Kulaniapia Falls Day Pass: Swim under Hawaii's largest waterfall

Swim, kayak and paddleboard under a 120-foot waterfall without the crowds

You get access to Hawaii's largest private waterfall and 40 acres of trails with four waterfalls, plus the rare chance to swim, kayak, or paddleboard under Kulaniapia Falls when conditions permit. Your daypass includes a $50 discount on rappelling, cooking classes, and other guided experiences you can add on the day or book ahead. Arrive at your reserved time, explore at your own pace, and skip the crowds that pile up at the public falls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Kulaniapia Falls and Activities

• Arrive promptly at scheduled time
• Explore over 40 acres of trails
• View four waterfalls and bamboo gardens
• Swim, kayak, or paddleboard under falls
• Use discount for rappelling or classes

The experience

Kulaniapia Falls drops 120 feet. That's the kind of height that stops you mid-trail. The thing that makes it different from every other waterfall on the Big Island is that you're allowed in the water. Not from a viewing platform. Not behind a rope. You can swim under it, kayak beneath the spray, paddleboard across the pool when the river's safe enough. That alone changes what the day feels like.

The daypass gets you onto 40 acres that stay uncrowded because they cap the number of guests each day. You show up at your reserved time (and this matters, they're strict about the 15-minute window), and then you're loose to walk the trails at your own pace. There are four waterfalls total on the property, bamboo gardens that feel like you've stepped into a different part of the island, and the kind of quiet you don't find at the tourist spots. If you want to kayak or paddleboard under Kulaniapia itself, that's a rental fee on top of your daypass, but the water access is what people come for.

What makes the daypass smarter than just paying entry is the $50 discount it includes on everything else they run: waterfall rappelling, farm-to-table cooking classes, guided tours. You don't have to book those in advance, but you can if you want to lock them in. Most people use the daypass as a half-day thing and add one of the other experiences, which is why the discount stacks the value. The property is private, which means no crowds and no competing with tour groups for the best spots on the trails or in the water.

You need to arrive on time and bring water shoes or something with grip if you're planning to get in the water. The rocks are slick. The trails are walkable for most fitness levels, though there's elevation change and you're moving at your own speed, so it's not rushed. Arrive at your reserved slot, explore the property, and if the river conditions are safe that day, you're in the water under one of the tallest waterfalls you'll ever stand under.

What’s included

• Your daypass includes access to Kulaniapia Falls and the surrounding 40 acres of nature trails, views of four waterfalls, and bamboo gardens.
• You also receive a $50 discount on waterfall rappelling, farm-to-table cooking classes, and other guided experiences available on-site.
• Water activities like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding are available when river safety conditions permit, though kayak and paddleboard rentals carry a separate fee.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (under 10)

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.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Kulaniapia Falls

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to actually get in the water at a major waterfall instead of viewing it from a distance: the private access and small daily guest limit are what make that possible without fighting crowds.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 10).

Can you swim under Kulaniapia Falls every day?

Only when river safety conditions permit. The property monitors water levels and flow daily, so swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding access depends on that day's conditions.

What's included in the daypass?

Access to 40 acres, four waterfalls, trails, and bamboo gardens. The $50 discount applies to waterfall rappelling, farm-to-table cooking classes, and other guided experiences offered on-site.

Do kayaks and paddleboards cost extra?

Yes, rentals for kayaks and paddleboards have a separate fee beyond the daypass.

Is there a dress code or what should I bring?

Water shoes or footwear with grip are recommended if you plan to enter the water, as rocks are slick. Bring water and sun protection for the trails.

What if I'm late?

You must arrive within 15 minutes of your reserved time. After that, late arrivals are subject to an additional fee. Cruise ship passengers are an exception.

Can I book rappelling or cooking classes in advance?

Yes, you can book other experiences before you arrive or on the day of your visit. Your daypass discount applies either way.