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The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

Hilo , 100 Kulaniapia Drive (Show on Map)

8.9

Excellent

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1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests

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Summary of reviewsThe Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is celebrated for its remarkable location, offering guests a serene escape amidst nature with a private waterfall that becomes the highlight of many travelers' Hawaiian journeys. Nestled just outside Hilo, the property is both secluded and accessible, providing breathtaking views and well-maintained trails that immerse guests in a tropical paradise. The stunning surroundings contribute significantly to the overall allure and tranquility of the inn.

Breakfast at the inn is consistently praised for its freshness and flavor, providing a delightful start to the day with options catering to a variety of tastes. Guests enjoy the scenic breakfast terrace, enriched by views of the lush garden and cascading waterfalls, enhancing the dining experience with nature's beauty. While guests appreciate the flexibility in choosing breakfast times, a suggestion for more variety for longer stays has been noted.

Dinner, particularly by the falls, offers a memorable experience, with many recommending the Chef's dinner as a highlight. However, feedback indicates a need for balanced quality and pricing, as gourmet dinner prices can feel steep when expectations are unmet. Scheduled dinners sometimes face cancellation, pointing to a need for more consistent on-site dining options.

Rooms at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls are described as clean, comfortable, and well-appointed, with many praising the heavenly comfort of the beds. The integration of natural surroundings with the room experience is appreciated, though some guests mention outdated facilities and a slight musty smell in certain accommodations. Despite minor critiques, the overall comfort and beautiful setting contribute to a pleasant stay.

The inn's cleanliness stands out, with guests lauding the meticulous upkeep and welcoming atmosphere. Accommodations are consistently tidy and hygienic, supported by friendly and helpful staff who ensure the property remains immaculate. The staff further enhances the guest experience with their exceptional service, availability, and warm hospitality, fostering an inviting and supportive environment that adds to the charm of the inn.

Overall, The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls offers a unique blend of natural beauty, comfort, and attentive service, making it a distinguished choice for travelers seeking an enchanting escape in Hawaii.
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Inn Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

This inn is an eco-friendly and sustainable property that generates 100 percent of its electricity from a hydroelectric system powered by the falls and supplemented by solar panels. They also practice recycling, purchase local fruits and flowers, and maintain macadamia nut trees on the property.

Small Inn

This inn features private access to Kulaniapia Falls, offering a unique and intimate experience with nature. The secluded location and serene environment make it ideal for a charming and cozy stay.

Inn with Parking

4-Star Inn

Room Types

Junior Suite with Screened Lanai This suite offers a screened-in lanai with waterfall views, and has a private bath.

Cottage with Waterfall View This cottage offers a covered lanai with waterfall views, and has a private bath as well as a refrigerator.

King Room with Garden View Located on the ground floor, this room offers Chinese antique and contemporary furnishings, and a private bath.

Premium King Room with Waterfall View This room offers a lanai with waterfall views, and has a private bath and Japanese furnishings.

Queen Room with Garden View This room offers a garden view, a private bath, and is furnished with Chinese antiques and leather.

Premium Queen Room with Waterfall View This room offers a lanai with waterfall views, and has a private bath and Chinese art and antique furnishings.

King Room with Garden View Located on the ground floor, this room offers Chinese antique and contemporary furnishings, and a private bath with a shower.

Guest House with Kitchen and Waterfall View Built on a cliff overlooking Kulaniapia Falls, this one bedroom residence offers views of the waterfall and pond. It includes a full bathroom as well as a half bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a work station with a computer.

Premium Queen Room with Waterfall View This room offers waterfall views from the lanai, Chinese art and antique furnishings, and a private bath.

King Room with Balcony This room offers ocean and garden views from the private lanais, as well as Asian influenced furnishings and a private bath.

King Room with Balcony This room offers ocean and garden views from the private lanai, as well as traditional Hawaiian furnishings and a private bath.

Premium King Room with Partial Waterfall View This room faces the river and also offers ocean views from the private lanai, and includes a private bath.

One Bedroom Suite with Screened Lanai and Ocean View This one bedroom residence offers views of Hilo Bay from the screened-in lanai. It includes a full bathroom with dual sinks and shower heads, as well as a half bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a work station with a computer.

Oceanview Cabin - Limited Electricity / Shared Bathroom This cabin features a balcony. Please note the cabin does not have electricity. There is 110V AC power near the shared bathrooms with solar light and USB charging inside the cabin.

Gardenview Cabin - Limited Electricity / Shared Bathroom This cabin features a small balcony. Please note the cabin does not have electricity. There is 110V AC power near the shared bathrooms with solar light and USB charging inside the cabin.

About The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

License: TA-130-508-4928-01

Guest Reviews

8.9

Excellent

Location

The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls boasts an incredible location that has captivated its guests and left a lasting impression. Nestled in the midst of nature, the property offers a unique blend of seclusion and accessibility, situated just a few miles outside of Hilo. It promises a serene escape, yet is conveniently close to city life. The setting is truly breathtaking, with views that showcase the surrounding tropical paradise and provide a perfect respite from road noise.

A stunning waterfall serves as the centerpiece, not just enhancing the beauty of the location but also offering guests the rare experience of a private waterfall. Visitors have consistently praised the landscape and trails, noting their well-maintained charm. This picturesque spot offers perfect views from beautiful rooms, providing a sense of tranquility and immersion in nature.

The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls has been described repeatedly as unbeatable and divine, with its incredible scenery and fantastic access to water features. This location is a highlight for many travelers and stands out as memorable, even among visits to multiple islands in Hawaii. Guests have noted that the approach to the hotel sets the tone for an unforgettable stay at this exceptional site.

Breakfast

A highlight of staying at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls is the breakfast experience, which consistently earns praise for its flavor and freshness. Many guests remark on the delicious and meticulously prepared meals, with particular appreciation for the fresh fruits, good omelets, and delightful juice that set a positive tone for the day. The breakfast offers both hot and cold options, meeting the tastes of a diverse group of travelers.

The scenic breakfast terrace, with views of the garden, waterfalls, and lush surroundings, is frequently mentioned as an exceptional feature, enhancing the dining experience. Guests can savor their meals while immersed in nature, enjoying the soothing backdrop of cascading water—a truly priceless setting.

For convenience, breakfast is offered with the flexibility of choosing a time and placing an order the day before. This appointment system seems well-received, adding a touch of personalization to the overall experience. Despite the acclaim, there is a suggestion for more variety to cater to those enjoying a longer stay. Overall, the inclusion of breakfast as part of the accommodation, combined with the availability of tea, coffee, and pastries in common areas, positions The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls as an attractive choice for those who appreciate a good start to their day amid stunning natural beauty.

Dinner

Dinner at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls offers a unique experience, often described as a private dining journey. The highlight for many guests is the dinner by the falls, celebrated for its beauty and entertainment value. Guests rave about the amazing food, with the Chef's dinner being particularly recommended for those seeking a memorable dining experience.

However, feedback suggests a need for more consistent quality and value. Some diners noted that the gourmet dinner prices felt steep, especially when the quality didn't quite meet expectations, with some describing the evening as plain home-style cooking. Additionally, scheduled dinners have occasionally been canceled due to insufficient bookings, leaving guests wishing for alternative dining options on-site. Overall, while the dining at The Inn promises a delightful setting and enjoyable experience, potential diners should be mindful of the price-to-quality balance.

Rooms

The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls offers an attractive balance of comfort and natural beauty. Guests frequently describe the rooms as clean, comfortable, and well-appointed. The comfort of the beds is a highlight, often mentioned as heavenly. The rooms' connection to the stunning grounds enhances the experience, providing a serene environment.

However, guests also note some areas for improvement. The facilities in the rooms are somewhat outdated, with some mentioning a slight musty smell in certain accommodations. While spaciousness varies, a few reviews mention smaller room sizes, particularly in the bathrooms. The rooms, while generally comfortable, could benefit from additional modern amenities and minor updates, such as hooks for towels.

Nevertheless, despite some critiques regarding outdated decor and sparse equipment, the comfortable rooms and beautiful surroundings contribute to a pleasant stay at this charming location.

Cleanliness

The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls consistently garners praise for its cleanliness and upkeep. Guests frequently highlight the rooms as clean and comfortable, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the meticulous attention to detail by the hotel staff. Visitors appreciate the well-appointed accommodations, which are described as tidy, with showers offering good pressure and warmth, and toilets that meet high standards of cleanliness. The property's cleanliness extends beyond individual rooms, with the overall grounds well kept and maintained thoughtfully by friendly and helpful staff.

While some mention the occasional outdated aspect of a room or a musty smell, the overall cleanliness remains a distinguished feature complemented by the perfect location of the property. Although there was a note about a dirty common bathroom area, the key takeaway from guest reviews is a commitment to an immaculate environment, making this Inn a preferred choice for travelers seeking a serene and clean escape aligned with nature without the typical hotel frills.

Staff

Visitors to The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls consistently praise the exceptional quality of service provided by its staff. Guests highlight the team's friendliness, noting how warm and welcoming interactions enhance their stay. The staff not only offers excellent assistance but is also reputed for being available at all hours to accommodate various needs. Reviews mention the staff's thoughtfulness and enthusiasm, contributing to a gracious and supportive atmosphere throughout the inn. The innkeeper's car and resident animals add to the charm, providing friendly greetings that guests appreciate. Overall, visitors can expect an environment marked by incredible helpfulness and a positive, accommodating spirit.

No, The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls.

No, The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls.

No, The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls doesn't have a gym.

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