Kulaniapia Falls, Hilo
Kulaniapia Falls is the one waterfall near Hilo you can actually swim under. It drops about 120 feet on private land in the hills above town, into a wide pool open to day guests and inn guests. This guide covers the day pass, the swimming, kayaking and rappelling, the drive, and how Kulaniapia stacks up against the roadside Hilo Hawaii waterfalls most visitors see.
Quick answer
Kulaniapia Falls is a private 120-foot waterfall in the hills 15 minutes above Hilo, and its wide pool is the one place near town you can legally swim under a fall. A day pass runs about $69 and up for four hours, cheapest at the 10 am arrival, and covers the trails, swimming, and kayak or paddleboard rental; guided rappelling and a farm-to-table cooking class book at a discount. You must reserve ahead, since there is no access without a booking.
Key takeaways
- Height: about 120 feet, on private land above Hilo
- The only waterfall pool near Hilo open for swimming
- Day pass: from about $69 for four hours, reserve ahead (10 am is cheapest)
- On offer: swim, kayak, paddleboard, guided rappelling, an on-site inn
- Drive: 15 to 20 minutes uphill from downtown, last stretch on a farm road
Visiting Kulaniapia Falls: A Local's Guide
What to Expect at Kulaniapia
You trade the roadside crowds for a private valley. After the reservation check, you follow a short trail down through the trees and the twin falls open in front of you, dropping about 120 feet into a deep green pool with a rope and a small beach. The water runs cold off the uplands and clears on a dry day.
Most guests swim first, then take a kayak or paddleboard onto the reservoir above, and a few rope up for the rappel down the face. Plan on the full four hours, pack your own lunch, and expect cooler, wetter air than the coast.
The Day Pass and What It Covers
Kulaniapia sits on a private 42-acre inn, so you buy a day pass instead of paying a state park fee. The pass lasts four hours and starts around $69, cheapest at the 10 am arrival and higher for the 11 am, noon, and 1 pm slots. It covers the trails and the walk to the base, a swim in the pool below the twin falls, and kayak or paddleboard rental when the river allows, plus a discount on the guided rappelling tour and the farm-to-table cooking class.
You must book in advance, since there is no access without a reservation, and same-day bookings, when open, add $20 per guest. Bring water, lunch, a swimsuit, and a towel, because nothing is sold on site.
| Detail | Kulaniapia Falls |
|---|---|
| Access | Private day pass, reservation required |
| Day pass | From about $69 for 4 hours (10 am cheapest) |
| Start times | 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm |
| Swimming | Yes, in the pool below the falls |
| Also on site | Kayak, SUP, rappelling, cooking class, inn |
| Drive from Hilo | 15 to 20 minutes uphill |
| Height | About 120 feet, twin falls |
| Bring | Water, lunch, swimsuit, towel |
Swimming at Kulaniapia
This is the payoff. The falls drop in two ribbons into a deep, cool pool ringed by rock and ferns, and you can swim right up under the spray. The water stays cold because it comes off the uplands, so ease in.
A rope and a small beach make it easy to get in and out, and the pool runs deep enough in the center that strong swimmers can tread water beneath the falls. Rain can cloud the water and speed the flow, so a clear morning gives you the calmest swim.
Kayaking, Paddling, and Rappelling
Above the lip, a reservoir spreads out flat and quiet, and the day pass lets you take a kayak or paddleboard onto it with the mountain reflected in the surface. For a bigger thrill, the property runs guided rappelling that lowers you down the 120-foot rock face beside the falling water, with ropes, harness, and a guide included in the add-on price. Both fill the four-hour window well if you want more than a swim.
Getting There from Hilo
From downtown, climb Waiānuenue Avenue and follow the signs uphill toward the inn, trading pavement for a narrow farm road on the last stretch. The drive takes 15 to 20 minutes and gains real elevation, so expect cooler, wetter air at the top than down by the bay. A regular car handles the road in dry weather, though the final dirt section turns greasy after heavy rain, so take it slow.
The inn sits at 100 Kulaniapia Drive, and the front desk answers at (808) 935-6789 if you want to check road or pass details before you go.
Kulaniapia, Rainbow, or Akaka?
These three answer different questions. Kulaniapia is the one you swim, on private land with a pass. Rainbow Falls is the free roadside stop five minutes from town with a morning rainbow, and Akaka Falls is the 442-foot giant 25 minutes north.
If your trip has room for one swim and two photo stops, do all three. Our guides to Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls cover the other two.
Kulaniapia Falls on Video
Where Is Kulaniapia Falls?
Kulaniapia Falls: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kulaniapia Falls worth it?
Yes, if you came to swim. It is the one waterfall near Hilo with a pool open to visitors, and the private day pass keeps it quiet compared to the roadside stops. If you only want photos, the free Rainbow Falls or the taller Akaka Falls give you more for less effort.
Can you swim at Kulaniapia Falls?
Yes. Swimming is the main draw. The falls drop into a deep pool with a rope and a small beach, and a day pass covers the swim along with kayaking and paddling on the reservoir above. It is the only waterfall pool near Hilo you can legally swim in.
How much is the Kulaniapia Falls day pass?
The day pass lasts four hours and starts around $69, cheapest at the 10 am arrival and higher for later start times. It covers the trails, swimming, and kayak or paddleboard rental, with discounts on rappelling and the farm-to-table cooking class. You must reserve ahead, since there is no access without a booking, and same-day passes add $20 per guest.
How do you get to Kulaniapia Falls from Hilo?
Drive up Waiānuenue Avenue from downtown Hilo and follow the signs toward the inn, with the last stretch on a narrow farm road. The trip takes 15 to 20 minutes. A regular car manages it in dry weather, but the dirt section gets slick after heavy rain.
Can you swim in waterfalls on the Big Island?
Most waterfalls near Hilo are viewing-only, including Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, where swimming is banned and the rivers run dangerous. The private Kulaniapia Falls is the main exception, with a pool built for day guests to swim under the falls.