Private Waterfall Swim in Hilo (plus kayaking, SUP, and rappelling options)
Whether you’re between hotels, catching a late flight, or just looking for an off-grid escape, you’ve found it here. Escape for a relaxing day under a breathtaking waterfall and explore over 40 acres of land at Kulaniapia Falls.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here.
Activity Overview
Private Waterfall Swim in Hilo Highlights
- 5 hour access
- 10:00am-3:00pm day pass (must arrive by 10:30am or 15min prior to other booked activity start times)
- Access to a private, 120 foot waterfall and over 40 acres of property including hiking trails and bamboo gardens
- All ages welcome, discounts for under 9-years-old
- Kulaniapia Falls access is located at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls, a 15 minute drive or 4.9 miles from downtown Hilo
Book Direct for Kulaniapia Falls Day Pass Here
Our family was hesitant to book this day pass at first based on the price and not knowing what to expect. We loved our experience, hence we’re recommending it!
Everyone down at the swimming hole enjoyed the private waterfall swim, taking the kayaks and standup paddle boards (SUPs) out on the water, and relaxing with their picnic lunches.
“ ”If you’re looking for a waterfall swimming experience on your trip to the Big Island, this is great for the whole family. Another excellent waterfall swimming experience is the Kohala Waterfall Swim and Hike.
Private Waterfall Swim Hilo Details
Booking a day pass for Kulaniapia Falls gives you plenty of options for how to spend your day. Take a swim beneath a gorgeous waterfall, rent a kayak, SUP, or rappel down the waterfall, take a hike amongst 42 acres of property, or even take a farm tour – all of which are eligible for a discount with their day pass.
All of this is available as a very exclusive experience because only a small number of visitors are allowed in each day, so it never feels crowded.
Plus there are very few waterfalls on the Big Island that permit swimming or are safe to swim in, so this experience really does check all the boxes. This is a great option if you’re between hotels as it’s right between typical check-out and check-in times, or if you have a late flight off the island, it’s a relaxing way to spend your day.
As far as equipment rentals, it was a smooth process as you can reserve one before you arrive or reserve one when you are down at the waterfall. Once we arrived, we realized a kayak was a must so we scanned their QR code at the waterfall and took one out for 30-minutes.
The SUP boards are very popular, so be sure to book your time slot before you arrive for those. The day we visited, everyone wanted to the SUP rentals.
As you’re going through the booking process, they’re very upfront with additional charges that you could incur for being late to check-in or returning equipment late. This can feel a little off-putting, but we didn’t have any issues upon arrival.
More Than a Private Waterfall Swim
The family who owns and operates the waterfall access also has an inn on the property. They also provide other activities that you may want to check out. If you’re planning on spending the day at the waterfall, you should consider their other experiences. Learn more and book here.
- Waterfall Rappelling
- Farm to Table Cooking Class
- Chef’s Table Dinner
- Kulaniapia Farm Tour
- Massage
- Professional Photo Session
Private Waterfall Swim in Hilo FAQ
What is the cancellation policy?
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation for 2 guests, 72 hours for 3-4 guests, and 7+ days for 5 or more guests. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to safety or other unforeseen circumstances, however, please note, we operate rain or shine. On days when swimming is not safe, you may still access the trails, etc, but we do not provide refunds in such cases. Contact them by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
How does the discount work?
Once you book your day pass, you’ll get a discount code along with your confirmation email that is good to use on the waterfall rappelling, cooking class, and the farm tour.
Can I show up and get a day pass the same day?
No, this experience is by advanced reservation only, walk-ups are not available.
What should I bring?
Bring everything you will need to enjoy your day, such as water, lunch, bathing suit, towel, etc. They do not have any food / beverage service onsite, unless you join their cooking class or you prebook a grab and go lunch by 8pm the night before (details in confirmation email).
Other things to know about Kulaniapia Falls:
- Kulaniapia Falls is a wild, natural, off-the-grid setting with no lifeguard on duty.
- They do not allow access the property without first checking in at the office and signing liability waivers. You cannot enter the river unless staff advise that conditions are safe on the day of your visit.
- Swimming and renting kayaks and paddle boards are only available when river safety conditions permit and may not be possible after excessive rain. Exploring the property / trails, getting close to the falls, etc is still possible during such times. If you are not able to swim, you will not be provided a refund, but you may schedule a visit on another day, free of charge. You will be refunded any prepaid rental fees for kayaks / SUPs.
About Kulaniapia Falls
Kulaniapia Falls is Hawaii’s largest privately accessible waterfall, just 15 minutes from Hilo. Sitting on 42 acres of land, Kulaniapia Falls hosts a limited number of visitors a day, keeping it exclusive, protected, and well maintained. The largest waterfall on the property cascades from just over 120 feet, which is 40 feet taller than the famous Rainbow Falls. Their private lands are really remarkable.
We are affiliate partners with Kulaniapia Falls which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can read more about our affiliate policies here. Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — you are amazing!