Waterfall Rappelling at Kulaniapia Falls: 120-Foot Drop

Drop 120 feet down a waterfall with a guide controlling your descent.

Waterfall rappelling at Kulaniapia Falls is a guided activity where you descend 120 feet down the falls using professional equipment and instruction from a live guide. The experience takes 2 to 3 hours and includes access to the falls property, where non-rappelling companions can swim, kayak or paddleboard when river conditions permit. Tours depart from The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls and must be booked in advance. Parking is available on site for registered guests only.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waterfall rappelling and nature exploration

• Arrive at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
• Receive equipment and safety instruction
• Rappel 120 ft down Kulaniapia Falls
• Explore nature trails around the falls
• Swim, kayak, and paddleboard if conditions allow

The experience

You arrive at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls, where the guide outfits you with top-of-the-line rappelling gear and walks you through the technique before you step to the edge. The 120-foot descent is controlled: the guide manages the rope system while you work your way down the rock face, moving at a pace that keeps you steady and lets you take in the roar of water and the spray hitting your face. Most people finish the rappel itself in around 15 minutes, though the full experience runs 2 to 3 hours with setup, instruction and the chance to move around the falls afterward.

Once you've descended, you can explore the property's nature trails or get in the water if conditions allow: swim at the base, paddleboard or kayak on the lagoon formed by the falls. Non-rappelling members of your group can purchase a day pass for $49 plus tax and spend the time doing the same things while you're on the rope. The activity runs rain or shine, and you will get wet regardless of weather. River conditions determine whether water activities are possible on any given day.

Access to the property requires a booking. There is no walk-up entry. Parking is available on site for registered guests. You'll need moderate physical fitness and must weigh between 70 and 240 pounds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. If river conditions turn unsafe, you can reschedule for another date or receive a full refund.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• all necessary rappelling equipment.
• access to Kulaniapia Falls property with nature trails.
• swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding when river conditions permit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30 and 14:00

AgesAdult (10 to 75 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kulaniapia Falls

Is this one for you?You control the descent with the guide managing the rope, so this suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants to rappel rather than watch it done. If companions are coming along, they can purchase a day pass and spend the time in the water or on the trails while you're on the falls.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Kulaniapia Falls from Hilo?

Kulaniapia Falls is 15 minutes from Hilo. Tours depart from The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls, and you'll need to arrange your own transport to the property.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The activity runs rain or shine, and you will get wet regardless of weather conditions. If river conditions become unsafe, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Can people in my group who don't want to rappel still come along?

Yes. Non-rappelling companions can purchase a day pass to Kulaniapia Falls for $49 plus tax and spend the time swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding when river safety conditions permit, or exploring the nature trails.

What equipment do I need to bring?

You don't bring any equipment. The tour includes all necessary rappelling gear and a professional guide provides instruction on how to use it safely.

Are there any health conditions that would prevent me from rappelling?

The activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers, travelers with poor cardiovascular health, or travelers with spinal injuries. You'll need at least moderate physical fitness and must weigh between 70 and 240 pounds.

Is there parking at Kulaniapia Falls?

Parking is available on site for registered guests only. Access to the property requires a booking in advance. There is no walk-up entry.