Mahalo!

10/10 Excellent

Ellen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice but no A/C
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.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quiet, private, and beautiful
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donald

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding place, highly recommended
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Day pass to Waterfall!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Varsha

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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).

10/10 Excellent

stephen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Harriet

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.

10/10 Excellent

Francis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A beauty & unique
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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angelo

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Gorgeous Getaway
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!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Audrey, San Diego

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Sleeping next to a waterfall is amazing. I particularly enjoyed the "jungle sounds" at night. Although located on private property in a rural setting, it was close enough to Hilo for shopping, dining, beach and other activities.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

E.J.

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is like nothing i've seen before. I enjoyed everything about it. The hospitality, the uniqueness, the view, the quiet. If you want to glamp, please spend time in the cabins. If you want an inn vibe, stay at the inn. But i would come back again and again. The waterfall is just spectacular.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Mirna Cheryl

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely gorgeous setting. A place you could happily get lost in for the space of a week. Deeply disappointed with breakfast options for a vegan. For this kind of "retreat" atmosphere, I would've expected more of a progressive and inclusive approach to dietary variations. Found some staff really aloof - maybe that's just generally part of the vibe but on an island where everyone is just delightful all the time, it didn't feel extremely inviting. That said, there is no beating the physical environment and ambiance of this place. I'd stay again, definitely.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nadja

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely stunning property. Really immerses you in nature while being close to Hilo for dining options. Highly recommend if you want to get into nature a bit – it's right outside your door here!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quaint and could be updated
We stayed in the queen room in the Harmony building. The fans were not enough for the August humidity and heat and the shower did not drain well. It was clean though and staff were nice. Sleeping next to the waterfall is also nice too.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing experience! Will be returning.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful retreat relaxing to the sounds of the falls during the day and the coqui frogs. The staff were exceptional and accommodating, and the breakfast was scrumptious.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is my favorite get away because of the people and the surroundings. The cabin is designed to maximize breeze and comfortable bed. The food is delicious and you can sign up for a farm tour and preparation with the Chef. The Falls are exquisite and guided rappelling is an option. I feel welcome and invigorated whenever I stay here. Thanks to all!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Harry

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

juliet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An experience to remember!
Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is a different type of experience in a good way. Staff were very friendly, young, and full of vitality! The cabin was nicely built on a grassy field facing sunrise. Serene place, good for quiet morning prayer. There were goats, named Leche & Waiu that means “milk” in Hawaiian. The cabin didn’t have private bathroom. They have a common area called the Barn, where the baths are, and upstairs where everyone can cook in the kitchen or eat in an open space living room. All guests have their own space in the refrigerator. Be sure to clean up after! The main “lobby” is in a different place in the farm. They have a Lanai you can sit while sip a fresh cup of coffee (on the house. Nice!) overlooking the magnificent water falls. We took a hike around down to the falls and it was awesome! This place was genuinely pleasant place for vacay. They’re rates may come down depending on season. We came on a peak which I think is pretty expensive for a cabin without a bath. For that, I can’t quite give it a perfect 10.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

scott

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Amazing property, beautiful views, so relaxing and peaceful. The room was outstanding; clean, crisp, stylish, and very comfortable. The breakfast superb. The staff was so accommodating and friendly with “aloha spirit”. Loved every minute of it and so worth the value.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristina, Vestaburg

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is a truly unique experience. Be aware that there are no restaurants or bars to pop into. That said, the Chefs Table dinner was superb. We chose the wine pairing option and had an excellent dinner on the terrace overlooking the falls. If you're looking for a very peaceful, tranquil jungle setting with light hiking in a natural environment, this is a good place for it.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nathaniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome little bed and breakfast styled inn. Not the fanciest but location was amazing and my wife loved it. Free snacks and coffee at the room and the free breakfast was good. The waterfall was awesome. Will definitely be returning.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

4/10 Poor

Lisha

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Off the beaten path!
Stayed just one night at the end of our vacation. Reception was lovely including letting us know how long she was available and who would take her place. Room was great with a "great room" across the hall with a computer, some food, coffee, etc. Fabulous breakfast (pre-ordered the night before) on the deck over-looking the falls. Take the opportunity to walk the path to the falls and along the river - quite pretty. This property is quite a bit out of town along single lane roads requiring you to pull off onto grass/mud to accommodate an on-coming vehicle. We opted not to go out that night for that reason. Note there is no option for food or drink should you do the same.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022