4.3
out of 5
Excellent
(108 reviews)
(Neighborhood average
3.7)
Hotels.com Guest Rating
Hotels.com Guest Rating
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
Been to HI a few times, including the Big Island. Do yourself a favor. For what you'll pay for one of the big chain resorts north of Kona plus taxes and... fees, head over to the Hilo side and stay at Kulaniapia. About a ten-minute private road drive from downtown, the location is breathtaking, right next to a waterfall that's more impressive than Rainbow or Boiling Pots. Len and Jane have a great philosophy as innkeepers, very laid back and user-friendly. We stayed in the Pagoda, and I kind of wish I could live there, it's that cool. Photos don't do the place justice. OK so it may not be for everyone, especially if you're traveling with several kids and want to keep them occupied. If you want the all-inclusive resort experience, you can no doubt find it. But the vibe at Kulaniapia is authentic and unique, the experience is about as relaxing and as far from stress as is humanly possible. The bed begs to be slept in, all rooms were spotless, the kitchen stocked with fruit and some breakfast basics. Simple and perfect, just enough indulgent. by Seth from Chicago on 03/26/13
