Waterfall Rappelling At Kulaniapia Falls: 120 Foot Drop, 15 Minutes From Hilo

Such a cool experience! We rented a car for the day for a quick 20 minute drive out to the middle of nowhere on the mountain side of Hilo. Great guides to help you understand all the ins and outs of rappelling. Felt completely safe and had a great time! Rappelling down next to a rushing water fall was once in a lifetime experience for my and my family. Thanks for a great time! Highly recommend this experience to any level of adrenaline seekers.

It was very exciting. The guides were very knowledgeable and have a lot of rock climbing experience. The made the experience feel fun and safe. My sister and I have very little experience and my brother is an experienced rock climber and it was fun for all levels. The waterfall was beautiful and it was a very unique experience. Highly recommend.

There are so many amazing falls on Big Island. We wanted to be able to swim in one. We found Kulaniapia Falls, close to Hilo, where we could swim and rappel. This is a private falls so we expected it not to be crazy busy. And that was the case. Two of us rappelled and the rest of us watched. Unfortunately the day was a little chilly, so none of us got to swim. The two that did rappel said it was amazing. They went down a 60 foot water fall first to get the hang of it and then went down the 120 drop. We didn't take advantage of the lunch or the Inn but it all looked quite nice. The folks that run this place are very thorough with their paperwork, so don't be put off by all the waivers and codes. Also, it is a bit of a walk to the swimming part of the falls, so be prepared for that. Definitely, a fun place.

Such a fun and limit-testing experience that let our group know they can do hard things and have fun doing them! Eric and Cora kept us safe and we enjoyed them very much!

Awesome time and a very unique experience to repel next to the falls! Jason was a great guide and explained everything. One of the top highlights of my trip to the big island.

I did this with my adventurous niece. We were the only ones there, so it was nice to get some personal attention. There are mosquitoes on the first little training hill, so I would wear pants and a long sleeve if I did it again. The guides were very professional and did a great job showing us what to do. I felt it was very safe, they have a guy on each end of the rope, so it’s almost impossible to fall. You might bang into the rocks a little if you don’t sit down in the harness enough. The only thing I didn’t like was that the rest of our family couldn’t come and watch us go down. You have to pay 50$ just to get on the property for a day pass. They would’ve been happy just standing there watching and taking pictures. I’m glad I did it and it was great to spend some time with my niece.

An amazing trip with amazing guides, Adrian and Eric!! A must for the adventurous souls!! We had a blast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arriving to the property the roads are narrow and unmarked. But the gps led us right there. The property has a gate code required for entry. The code is provided once you book your tour. The experience was fun and easy. And the guides made us feel safe and comfortable. My daughter (age 12) was scared initially but she became confident by the time it was her turn. The guides offered to ride down with her tandem to make it easier for her. But she bravely insisted on going alone. Afterwards she said the experience was “epic”. My son (age 15) is rather uncoordinated and not athletic. And he managed to get down and enjoy the experience just fine. Afterwards we swam and paddle boarded. Recommended you pack towels, food and water/beverages so you can enjoy the property before or after the activity. There is no food or beverage to buy on property. Also, wear long pants to avoid being bit by mosquitoes. After rappelling you can change into your swimsuit to enjoy the waterfall swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking. There is a private bathroom and shower available to wash up after the day. But, they don’t provide towels. So bring your own. Overall this was a super fun experience and a great day.

Rapelling down a rushing waterfall was an amazing experience. You'll never have another opportunity to see such amazing views. The guides were also super friendly and gave great instruction, especially for us first-timers.

Absolutely amazing experience. Our guides were incredibly friendly and conscientious. The waterfall was spectacular and the views were breathtaking. Highly recommend!!! I only wish it lasted longer.

Eric and his guides run an amazing rappel tour. If you are new to climbing, you will feel safe and get to experience the breathtaking beauty of a waterfall from a whole new perspective. If you have climbed/rappelled expect a beautiful and one of a kind run, based on the water levels of the river it can get EPIC.

We had Micheal and Eric they were great. Made it easy and fun. My friend is afraid of heights but still loved it. Would recommend gave great instructions and were very friendly. Great banter

Great instruction, felt safe the whole time and had tons of fun in a beautiful setting. Love the waterfall pics at the end, and all the other photos (included with tour price!) Patient and friendly guides

I was so disappointed my Repel was canceled. I had booked this adventure 4 months in advance. And it was the only activity I booked this trip . We scheduled our other plans around this excursion and even ended up staying in Hilo and extra night in hopes they would reschedule me. I was at the pick-up point waiting when I got the news it was canceled last minute. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! It would have been a perfect day to do it ! So unfortunate, but I don't feel like it was handled very professionally.... And for the price, I expected more. We did end up kayaking the falls ....which I would highly recommend.

The highlight of my vacation. I’m a beginner rapeller and guides Michael and Ben were excellent about explaining what to do. They were SO patient and knowledgeable.

This was an amazing experience! The views were incredible and rappelling was very fun. So happy I was able to have this experience with my friend! Thank you to our awesome guides.

Guides Eric and Michael were fantabulous!!! Super attentive to safety and everyone's needs. Beautiful place. Beautiful experience. Must do!!

Awesome trip! Guides were very knowledgeable and made sure to explain all of the different safety factors in place. I have had climbing experience but my wife was new. They gave her all the tips she needed to have full control and she loved it! They provide the gripping shoes and have very clean facilities to get washed up. Would definitely recommend this experience!

THIS WAS AMAZING!!!!!! After arriving to the stunning property we were greeted by some of the staff at the inn made it seem like we’ve know each other forever. They and our guides had us sign some wavers. While we were doing that they got our shoe sizes and hooked us up with some rad water shoes to use. Next the guides helped us get into our harnesses getting them fitted to each of us. Last was our helmets. They took us on a short walk from the inn to the start of the course. Clipping into safety lines at the top a walking to our first rappel, there they demonstrated and taught us how to rappel. Once the entire group made it down the first rappel we walked a short distance to another safety line we were clipped into. Once that’s happening the Veiw of this epic green forest and a massive waterfall that as you get closer the view gets better and opens up more to the valley and water below! Smiling from ear to ear the whole time hooting and hollering at the joy of being next to this waterfall getting sprayed as we rappel down in the warm Hawaiian sun!!!! One of our guides took photos of us at the top of the waterfall and also after we all made it he got some really nice pictures of us too. Absolutely thrilling! It’s a must do. Five stars isn’t enough.

I have serious concerns about safety for this experience. The actual repelling next to the waterfall was great, but by the time I got to the bottom and finished the experience, I felt that the company valued profit over personal safety. Pro: We did a short 25 foot warm-up repelling that was low stakes and a great way to get practice in with the gear/guide. The guides doublechecked our linkages, and I initially felt safe. Con: As the hike went on, my perception changed. When we started, the waterfall was borderline on dangerous for coming down. As the hike went on, the waterfall levels intensified. For individuals that had finished and were waiting by the banks, the guides did not allow us to swim in the water because it was too strong/dangerous. Yet, people were still rappelling down next to the too intense waterfall. Jeremy, one of the guides at the top, explained at all times I should have had a double belay system. If, for whatever reason, the line slipped from my hands, I would still be caught by the top or bottom belayer. Unfortunately, when I got near the bottom, the guide at the bottom tried to take pics of me and also be the safety belayer. The line was extra slick near the bottom and the rope line slipped from my hand. I dropped 3 feet, before saving myself/guide grabbed it too. I was less than a foot from seriously injuring/breaking my back on hard rocks. The safety belayer should not have been the photographer. The top belayer could not see me by the time I reached the bottom, and his line had too much slack as well. After the experience was done, and all of the individuals had safely repelled, I talked with Eric , the owner of the company, and shared some of my concerns about the lack and judgment with a belayer being also the photographer. Instead of recognizing his lack of judgment in worsening conditions, he doubled-down and blamed me for the almost near catastrophic accident. I am a novice rock climber and belayer; I should’ve been able to depend on the guides to catch me when my hand accidentally slipped.

Three generation family holiday. We (grand parents) were able to take photos from a great vista of the parents and grand children doing the waterfall rappelling. Videos from top to bottom! Guides did a terrific job gearing the family with all the equipment necessary to assure a safe experience.

The guides Eric and Sasha were extremely knowledgeable and experienced. She’s ranged from 13 to 50 and we all had a great time. The activity was so memorable- a highlight of the trip!

We had.a good time over all. However the company/hotel was not very accurate in the information before hand. It was painfully obvious they did not want to take myself and husband out. We are in our early 60s and not in good shape. They made us feel very inadequate and guilty for not being thinner and more fit. It was pouring rain and the conditions were difficult. The information about the rappelling indicates no experience necessary, you just have to be over 10. There is no weight requirement given. Considering what they say the requirements are, virtually none, and the weather conditions they should not have taken us out. The rain had caused a ton of mud and I believe it was quite dangerous. All being said we did have a good experience and felt a sense of accomplishment when we had finished the event.

Delightful. Do it, and get a room for the night. The staff are knowledgeable, reassuring, and they’ll give you the confidence to experience something unforgettable.

The place this activity is located at is incredibly beautiful and really unique - wish we would have stayed there longer! The activity itself was fun. You can tell the guides are very passionate about rappelling. There was a lot more standing around and waiting than we anticipated but the perspective of looking up at and being next to the waterfall was really unique and fun. We all had a good time and enjoyed it (adults and teenagers)!

Wonderful experience, both guides were very informative and easy to talk to make a somewhat nerve wracking situation easy!

Beautiful scenery, incredible guides, was definitely terrified at first but nothing to worry about! If you’re on vacation you have to add this to your to do list!

The views and trails were amazing. Had a great time with our Rappelling guides Jess and Jeremy who really took care of us. It was an amazing and exciting experience. Thank you!

We did the Waterfall Rappelling in Dec 2023. -Location: The location is majestic. "The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls" has 4 waterfalls, a beautiful hike, tonnes of greenery, antique-looking statues on the hike, a perfect setting for meditation, ponds to swim in under the waterfalls, standup paddle boarding options, etc. You can easily spend 4 hours here. -Waterfall Rappelling: A very unique experience. You are right next to the 120-130ft waterfall that is flowing down in all its glory. This only takes about 10 mins. -Guides: Our guides (Jess and Jeremy) were very knowledgeable and capable. They made the experience very safe for us - they first had us all do a short rappel to give us guidance before setting us up for the main rappel. -Cost: The cost, $279 per person (PLUS tip per guide), is very steep. The whole experience - hike to the waterfall, practice rappel, waterfall rappel, and hike back takes about 2.5 hours. The actual waterfall rappel though only lasts for about 10 minutes.

We did a LOT in our time in Hilo and the surrounding area, but this was by far my absolute favorite experience!! The views are to die for and the rappelling is such a unique experience that you’re not going to get just everyday. Neither of us had any experience at all, but the guides really took their time to explain everything and I practically felt like a pro by the time I hit the bottom (although I’m sure I didn’t look it 😂). Jess and Drew were knowledgeable, super nice, and just overall really fantastic!! I can’t say enough good things about them or the experience itself. 10/10 would highly recommend and do again!!

This was a one-and-done for us, as we found it too expensive for what you got. Lunch could have been included. The guides were great.

Amazing experience, once in a life time! Eric and team are great. Would highly recommend! You can swim in the waterfall after you repel.

We got lucky and had a private tour as only the two of us had signed up for the afternoon. Our guides, Zach and Jess were friendly and welcoming. They always made us feel safe and secure. They showed us the "ropes" and we had a little practice rappel before getting to the actual waterfall. Neither of us had ever been rappelling before so we had some apprehension. It was challenging and fun - and we both got the hang of it. What a cool experience! They provided the necessary equipment - felt boots, harness. I went dressed in my bathing suit - but you could have just worn active clothes and, honestly, wearing longer shorts or pants might have been better (I didn't have any chafing, but the harness does come across your legs, so I think it could happen). I wish we had remembered our go pro!

Truly amazing experience. Very professional. It was our first attempt at repelling and the safety and instruction was spot on. Loved the location and the scenery.

This experience was phenominal. The guides were both fantastic, knowledgeable and fun. The rappel itself was a thrilling 130 foot drop down by the waterfall and very unique experience. Highly recommend!

This was such an incredible experience…I highly recommend you DO IT! Our guides Drew and Erik were so knowledgeable and made us feel at ease. The repelling was challenging enough to make us feel accomplished without being too difficult….but those views from the top plus the view from the bottom of the waterfall were the best part!! I highly recommend this excursion!

We had a great experience. Our guides, Eric and Jeremy, were friendly, patient and knowledgeable about rappelling and about the island. Eric showed a wild growing guava tree and we were treated to a sample. Both of our guides were genuinely happy to be out on the ropes with us today. If you are looking for a new adventure I definitely recommend this place. It was a short ride from the cruise port and we were able to get some extra time in town.

Aaron and his partner did a great job of explaining the rappelling process and reassuring the group on safety. It was scary but guided us down with calm assurance. Highly recommend!

What a beautiful empowering experience!! Eric, Jeremy and Aaron were my guides and did a phenomenal job at guiding the way, showing a bit of the abundance and beauty of the land, and most importantly made me feel safe and supported the entire time!! These guys definitely brought the aloha. I was terrified at first but with the warm up to work out the jitters, I felt comfortable and able to just experience the majestic wonder this waterfall rappel offers. Not only did I talk about the rappel for the next 48 hours straight and how proud I was but, I was surprised to see how much Kulaniapia really does have to offer. You could easily spend a whole day here. Mahalo plenty, I look forward to coming back :) Tips for the experience…..take your time and relish in it

SO ADORABLE! The staff was so welcoming upon arrival. This was our second stop on our honeymoon. The view of the waterfall from our room was just like the photos! I loved the intimate breakfast overlooking the waterfall and our rappelling guides were the best! Gorgeous place to stay

It was amazing!! I took my adult kids and we all absolutely loved it!! The instructors were super friendly and helpful. It was an absolutely magical experience!!! I recommend 100!!! It’s truly a lIfe experience like no other!!! Probably one of my favorite accomplishments!!

Great time. Excellent view of the waterfall while rappelling. The guides are fun and safety is a priority. Highly recommend.

Let’s face it- you’re already the coolest person in your friend group because you’re vacationing in Hawaii. Know how to make your cool status untouchable? Rappel down the side of a waterfall. It’s kinda scary, and curvy people like me (creeping up on plump) could have some residual soreness, but get your nerve and do it anyway. It’s not like this opportunity comes along every day.

This was one of the best experiences for our adventures family! The guides were very knowledgeable and funny! My kids 13, & 15 loved every minute and so did my hubby and I! The waterfall repelling was one of the best on the island and we did few others in the past years. It gets your adrenaline & excitement going for sure! Thank u for the amazing, once in a lifetime experience! Nothing negative about it. 5 start all the way.

Unreal and truly unique experience! Guides (Eric & Jess) were unbelievable. They were friendly, professional and conscientious of the balance between safety and great fun. Highly recommend to any/all to try this.

Went with my mom and had a great time. Our guides, Eric and Chess, were very kind :) Our group was also very cool

Our family had a great time, and repelling down a waterfall was definitely a unique experience! We are experienced climbers and repellers from Colorado, so their breaking system was little bit of a disappointment because we weren’t allowed to go as quickly we would have liked; however, we totally understand the need for them to provide the safest environment possible for all skill levels. We still had an amazing time and would recommend this activity to anyone!

Awesome experience! Close to Hilo. Eric and crew were knowledgeable and fun. Waterfall is legit 130 ft. Great mix of thrill/safety. Bamboo Forrest hike & swimming hole are a cool add on. Highly recommend.

Eric and the crew were awesome, I felt safe throughout and they were very knowledgeable. I Would definitely do again and recommend to others!