The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

Most of the things we liked, you can get elsewhere better & cheaper. For waterfalls, just go to "Rainbow Falls", "Wai'ale Falls", "Boiling Pots" which are in the same area and free. Akaka falls are also not too far away and seem much more impressive. Alright, what we liked: The breakfast terrace with the view of the waterfall. Kayaking & swimming below the waterfall. The rainforest sounds at night (can be heard all across the island though). Breakfast was decent but not exceptional. One of the breakfast staff seemed friendly.

This place charges the price of a ***** hotel but you get below hostel service. Everything seems set up to make things easy and safe for the staff and management - totally neglecting the guest perspective. Few examples: - Awkward check-in process that requires you to sign a whole bunch of legal waivers (incl. acceptance of extra fees in case your paid kayak rental is used for 15min more than what is scheduled - that's just the one that comes to mind, there were more) - This is supposed to be an offline retreat location, but they require you do be on your smartphone for all kinds of things - e.g. 1) in-advance check-in (you cannot just drive up to the location. Unless you have completed the pre-check-in, you cannot get in), 2) pre-ordering any of the outdoor activities (also needs to be done in advance and there are timeslots), 3) pre-ordering breakfast (earliest available booking time was 8:30 am. When we booked, this timing was already booked out. No flexibility to get breakfast earlier (we asked) - in fact the first of the breakfast staff only showed up shortly past 8am and breakfast was not ready at 8:30. I recall they also mixed up our breakfast choice despite all the pre-ordering made... - You can see that the venue was intended to allow for meditative walks and breaks in the nature around the waterfall. However, basically all of the outdoor benches are in need for renovation. No love given to them. - We arrived a few mins late (our bad) for our kayak slot which we had pre-booked at a minor extra charge (heard it was free previously). We could still kayak, but were asked to move the kayak down to the water ourselves, there was no supervision (except for a surveillance camera and literal written warning "you are being watched"). This place was supposed to be the highlight of our trip (as it was the most expensive), but other places were WAY better. Do not recommend...

Breakfast was good and freshly made.

The gardens and waterfall views were beautiful Enjoyed the hike to the waterfalls and swimming in the waters near the waterfall. Rooms were clean and comfortable and easily accessible to the waterfalls. Breakfast was located in a great location with views of the garden and waterfalls. Breakfast was delicious and meticulously prepared.

Everything was great. would have been nice to have a restaurant for dinner options.

The location is a gem. Also the landscaping work and all the small design details are just fantastic. People are super friendly and the food is really outstanding (especially the breakfast)

If your neighbours decide to be noisy you WILL hear them. The rental equpment is fun to play with near the falls, but one hour may be too much, I suggest the 30 minutes option.

the location was awesome!! Nice and quiet and the sound of the waterfalls and birds.

No AC, but we were provided a small fan, and there is a ceiling fan in the room.

The waterfall

The food and no ac - more like staying in a treehouse

Breakfast was great, location was perfect. 15 minute drive to Hilo, and very clean rooms and beautiful property!

Very nice and relaxing place. Beautiful rooms.

Everything must be booked by the phone, also the check-in/check-out and breakfast (you can’t do breakfast early in the morning, and you have to choose the time slot for you breakfast. Poor breakfast.

The fall and environment around the hotel was amazing! I have never stayed at the hotel with such an exceptional location. The breakfast was very nice and it was free.

The size of bathroom and the room are small. If there is a small table in the room, it would be convenient. The hotel should have told us more information of gate, which was located at the private road and far away from the hotel.

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.