Kulaniapia Falls: Day Pass, Waterfall Access & Activity Discounts

Summary

Swim beneath Kulaniapia Falls & wander quiet bamboo trails

You’ll wander quiet bamboo trails, swim or kayak under Hawaii’s tallest private waterfall at Kulaniapia Falls, and enjoy exclusive discounts for activities like rappelling or cooking classes—all with advance reservation. Feel the spray on your face, hear nothing but water and birds for hours, and leave with that rare sense of calm you only get when nature feels close enough to touch.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect to feel so small standing in front of Kulaniapia Falls. The sound alone is kind of wild, like a low thunder that never really stops. We’d booked the day pass mostly because we wanted to swim under a waterfall (not just stare at one from a fence), and this place near Hilo is the only spot where you can actually do that when the river’s safe. There was this cool mist in the air that stuck to my skin, not cold exactly but fresh in a way I can’t explain. We met our guide near the entrance—he had that gentle local humor, told us about how Rainbow Falls gets all the crowds but Kulaniapia is taller by 40 feet. Didn’t brag about it, just kind of smiled.

The property’s huge—over 40 acres—and honestly I lost track of time wandering those bamboo gardens. You hear birds you don’t recognize and sometimes nothing at all except water somewhere nearby. We tried kayaking right up to the base of the falls (rental’s extra but worth it), and I remember my arms shaking from both nerves and excitement. It’s loud down there—like being inside a drum—but peaceful too. My partner tried paddleboarding but mostly just floated around laughing. At one point I caught this sweet smell from some flower I still can’t name.

There are other things you can try with your day pass—like waterfall rappelling or cooking classes (you get a discount on those). We didn’t plan ahead so missed out on rappelling, but saw a couple gearing up with helmets and ropes and instantly wished we’d signed up earlier. Oh well, next time maybe. Heads up: they’re strict about arrival times; our guide joked about “Hawaiian time” but said here it actually matters because they limit guests each day for privacy—it really does feel like you have the place almost to yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kulaniapia Falls and activities

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

Top questions

Can I swim at Kulaniapia Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed under Kulaniapia Falls when river safety conditions permit.

Is kayaking or paddleboarding included in the day pass?

No, kayak and paddleboard rentals require an additional fee.

Do I need to book my day pass in advance?

Yes, advance reservation is required for any access to the property.

Are there discounts for other activities with the day pass?

Yes, your day pass includes a $50 per guest discount on experiences like waterfall rappelling and cooking classes.

How tall is Kulaniapia Falls compared to Rainbow Falls?

Kulaniapia Falls is over 120 feet tall—about 40 feet taller than Rainbow Falls.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included; guests must arrive at their scheduled time.

What happens if I arrive late?

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, an additional fee may apply unless delayed by cruise ship schedules.

Are there hiking trails on site?

Yes, there are miles of nature trails through bamboo gardens and around four waterfalls on the property.

What’s included

Your day includes access to Kulaniapia Falls—the largest privately accessible waterfall in Hawaii—and miles of surrounding nature trails through bamboo gardens. You’ll also receive a $50 per guest discount toward guided experiences like waterfall rappelling or farm-to-table cooking classes during your visit.