Jurassic Park Hawaii | How to Visit Kualoa Ranch in 2023
The islands of Hawaii have so much to offer and that includes visiting Jurassic Park Hawaii, officially known as Kualoa Ranch! Scenes from Jurassic Park and Jurassic World (among others like LOST and Fifty First Dates) were filmed on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and are an incredible opportunity for fans to see the amazing film locations up close and in person.
And even if you are not a fan? The landscape is so beautiful, that you will love the adventure anyway!
Check out out the pros and cons of the various ways to visit Jurassic Park Oahu below to help you choose the best tour. No matter which option you choose, you are sure to find that your time in the valley is among your favorite activities on Oahu!
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No time to read the whole article? No problem!
Here are our top three picks:
01
Jurassic Adventure Tour – best tour for seeing all Jurassic Park Valleys
02
Movie Sites Tour – best tour for a quick overview of the movie highlights; all ages allowed
03
Ocean Voyage Catamaran – best tour for seeing the valley from the ocean – and maybe turtles too!
About Jurassic Park Hawaii on Oahu
Kualoa Ranch makes up 4000 acres of the northern windward side of Oahu and is made up of the Ko’olau Mountains and vibrant green valleys along the picturesque Kaneohe Bay. It is a working cattle ranch, but is best known by tourists for its famous film locations since the 1950s. In addition to the beaches and valleys, you’ll find an ancient fish pond and gorgeous fruit and plant gardens.
The ranch is open to visitors almost every day of the year, but guided tours are required to visit the valleys and mountain ranges beyond the gift shop. Tours come in all shapes and forms to please everyone on your list from air-conditioned buses to ATVs to boat tours to ziplining.
Getting to Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is located in Kaneohe which is about a 50 minute drive from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. It is an easy and beautiful drive that we find quite enjoyable. We always recommend renting a car on Oahu because there is so much to explore! Parking at Kualoa Ranch is free and easy.
Who knew Jurassic Park was so close to Honolulu?!
However, if you do not have a car, you are in luck because Kualoa Ranch offers roundtrip transportation from Honolulu for only $15 per person. You can add this on at the time of your reservation.
*Pro Tip* Upon making your reservation, you will be advised to arrive at Kualoa Ranch no later than 45 minutes before your tour time. Do not overlook this! We arrived a few minutes after 8:00am for our 8:45am tour. By the time we headed through the gift shop and followed the dinosaur tracks to the check-in line outside, it was about 8:10am. We made it through the long line in time, but just barely! We had five minutes to spare before loading our bus, and the restroom line was too long to be able to use it in time.
CAN’t DECIDE WHICH TOUR TO CHOOSE?
We recommend the Best of Kualoa Package Deal!
This tour includes jeep ride through the rain forest, stops at movie sites, buffet lunch + farm trolley tour
How to See Jurassic Park Hawaii Movie Spots
The majority of Kualoa Ranch can only be seen by taking one of their numerous Jurassic Park Hawaii tours.
All tours are guided through the gorgeous Ka’a’awa Valley aka Jurassic Park Oahu. Kualoa Ranch offers ten different tour types ranging from mild to adventurous and lasting from one hour to 2.5 hours each.
*Pro Tip* Due to the popularity of Hawaii and it’s Jurassic Park Valley, it is imperative that you make reservations in advance. Many tours at this Jurassic Park Oahu location sell out 2-3 weeks in advance, especially in summer months.
I have heard WAY too many stories of visitors arriving to Kualoa Ranch in the morning with their favorite activity in mind, but no reservations, and finding that they are booked all day. PLEASE make a reservation!
Here are the Jurassic Park Valley tour options broken down by age requirements so that you can determine which are options for your family. There are also places to relax should some family members wish to stay behind during certain tours. A café, farm animal visiting area, and sculpture garden are all lovely for some down time for little ones.
Jurassic Park Hawaii Tours for all ages (including infants)
Movie Sites Tour
Age Restrictions: None | Tour Length: 1.5 hours
The Movie Sites Tour is one of the ranch’s most popular excursions and is highly recommended for movie buffs especially. The tour will stop at several movie locations throughout the Ka’a’wa Valley, including Jurassic World, Fifty First Dates, Hawaii Five-0, LOST, and a WWII Bunker that is filled with movie props from over 60 movies that have filmed on the property.
Note that this is a different valley than the Jungle Expedition tour. If you wish to see both valleys, you may want to consider the Jungle Adventure Tour (ages 3+).
*Pro tip* Sitting on the right side will typically grant you with the best views.
Ocean Voyaging Catamaran Tour – one of our favorite Jurassic Park tours on Oahu
Age Restrictions: None | Tour Length: 1.5 hours
This Voyaging Catamaran Tour at Jurassic Park Oahu is one of our family favorites. You take a open air bus for several minutes through the property to view the gardens and learn about medicinal properties of the plants and arrive at Secret Island (see separate tour for Secret Island below). A brief walk through the jungle to the ocean’s edge allows you to board the catamaran. The ride is about 30-40 minutes long, taking you out around Kanehoe Bay with stunning views of the mountains from the water. You also get an up close view of Chinaman’s Hat. After the catamaran ride, you have the opportunity to ride an outrigger canoe and learn about the ancient fish pond that has been supporting the land and its inhabitants for centuries. The canoe ride also takes you past several movie locations such as Soul Surfer and Fifty First Dates.
*Pro tip* Keep your eye out for turtles in the bay- we spotted a few!
Aloha Aina Farm Tour
Age Restrictions: None | Tour Length: 1.5 hours
This Aloha Aina Farm Tour is best for those interested in the history of Hawaii and its exported goods. On this Jurassic Park tour, you will visit the gardens and ancient fishpond via an open-air trolley. You will also see some of the movie sites filmed on the property – no tour is complete without some Hollywood experiences!
Secret Island Beach Adventure at Jurassic Park Hawaii
Age Restrictions: None | Tour Length: 2.5 hours
I first discovered this gem on my high school graduation trip (many years ago…) and upon visiting again recently, I can see why I had such lovely memories of this place! A simple open air bus will drive you through gardens of green on a short ride to this private beach which can only be accessed on the Kualoa Ranch property.
Because only a select number of people can join the tour at one time, the beach stays peaceful and uncrowded with stunning views of Kaneohe Bay. Chinaman’s Hat is clearly visible from the beach and the palm tree lined white sand is postcard perfect.
Several activities are available during your time at Secret Island including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, glass bottom boats, beach volleyball, table tennis, and hammocks if you just want a nap. They will provide snorkel gear and life jackets as needed.
Don’t forget to pack your beach bag with all the necessities that you won’t want to forget for your afternoon in the sun on this paradise of a beach.
*Pro Tip* Book a morning tour if you wish to snorkel here. The water is clearer in the earlier hours for fish viewing.
Jurassic Park Valley Tours for Ages 3+
All tours listed above plus:
Jungle Adventure Tour (our favorite Jurassic Park tour!)
Age Restrictions: 3+ | Tour Length: 2.5 hours
This Jurassic Adventure Tour is our top pick for tours in Jurassic Valley. This open air ride last 2.5 hours and takes you to Kualoa, Hakipu’u and Ka’a’awa Valleys giving you the best scenic views possible. Beyond the scenery, movie buffs will also loves seeing filming locations and sets from Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, and Fallen Kingdom.
Expect panoramic views on this tour – you won’t be disappointed!
Roads are bumpy on this ride, so be prepared for that. Expectant mothers or those with back issues may prefer a different tour.
Jungle Expedition Tour at Kualoa Ranch
Age Restrictions: 3+ | Tour Length: 2.5 hours
This Jungle Expedition Tour is a great option for families looking for adventure but with littles too young for the more extreme tours. This jeep tour is known for being a bumpy ride! So hold on to your hats and think twice if back issues or motion sickness apply to anyone in your group. Some visitors report that they were given the option of a two vehicles – one bumpy and one smoother – but don’t count on that!
This tour rewards you with gorgeous views of the real Jurassic Park Valley. You will see filming scenery from Jurassic World, Jumanji, and Lost among others. This tour goes into a completely different valley, Hakapu’u Valley, than the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour. So if you are here to see as much of the real Jurassic Park as possible, you might consider booking both tours or booking the Jurassic Adventure Tour instead which takes you to both valleys.
The guides will enjoy teaching you about the valley and the various plants growing there, often with a bit of humor thrown in. You will also have the opportunity to check out various viewpoints around the ranch, so don’t forget your camera.
At one point on the tour, you will be given the opportunity to take an optional 10 minute hike to the top. The views are stunning from the lookout, but please note, that it is a bit of a strenuous hike and requires appropriate shoes to safely climb rocks and tree roots.
*Pro tip* Where you choose to sit is everything on this ride!
Want a wild and bumpy ride? Sit in the back! Is it raining? Sit in the front to stay dry! Want to see the best scenery? Sit on the right side! Want a close up of Indominus Rex from Jurassic World? Sit on the left side!
Jurassic Park Valley Tours for Ages 5+
All tours listed above plus:
UTV Raptor Tour
Age Restrictions: 5+ | Tour Length: 1-2 hour options
The best part of this UTV Raptor tour is that it is family friendly and allows families to ride together in their own vehicle (fits 2 to 6 people). This is similar to the ATV tour except that on this one you can visit with one another and take photos rather than ride as individuals. This tour also allows children, which the ATV tour cannot accommodate.
You will cover a large area of Kualoa Ranch including hills, stream crossings, and gorgeous ridgelines and coastal views. You will view movie locations from Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, Jumanji and several others. Kong Skull Island is another highlight of the movie locations on this tour. One adult over 21 years old will be the driver. You will ride single file in a line with a max speed of 14 MPH to explore the Ka’a’awa Valley. This tour allows you to tour trails deep in the Valley that are not easily accessible to others.
There are one- and two-hour tours available. The areas visited are similar on both Jurassic Valley tours, however, the two-hour tour allows more time for stopping at movie locations and viewpoints for photo taking and learning about the history of the area. One hour is never enough, but will still be wonderful if that is all the time you have.
You are provided with helmets and a safety training video. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty because it is very dusty! Sunglasses are recommended for eye protection.
*Pro tip* Purchase a bandana in the ranch gift shop to cover your face on this DUSTY ride. It will double as a practical and fun souvenir!
Jurassic Park Valley Tours for Ages 10+
All tours listed above plus:
Horseback Ride Tour of Jurassic Park on Oahu
Age Restrictions: 10+ | Tour Length: 1-2 hours
This Horseback Tour is an enjoyable tour through the forest trails past movie sites and through beautiful scenery. You will find the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other on this picturesque tour.
These horseback tours are designed for beginners, and the staff will take the time to match the right horse with the appropriate rider. The horses are well mannered and easy to guide. The horse do walk slowly, so please be aware of this if you are an experienced rider. Riders are not permitted to disembark from the horse during the tour, but your guide will be happy to photograph you.
You will have the opportunity to pass the famous WWII pillboxes and bunkers, as well as movie locations from Jurassic Park, Godzilla, and Kong Skull Island.
Jurassic Park Hawaii Electric Mountain Bike Tour
Age Restrictions: 10+ with weight minimums | Tour Length: 2.5 hours
The unique benefit to this Kualoa Ranch tour, is that visitors are allowed to not only tour the property, but also stop for photos and exploration with more freedom than other tours. The guide will lead you to each landmark and provide the history of the area as well allow for photo opportunities.
This Electric Bike Tour is designed for novices and allow for a relaxing day exploring the valley without riding in a vehicle.
Guests who have not ridden e bikes before, will find that they are given detailed instructions how to operate them and a chance to try them out before departing. They are quiet and peaceful, but also give assistance when pedaling to allow for a less exerting ride!
This tour is a unique way to see Kong Skull Island, the Jurassic Valley, Godzilla, Hawaii Five-0, 50 First Dates, LOST, and several others.
Be sure to check weight minimums for older children. Refunds are not provided if you book a tour for a child that does not meet the safety requirements.
Kualoa Ranch Zipline Tours
Age Restrictions: 10+ with height minimums | Tour Length: 2-3 hours
This Zip Lining Tour at Kualoa Ranch gives you an aerial view of the ranch resulting in views that are more expansive that the other tours. The tour offers seven ziplines as well as a couple of swinging bridges. You have the option to stop after the first 200 foot warm up line – but who would want to?!
We recommend booking this tour early, because the sun gets very hot up there throughout the day! Lockers are provided free of charge for all belongings except for secured Go-Pros.
You will be rewarded with Amazing views of the valley and ocean as you zipline through the property where movies such as Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, Hawaii Five-0, Kong Skull Island, LOST, and several other movies were filmed. Keep an eye out for Godzilla’s footprint! You will also learn about the plants and history of the Valley in the short, but informative, presentations.
Photo packages are available to capture your experience ziplining among the gorgeous mountains. They are currently $40/person or $15 per photo.
*Pro tip* This tour takes the same path as the ATV and UTV Tours, with the same movie sites, so keep this in mind if booking multiple tours.
Jurassic Park Valley Tours for Ages 16+
All tours listed above plus:
ATV Tour
Age Restrictions: 16+ | Tour Length: 2.5 hours
This ATV tour takes the same path as the UTV Raptor Tour but is for older teens and adults who would like to ride separately rather than together. This is a very fun, but very bumpy and dusty ride through the Valley!
The ATVs offer one- or two-hour tours. The paths through Jurassic Valley Hawaii are similar on each tour, but the one-hour tour will stop at only one location (maybe Godzilla’s footprint? It’s up to your guide!) for photos and exploring, while the two hour tour will stop at more. You may find yourself disappointed if you book the one hour tour and have to zip by all the cool places that you would like to stop and discover!
You will ride the ATVs in a single file line behind the guide at a max speed of 12MPH. This is perfect for those who are beginner riders or who are happy to just soak up the beauty of the mountains and valley around them, but might be a bit slow for thrill seekers!
*Pro-Tip* This tour takes you to the same movie locations as the Movie Sites Tour.
How to Book Tickets at Kualoa Ranch
Book your activities for early in the day as it gets much hotter and busier throughout the day as the tour buses start arriving.
Kualoa Ranch prides themselves on their low guide to guest ratio ensuring that you are well cared for during your adventures. We found the staff to all be very friendly and helpful before and after booking our activities.
If you plan to purchase several activities around Oahu, you might find that the Go Oahu card is the best bang for your buck.
Note, that the Go Oahu card does offer several Kualoa Ranch activities on the pass, however, you can only do one per day. Once you receive your card, call Kualoa Ranch directly to reserve your time slots with your Go Oahu card number. The Go Oahu card does not ensure availability for the activity if you forget to make a reservation.
Our family did choose to purchase the Go Oahu card, but as we had a rental car and did not need tours for every day of our trip, we chose the Build Your Own option, which was perfect for us and saved us 20%. This gave us the flexibility to save money on a few excursions, but also to take our rental car around the island and explore on our own for most of our vacation on Oahu.
Of all of the beauty and adventure that we have experienced on this island over multiple trips, our times at at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu are among our favorites!
