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The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls: Traveler Reviews

3.5 of 5
One Kulaniapia Drive, P.O. Box 11338, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96721
Hotel amenities
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
Ranked #10 of 16 Hilo B&B and Inns
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378 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    209
    90
    35
    22
    22
See reviews for
Families
49
 
Couples
259
 
Solo
10
 
Business
9
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
1 review
“Fantastic!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 4, 2013

This place was amazing. Very informal checking in, they leave the key in the door to your room. The feeling is so peaceful when you arrive. The bamboo garden is cool and you must jump in the waterfall! It was so worth it! Everyone was genuine and good hearted. The bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was great, made to order omelets, fresh fruit and the best coffee. The only "bad" thing about the room is that its next to the kitchen, so when breakfast gets started, you get up:) But that is pretty much how Bed and Breakfast places work. It is not a hotel or motel, so if that is what you are seeking this is not it. If you would like a peaceful, restful time and to do something special, this is it!

Room Tip: The bottom floor of the Harmony House with the lanai, I think it's the Hibiscus Room. The lanai...
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  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask d m about The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bc
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
11 hotel reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
48 helpful votes 48 helpful votes
“Hype, not quality”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed January 31, 2013

The harmony house is really a glorified rooming house with a nice common area in which there is a kitchen, dining table and sofas, but not enough seating if all the guests are present.. Our room, the Hibiscus room is BASIC, measures 11 by perhaps 12 feet, has a Queen bed and an adjoining outside, enclosed screened area that when you are standing up on tip toes, you can see part of the falls. The bathroom door will not shut - it is a thin "skin-type" door as is the main bedroom door which adjoins the kitchen; there is only a shower and looks as if it has been an afterthought. It is easy to hear all the other guests in their rooms. Yes there are nice aspects to the property such as green life style but do not translate a bamboo garden or on-property hydro-electric with a pleasant room. You will spend 8 -10 hours at night in a fairly confined space. This might be Hawaii with understandably higher prices, but essentially, this is NOT value when compared to other accommodation we have stayed at with far more services, room and comforts. IMHO a better room can be had elsewhere. Don't be taken by all the good reviews, because the Hibiscus room is VERY basic and disappointing.

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
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Ask harrietbrown about The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CA
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
“Very relaxing”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 30, 2013

This inn was a last-minute find for us during a 2-night stay in Hilo. The location, lodging, and grounds were absolutely wonderful! It's a bit of a drive, but it's pretty and we didn't mind it. Plan to bring your own picnic lunch and dinner food to avoid an unnecessary long schlep back into town.

The first night we stayed in the Prince Kalaukaua Room in The Residence, which was probably the least interesting of the rooms in that building in terms of view and ambiance (I recommend the rooms that face the river and falls). Even so, the room was quite comfortable and had a small balcony from which we could view the sunset, a peek of the ocean, and the lights from Hilo. This room does gets a bit of noise from the entrance road, parking lot, and Hilo airport, tho not to an annoying level.

The second night we moved to the Hibiscus Garden Suite on the ground floor of the Harmony House. We were initially hesitant about the room because it is located just off the kitchen and common area. However, the private screened porch opens up directly to the waterfall, which masks any noise from elsewhere in the building. The porch was a delightful place for eating and relaxing, and gave us a private exterior entrance into our room.

The overall atmosphere of the 2 buildings was quite different -- I don't know if this was due to the specific mix of occupants during our stay, or the fact that the Harmony House has quite a few more rooms and hence a livelier atmosphere. The clientele were primarily adults, which we appreciated.

The breakfasts were fabulous, and we enjoyed both of the short hiking trails. I liked that the inn also provided such incidentals as sunscreen, insect repellant, and umbrellas. Our only real "complaint" was that the place could really use an outdoor hot tub, which would be lovely in such a location. There is a spa building on the grounds (primarily for massage), but it was being remodeled during our stay.

Room Tip: Rooms facing the river and falls are best if you enjoy the sound of running water.
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  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Donna K about The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
New York City, New York
1 review
“A Paradise!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 26, 2013

Breathtaking Kulaniapia Falls and the bamboo garden, friendly inn keepers and working staff, nice rooms, and fresh breakfast! This is an amazing place ~ A Paradise! Their macadamia waffle was the best waffle I’d ever had. They also have free yoga classes at 10am-11am on Tuesday & Friday. I'd like to stay more days there next time.

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Puertealife about The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Quaint place”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 24, 2013

I spent a night here before flying back to Honolulu. I had originally found the place on line early last year, but waited too long to make a decision and it sold out. I was intrigued by the idea that they generate their own power with a hydroelectric generator.
It is a bit of a drive up into the agricultural land outside of Hilo, but it's not too far. The walk on the path and relaxing to the sound of the waterfall, it's a very laid back place to just enjoy.
The room was clean, but there are small signs of wear present. Most people probably would not notice. I had to catch an early flight so I missed out on the breakfast.

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled solo
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Curtis K about The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
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Additional Information about The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls

Also Known As:
The Inn At Kulaniapia Falls Hotel
The Inn At Kulaniapia Falls Hotel Hilo
The Inn At Kulaniapia Falls Hilo, Hawaii
Address: One Kulaniapia Drive, P.O. Box 11338, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96721
Region: United States > Hawaii > Island of Hawaii > Hilo
Amenities:
Business Center Free Breakfast Free Parking
Hotel Style:
Ranked #10 of 16 B&Bs / Inns in Hilo
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:3.5 star (3.5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
A charming Inn offering four suites with waterfalls and a botanical garden. ... more   less 
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The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
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