Kulaniapia Falls
Hawaii • 120 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Kulaniapia Falls
Kulaniapia Falls is a stunning 120-foot waterfall located on private property near Hilo, Hawaii. It is part of the Kulaniapia Farms and Inn, offering a serene and picturesque setting surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
The Setting
Kulaniapia Falls sits at 869 feet along the Wailuku River, in the foothills of Hawaii. At 120 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Hawaii.
Height: 120 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Kulaniapia Falls is a short and easy walk through the lush grounds of the Kulaniapia property. It is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors, with minimal elevation gain.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 120 feet. Swimming is permitted.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kulaniapia Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
Access requires either a reservation at the Kulaniapia Inn or the purchase of a day pass.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Kulaniapia Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Kulaniapia Falls can be visited year-round, but mornings often provide the best lighting and fewer crowds.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Heavy rains during wet season (November through March) bring higher flow but can make trails slippery.
Safety Information
Exercise caution when swimming or walking near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Follow all posted signs and guidelines provided by the property owners.
Current Water Conditions
1,560 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 96 years of record
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Wailuku River at Piihonua, HI (2 km away).
Today
Roaring
3823 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
4443 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
4648 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
4238 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
3760 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
3418 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
4033 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, scattered rain showers (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Wainaku hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 196 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The falls are listed at 120 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 913 feet above sea level.
Above the falls the ground is nearly level, then it breaks away and keeps dropping about 132 feet over the next 500 feet downstream. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 913 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 196 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Kulaniapia Falls is located approximately 15 minutes from downtown Hilo, Hawaii. Visitors must book a stay at the Kulaniapia Inn or purchase a day pass to access the property and the waterfall.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available on-site for guests and day pass holders.
Elevation
869 feet above sea level
Coordinates
19.723386° N, -155.136474° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Book your visit in advance, as access is limited to guests of the inn or day pass holders. Wear sturdy shoes for the short walk to the falls, and bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
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This easy 1.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
SCP Hilo Hotel
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel
Somewhere over the Rainbow Loft with AC Hilo
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Nearby Attractions
Hilo town, Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls State Park, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
Wildlife
The area is home to various tropical birds and insects. Visitors may also see fish in the pool at the base of the falls.
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
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