World Class Waterfall Rappelling in Hawaii
Kulaniapia Falls is a hidden gem retreat located on The Big Island of Hilo in Hawaii. The destination offers endless activities for vacation goers, from paddle boarding to more relaxing endeavors like cooking classes, farm tours, and massages. The Kulaniapia experience, however, is only truly complete when you rappel down our namesake, 120-foot waterfall! Keep reading to learn more about our majestic cascades, find out how to rappel a waterfall, and discover fun and interesting facts about rappelling!
The Waterfall at Kulaniapia Falls
Kulaniapia Falls is Hawaii’s most inspiring, authentic, and sustainable destination. It is home to a waterfall that is situated in a wild, natural, off-the-grid setting. Guests can enjoy incredible views of 4 different waterfalls, and experience off-the-grid immersion in nature when they visit our unique cascades.
When you visit Kulaniapia Falls, you can choose to simply relax and soak up the sun, or, go for a swim if weather and safety conditions permit. To get the most out of the Kulaniapia Hawaii moments, many seek out a signature activity: waterfall rappelling, where you can belay your way down our incredible 120-foot waterfall!
How To Rappel a Waterfall
Waterfall rappelling is a form of rappelling, that involves descending down a steep slope, typically a rock or waterfall. By deciding how much rope to let through the rappel device with your dominant hand as you lower yourself, you are in control of your own speed.
During the Kulaniapia Falls waterfall rappelling excursion, you’ll rappel through exotic, lush terrain, and have the opportunity to experience an adrenaline-pumping, awe-inspiring adventure!
The excursion will be led by Kulaniapia Falls canyoneering guides, who are passionate about our secluded and unique retreat destination, and thrilled to share with tourgoers what they love. They will ensure the safety of all participants, however, rappelling involves plenty of precautions, so be sure to pack the right attire for this activity.
How to Prepare and Dress for Waterfall Rappelling
Since you may get wet, most people opt for a t-shirt and shorts. Depending on the weather and terrain, dressing in long sleeves and quick drying material can be imperative, as they will help keep you warm! Guests will be provided with special shoes with lots of traction, helping to ensure a safe descent down the rocks.
Begin by suiting up in harness, and making sure that your ropes are secured. This step is of utmost importance for your safety! At Kulaniapia Falls, they have experts that will set up the rappel by tying the ropes for you, ensuring optimal safety for your descent. To prepare for your journey down the waterfall, you will place your dominant hand in the loop, and your left hand will guide you and hold the other end of the rope. The purpose of this step is to have your dominant hand serve as your break hand, and your other hand will help keep you upright.
Be sure to soak up the natural environment in which you are immersed, and enjoy No Ka ‘Oi (the finest) views as you embark on your descent!
You will want to keep your legs perpendicular to the waterfall as you travel downward, doing so at your own pace. While this pursuit is adventurous, you’ll be in the presence of a warm, supportive community and other tour-goers, making the activity comfortable and enjoyable! Once you reach the ground after rappelling down Kulaniapia Falls, you can enjoy swimming in the natural pool below. The effects of waterfall rappelling are everlasting, as you’ll feel empowered when you finally reach the bottom, knowing that you just overcame something incredibly challenging.
This adrenaline-inducing experience is accessible to everyone over the age of 10 (and younger when going tandem with a guide), and can be enjoyed by all skill levels, making it a perfect activity for the whole family on your Hawaii retreat.
Waterfall Rappelling Facts
Rappelling was first invented in 1876 by French climber Jean Estéril Charlet when he made his descent from the Petit Dru, a sharp peak in the French Alps in 1876
You can adjust the friction of the rope during the rappel, allowing for greater control
The water pressure of the waterfall aids in how quickly or slowly you drop
A rope loses about 70% of its dynamic catching ability when its wet, therefore, waterfall rappels require specific belay devices which aid in your descent, by allowing for greater grip when hands are wet
Rappelling is not only practiced for personal enjoyment, but as a military training technique and a means for rescuing people, it and not just be rock climbing, but also you can rappel in water and with a waterfall
The hidden gem that is Kulaniapia Falls offers a world-class, once-in-a-lifetime waterfall rappelling experience in Hawaii. While there is an abundance of activities available right on the property, such as cooking classes, paddle boarding, and massages, the water rappelling excursion remains a stand-out, as it is an awe-inspiring adventure that the entire family will enjoy. The expert water rappelling instructors that will guide your tour will fully prepare you for your descent, and ensure that you have an unforgettable experience when you rappel down the 120-foot, scenic waterfall! Be sure to take a nice, relaxing swim when you finally reach the pool!
If you want to rappel a waterfall, give it a try by rappelling Kulaniapia Falls.
Visit here to book your waterfall rappelling adventure.
A Hui Hou!