Explore Kulaniapia Falls: One of the Best Waterfalls in Hawaii

Welcome to our guide to swimming at the breathtaking Kulaniapia Falls in Hilo! If you want to swim in a tranquil and private Hawaiian waterfall on the Big Island, look no further. Kulaniapia Falls, nestled within 40 acres of lush foliage and surrounded by the wonderful sounds of cascading water, is a truly hidden treasure. To us, it is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Hilo and on the Big Island.

The Big Island waterfall is Hawaii’s largest privately accessible waterfall. Located just a short drive from downtown Hilo, this lovely site provides a peaceful respite from the noise and bustle of popular waterfalls such as Rainbow and Akaka.

Our family enjoys going on adventures, particularly those that involve waterfalls. This waterfall adventure is unique for a few reasons. One, it’s private, so there will be fewer people, and you may have the waterfall to yourself.

Second, there’s much to do there. The owner of this property takes adventure seriously, from offering rappelling down the waterfall’s rock wall to swimming and riding SUPs (stand up paddle boards).

When you get at Kulaniapia Falls, you will be welcomed with a magnificent 120-foot waterfall that gracefully plunges into a crystal-clear pool below. The sheer magnificence of this natural treasure is breathtaking, and it has left our family with wide-open eyes.

While it may not be the largest waterfall in Hawaii, it is certainly unique. It’s unusual on the Big Island to have a private beach where you can swim.

One of the best ways to experience this waterfall is by strolling along the well-maintained trails that wind through the surrounding rainforest. As you meander through the lush foliage, you’ll encounter an array of vibrant tropical plants and trickling streams.

On our adventure, water dripped from the rocks along the trail, and fresh fruits fell from the trees. Stay on the lookout for colorful birds flying through the trees.

For over 50 years before 1990, this Hilo waterfall was forgotten by most locals. Fortunately for us, in the late 1990s, the falls were revived by a local entrepreneur. He and his wife transformed the area into a beautiful retreat for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. This family bought the property sight unseen.

The property at Kulaniapia Falls in Hilo has a fascinating history. The current owners, Jane and Lenny Sutton, came from the US Virgin Islands, where Mr. Sutton was a charter boat captain.

They responded to an ad in the Hilo newspaper that read something like “22 acres, close to Hilo, mac nuts, waterfall.” Little did they know the significance of the waterfall and property they purchased until they arrived at their new home.

It took three years for the Suttons to clear brush, construct the Kulaniapia Inn, as well as hydroelectric power at the waterfall.

This waterfall is located in Hilo on the northeastern side of the island. Hilo is a city on the Big Island (Island of Hawai’i), part of the Hawaiian Islands, in the United States. You can use the map below to locate Kulaniapia Falls. Kulaniapia Falls is 4.9 miles (about a 14-minute drive to downtown Hilo).

This Big Island waterfall is 85 miles from downtown Kona (1 hour 50 minute drive) and 92 mile (2 hours 2 minutes). It’s worth the drive even if you’re coming from Kona, just to go on this Hilo waterfall hike.

There are other waterfalls near Kona on your way to Hilo, and other waterfalls close to Hilo once you arrive. You can try to hit all of them, but it’s a lot to do in a day. Our family would recommend devoting a whole day to Kulaniapia Falls, as there’s a lot to do there.

As with most incredible adventures, half the fun is getting there! Getting to Kulaniapia Falls took our family a couple hours from Kona. Then, you have to coordinate with the property manager on a time to come. You can also make reservations online. In fact, we’d recommend you do so in advance so that you can be sure you’ll have an opportunity to see the falls.

This trip reminded us of our travels in New Zealand, looking for a glowworm cave on Lake Rotoiti. It, too, took a long time to reach, but when we did, it was the adventure of a lifetime, just as swimming under the waterfall at Kulaniapia was. Worth it? Most certainly.

Address: 100 Kulaniapia Drive, Hilo, HI, 96720

What makes this waterfall so special and unique is that it is a hidden gem. While it’s easy to get to from Hilo, a lot of vacationers spend time in Kona and Captain Cook which is a lengthy drive to this Big Island waterfall. While the Kulaniapia Falls stays busy, it isn’t saturated with people.

You have to pay to see this waterfall, and it takes some getting to if you’re in Kona, which means you could have this waterfall all to yourself on any given day. It’s like being in a movie and having your waterfall! Ironically, Kulaniapia is one of Hawaii’s famous waterfalls in which parts of an Indian Jones movie were filmed (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull).

A place on the Big Island that’s just amazing as Kulaniapia Falls, is the Mauna Kea Observatory. While both are very different, each was similar in that both were so unique. Read more about our experience at the Mauna Kea Observatory if you have time to visit it on your way back (if coming from Kona).

Absolutely! This private waterfall is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Tucked away in a lush bamboo garden, Kulaniapia Falls offers a serene escape from the busy city life. It’s a great spot to relax, swim, and take in the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii’s natural landscape.

The day pass to Kulaniapia Falls is $49 per adult (over 10 years old) and $29 per child (as of 2024). This fee includes access to the waterfall and surrounding area and complimentary use of a kayak to explore the falls from a different perspective. Trust us, it’s worth every penny.

Kulaniapia Falls day pass (times and durations):

• Entry times are at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm
• Access is for 3 to 4 hours depending on your start time
• The majority of travelers stay 1 to 2 hours
• If you book an experience you can enter the property prior to 10 am

Your day pass includes access to all of the property’s trails. When conditions are good for swimming, you can rent paddle boards and kayaks.

In addition to swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding, you can sign up for waterfall rappelling, cooking classes, and farm tour.

Cancellations can be made 48 hours in advance for any reason. Upon purchasing a day pass, you will be given an access code to enter the gated private property. Walk-ins are not welcome. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Kayaking and paddle boarding at your own personal waterfall on the Big Island is a unique experience. The waterfall pool that the water flows into is approximately 15 feet deep during the rainy season. The water is clear, but deep enough that we were not able to see to the bottom.

Do not dive into the pool since you cannot see the bottom in some places. Always wear a life jacket if you need one. To rent a kayak or paddle board at this Hilo waterfall, you’ll need to use your phone. QR codes are used to rent time on the kayaks and paddle boards, which are located beside the waterfall. Wifi is available for anyone without cellular reception.

Costs for kayak and standup paddleboard rentals:

• Standup paddleboard (60 minutes): $25
• Single kayak (30 minutes): $15
• Single kayak (60 minutes): $25
• Double kayak (30 minutes): $25
• Double kayak (60 minutes): $40

You can also go waterfall repelling at this Hilo waterfall. Descending the waterfall rock face with lush green fauna is a unique experience. It’s a great team or family activity that promotes leadership, teamwork, and communication.

Costs to go rappelling down Kulaniapia Falls

You’ll surely get wet as you explore the tropical setting and Hawaiian ecosystem. Costs are $249 per person, including a day pass to swim at this Big Island waterfall. If you have a group of 10, or more, costs are $199 per person.

Highlights:

• Hawaii’s longest commercial waterfall rappelling
• On-site guides help you learn about native and invasive flora and fauna
• Environmentally friendly, guided tour

The hike to Kulaniapia Falls is short and easy. It’s only a few hundred-yard trek through along a grassy trail with towering trees. There’s beautiful flowers, trees, and bamboo along the way to the waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for children of all ages and as well as people with various fitness levels.

Yes! Visitors are welcome to swim in the calm, refreshing waters of Kulaniapia Falls. The waterfall is approximately 120 feet tall, making for an incredible swimming experience on the Big Island of Hawaii. 

Just be cautious, as there may be slippery rocks and currents. And remember to bring your camera for some fantastic photos! If you love to swim, consider booking a trip to swim with manta rays at night in Kona.

• Bathing suit
• Towel
• Water
• Food and beverages
• Camera

Accommodations at Kulaniapia Falls

Kulaniapia Falls offers cozy and comfortable accommodations to extend your stay. The on-site hotel is called the Kulaniapia Inn. You can choose from a few charming cottages, each in its private corner of the rainforest. 

Sleep to the soft sounds of the waterfall and wake up to the melodious chirping of birds. It’s a truly immersive adventure that allows you to connect with nature deeply.

Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a moment of serenity, Kulaniapia Falls has it all, especially for a families. So pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and embark on a journey to this hidden paradise in Hilo, Big Island. You won’t be disappointed even if it’s just to stay just one night at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. 

Our casual and approachable tone will make you feel like you’re chatting with an old friend as we dive into all the details about this hidden gem.

Costs to stay at the Kulaniapia Inn:

• $99 for smaller farm cabins
• $375 to $500 for more luxurious cabins overlooking the waterfall

Seeing this Hilo waterfall is an experience that will leave you feeling invigorated and alive (especially if the water is cold!). After working up an appetite, head to the charming on-site restaurant to indulge in a gourmet meal while observing panoramic views of the falls. Alternatively, you can find a bite to eat in the town of Hilo. Pineapple was our favorite restaurant.

Enjoy dinner overlooking Kulaniapia Falls

At the in-house restaurant, savor the flavors of local Hawaiian cuisine with dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Chef’s Table at Kulaniapia Falls in Hilo is an intimate meal with the chef. They use locally source organize vegetables and meats.

Whether you’re craving a traditional plate lunch or a refreshing tropical smoothie, the Inn’s café has something to satisfy every palate. Eating your food while enjoying the cascading water from this Hilo falls is a bucket list experience.

A more luxurious experience is dining at the Chef’s Table at Kulaniapia Falls in Hilo. This is an intimate meal with the chef using locally sourced organic vegetables and meats. Dining at the Chef’s Table is only available to guests with a day pass or staying overnight.

Dinner details:

• Lasts about 2 hours
• $139 to $169 per person
• Includes 4 courses
• Wine pairings available

If you’re a waterfall lover, there are plenty of other stunning waterfalls on the Big Island that you won’t want to miss.

Other waterfalls in Hawaii, Big Island:

• Akaka Falls State Park
• Rainbow Falls
• Umauma Falls
• Pe’epe’e Falls: (50-60ft waterfall upstream from the Boiling Pots in the Wailuku River State Park; located near downtown Hilo on the Big Island)
• Waihīlau Falls: locate in the Waimanu Valley

If you’re venturing towards Kona, take advantage of the breathtaking Waipio Valley and its cascading waterfalls.

The Big Island is a paradise for waterfall enthusiasts with its lush greenery and crystal-clear waters. Akaka Falls, located just a short drive from Hilo, is a must-see. As you hike through the tropical rainforest, rushing water grows louder, building anticipation for the breathtaking sight. 

One of the best waterfalls in Hawaii you can swim in on the Big Island

No matter which waterfalls you choose to visit on the Big Island, one thing is sure – you’ll be treated to a visual feast that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So grab your camera, pack your sense of adventure, and go on a journey with your family to discover the beauty of Kulaniapia Falls and the other magnificent waterfalls that await you. 

From rappelling down a waterfall to eating gourmet foods at the Kulaniapia Inn, there’s not much more any other waterfall can offer on the Big Island other than Kulaniapia Falls. Finding waterfalls in Hawaii you can swim in isn’t common, but at Kulaniapia Falls you can play all you want in the swimming hole!

If you have more tips and advice on visiting Kulaniapia Falls on the Big Island let us know in the comments below. For more waterfall adventures or to read about other adventures in the water check out the rest of our site or find us on Instragram (@thearthbyfoot). Or, review our Big Island page for more posts on this bucket-list destination.