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August 2025 by Richard Wadda
We were treated extremely bad at this location during the tsunami warning last week. We were a group of ten people including two kids. We were not able to make it back to our cruise ship and needed to get to high ground. The evacuation area we were told to go to was closed. Some of the people in our group were able to get reservations and when we got there we were turned away. The owners excuse was that her rooms were for three people only and she was not going to violate city ordinance. In a time of emergency, you would expect the human element to come out. We were all more than willing to pay and she was adamant about us not having that option. When we said this would definitely be a google/yelp review, her attitude changed and suddenly she had 5 cabins that would accommodate all of us. She did not offer that until the review was mentioned. We had no way of knowing that the tsunami would not be as bad as predicted, but to be so unethical and rude was uncalled for. We ended up going to our shuttle drivers friends house. She was amazing and took care of us with food, drink and even a place to stay if needed. The true Hawaii spirit was shown to us. KULANIAPIA INN DOES NOT CARE ABOUT PEOPLE. As a side note when one of the people in our group did the review, the owners reply was “Your problem is not my problem!” I hope her family is never in a situation where they are scared and unsure of what to do and if they are hopefully they will be treated with more compassion and understanding. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND!!
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August 2025 by redvelvetburlesque
The staff was super kind. The location is magical. Truly beautiful and well maintained. A delightful experience.
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August 2025 by Lynn Pattison
Rude as can be during an emergency situation won’t be coming back ever
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August 2025 by Jennifer Salliotte
I rarely leave reviews but I feel this one is necessary. I was one of the group of 10 that tried to check in on 7.29.25. We had already reserved 2 rooms. The last family’s phone died and intended to reserve a room at the site. From the minute we arrived, the property representative was inhospitable. I had just been on their website and assured this family that the property had rooms available on their site. However once we arrived at the property, we were told that we couldn’t be accommodated. Emotions ran high as we were under a tsunami warning and stranded. In the end, the property found cabins to accommodate us. But by that time, we no longer wanted to stay and certainly didn’t feel welcome. As far as misrepresentation, one family did book a room for 4 that accommodated 3. We were told under no circumstances they could let that happen. That family was willing to book another room for the additional person.
Response to reply: The majority of your reply is false. I apologize for any poor language from any of the families (we didn’t have a leader). I honestly don’t remember it but I do know emotions were running high. Especially, after you stated “Our problems were not your problem.” Lastly, we had money and you had room. As stated in your reply, you felt it was more appropriate we should sleep in a shelter. I think that speaks for itself.
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July 2025 by James Butter
Absolutely phenomenal! This Hawaiian jungle retreat was pure paradise. The waterfall was breathtaking, and the all-organic breakfast was a daily highlight—especially the standout spinach omelette. The owner was not only incredibly helpful but also quite knowledgeable about the island! A truly unforgettable experience.
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July 2025 by Pierce Cleary
Fantastic experience on an epic waterfall!
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July 2025 by Nat
Cannot believe you guys refused to take people in during this tsunami. You should have accepted that group of 10 who needed a room. They only wanted one room to shelter in. Disgusting to put human lives at risk because it’s “not your problem”. It’s pure evil.
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July 2025 by Tammy Jennings
Awful service! Rude owner and staff!
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July 2025 by Nicole Morgan
Turned my friends away when they were left stranded from a cruise ship during a tsunami coming! Wouldn’t let them rent the open rooms and allow people to sleep on the floor. They should be ashamed when it’s a weather emergency and time is of the essence!!!
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July 2025 by Tony Rath
Staff is super chill, location is absolutely beautiful, amenities are all in place. This isn’t a 5 star hotel, and that makes it perfect. This is a place for people looking to disconnect from the daily grind. You could waste an entire day just enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. I definitely recommend this place for lovers of nature.the star gazing is also out of this world!
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July 2025 by Leslie Chess
Beautiful location.
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July 2025 by Scott Barton
Absolutely amazing! The setting, the staff and the overall experience was great!
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July 2025 by Matt Cross
We just had a day pass we didn’t stay at the Inn. We have spent over 9 weeks on the big island over the last couple years. This was hands down the best experience on the big island! A must do activity!
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July 2025 by Sara FB
It's hard to describe how magical our milestone anniversary trip was, and we owe much of that thanks to our time at the lodge.
We rented out the whole house for a group of friends and family and had the absolute most memorable and best time. Our positive experience started with hands-on help booking for such a large group.
Our group ranged from elementary aged kids all the way to us grown adults, and every one of us had a phenomenal time. By the end of the trip the kids said they wish we had stayed at the lodge longer versus our other stops. As world travelers the lodge still ranks as one of their top experiences.
Our highlights were the early mornings to stroll the beautiful property, pick fruit, evening rain storms, paddle the falls and enjoy coffee with a view.
On the rainy nights we played flashlight tag amongst the trees and hunted for fun little creatures with the kids.
The staff were amazingly helpful and suggested some incredible takeout options in Hilo.
If you enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii, personal hospitality, and like a reprieve from beach and scorching sun this might be your perfect spot.
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July 2025 by Healey Grant
Amazing experience!! Must go! And say hi to Alice for me! :)
