Kualoa Ranch is a private nature reserve and cattle ranch located on the east side of Oahu. The northern half of the ranch is Kaaawa Valley, a popular location where many TV shows and movies have been filmed, and the southern half is home to Hakipuu Valley, an 800 year-old Molii fishpond and the quiet hideaway at Secret Island beach. Guests can explore Kualoa Ranch by ATV, horseback, e-bike, or off-road vehicle, and even zipline across the treetops for the best views of the Jurassic Valley.
Often called Jurassic Valley, Kualoa Ranch is not only home to a working cattle ranch, but it is also the filming location for many different Hollywood movies and television shows. The towering Koolau Mountains, lush valleys, and beautiful beaches at Kualoa Ranch have served as the backdrop for hits including Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, 50 First Dates, Kong: Skull Island, Magnum P.I., LOST, and Hawaii Five-0.
Guests have the opportunity to visit and explore these filming locations on a variety of different Kualoa Ranch sightseeing tours including ATV tours, narrated movie site tours, a unique mountain e-bike adventure, and so much more. Kualoa Ranch is one of the best things to do on Oahu, and you will not want to miss it!
- The ATV tours at Kualoa Ranch are some of the most popular activities in Hawaii, and sell out weeks, if not months, in advance. Be sure to book early to guarantee your spot.
- With tour groups limited to 10 participants per guide, Kualoa Ranch prides itself on ensuring a fun and safe experience.
- You will need to dress appropriately depending on the activities booked. ATV and horseback riding tours require close-toed shoes, and if you are going to Secret Beach, you won’t want to forget your swimsuit.
- There are tour options at Kualoa Ranch for almost all ages, and free activities for guests to enjoy while waiting for their group or for their activity to begin.
- For the best experience, book a combo tour with multiple activities! You will get to see different areas for a more comprehensive tour of the area.
- Kualoa Ranch features a full restaurant and gift shop where you can enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch, as well as purchase gifts and souvenirs before you leave.
Kualoa Ranch spans over 4,000 acres across Oahu’s eastern Windward side, and is nestled between the Koolau Mountains and the iconic Chinaman’s Hat island within Kaaawa Valley and Hakipuu Valley. To the ancient Hawaiians, this was one of the most sacred areas on Oahu, and between the 13th and 18th centuries, the area now known as Kualoa Ranch was reserved for Hawaiian royalty to teach their children about traditions and how to govern the land.
In 1850, Kualoa Ranch was established when American doctor Gerrit Parmele Judd, bought part of the land from King Kamehameha III, and purchased more later on until it became the large acreage it is now known for. The Judd family built a sugar mill and started a sugar plantation on the land in 1863, but after several years of drought, they closed the sugar mill in 1870.
While ranching business began in Kualoa in 1900s, during World War Ⅱ the land was occupied by the U.S. military and became Kualoa Airfield in 1941. After the war, the Judd family had the ranch returned to them, and in 1974, the entire area was registered in Oahu’s Historic Places listing.
Kualoa Ranch is easily accessible by car, and is approximately 40 miles away and a one hour drive from both Waikiki and Ko Olina hotels and resorts. There is ample free parking available for guests to use during their visit. Guests staying in Waikiki also have the option of booking roundtrip transportation with their tours.
- The fallen tree featured during the Gallimimus dinosaur stampede in Jurassic Park is still in the same location where actors Sam Neil, Ariana Richards, and Joseph Mazzello hid during this iconic scene.
- There is an ancient Hawaiian fishpond located on the grounds of Kualoa Ranch. The 800 year old Molii Fish Pond is one of four original Hawaiian fishponds that remain on Oahu, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Kualoa Ranch is still an active cattle ranch and farm. Featuring 100% grass fed beef, sustainably farmed oysters and shrimp, single origin chocolate, and over 60 different fruits and vegetables, KualoaGrown products are available to the public Thursday through Sunday from 10:00AM to 5:00PM.
- Kualoa History Hall - This on-site museum features exhibits and artifacts about the history and legacy of Kualoa Ranch and the Gerrit Parmel Judd family, the original founders of Kualoa Ranch.
- Judd Theater - You can watch a short documentary about operations and the history of Kualoa Ranch at this comfortable and spacious theater.
- Petting Zoo - Perfect for all ages, the Kualoa Ranch petting zoo has a variety of animals including goats, potbelly pigs, tortoises, a donkey, a macaw, ostrich, a llama, a calf, and a pony that you can pet and touch.
- Sculpture Garden - This beautiful and serene garden has a number of sculptures and statues, all overlooking the tranquil Kaneohe Bay and Chinaman’s Hat (Mokolii Island).
Q: What does "Kualoa" mean?
A: Kualoa means "long back" in Hawaiian, and is named after Kualoa Ranch’s soaring peaks and beautiful deep valleys.
Q: Is there a place to keep belongings while at Kualoa Ranch?
A: Yes, you can rent lockers for the full day with a $5.00 deposit.
Q: Can I still go to Kualoa Ranch even if I don’t do a tour?
A: Yes, you can definitely go to Kualoa Ranch even if you aren’t booked on a tour. Many guests accompany their friends and family who are going on an ATV, zipline, horseback tours, etc. While you are waiting, you can feel free to explore the grounds and visit the petting zoo and sculpture garden, walk across the street to Kualoa Regional Park, or have a bite to eat at Aunty Pat’s Cafe.
Q: Do you have to pay to go to Kualoa Ranch and how much does it cost?
A: Although entry into Kualoa Ranch is free, all of the tours and activities must be purchased. Prices range from approximately $54.00 for guided sightseeing and movie site tours, $151.00 for ATV and horseback riding tours, and $183.00 for a zipline experience. It is important to note that all prices are subject to change.
Q: Is Kualoa Ranch where Jurassic Park was filmed?
A: Yes, many portions of Jurassic Park were filmed at Kualoa ranch. The area is a popular movie site location, and besides Jurassic Park, other movies and television shows like The Hunger Games, 50 First Dates, Lost, and Hawaii 5-0 were also filmed there.
Q: How long is the Kualoa Ranch tour?
A: Kualoa Ranch tour times will vary depending on the booked tour. ATV and horseback riding tours are 2 hours, movie site tour is 90 minutes, and the zipline tour will take up to 3 hours.
Q: What's the best way to experience Kualoa Ranch?
A: Depending on what you are looking for, each tour will offer a different experience at Kualoa Ranch. For those seeking adventure, the ATV or e-bike tour will be a great option. If you are looking for a more indepth tour to see movie and tv filming locations, the Movie Sites tour is your best option.
Q: Can you swim at Kualoa Ranch?
A: Yes, there is a Secret Island adventure where you can swim, kayak, and stand-up paddle at a secluded beach at Kualoa Ranch.
Q: What are Kualoa Ranch hours of operation?
A: Kualoa Ranch hours of operation 7:30AM to 6:00PM, and they are open daily. The ranch is closed on Christmas and New Years.
Q: What are the best family-friendly activities at Kualoa?
A: Groups of family and friends will enjoy the Secret Island Beach Adventure, the Hollywood Movie Sites and Ranch Tour, and the Best of Kualoa Experience Combo.
Q: Which activities at Kualoa are best for adults?
A: Adults are welcome on every tour at Kualoa Ranch, and the ATV, zipline, and horseback riding tours are highly recommended.
Q: Are there any ocean tours and activities at Kualoa?
A: Yes, the Ocean Voyage Adventure is a 90-minute sail into Kaneohe Bay, and the Secret Island Beach Adventure offers a day of fun at a secret beach at Kualoa Ranch, and includes time to swim, kayak, stand-up paddle, or simply relax on the beach.
Q: What movies and tv shows were filmed at Kualoa Ranch?
A: There have been hundreds of movies and shows filmed at Kualoa Ranch. The ranch’s Kaaawa Valley has been featured in a number of different Hollywood blockbuster movies and television shows, including Jurassic Park, Lost, 50 First Dates, Hawaiʻi 5-0, Magnum P.I., and more!
Almost every tour at Kualoa will showcase the filming locations of the Jurassic Park movies, but the most comprehensive tours are the Jurassic Adventure Tour, Hollywood Movie Sites and Ranch Tour, and the Jungle Expedition Tour.
Q: What are the best Hawaiian history and cultural tours at Kualoa Ranch?
A: For anyone looking to see a more local side of Kualoa, we recommend either the Malama Experience or the Aloha Aina Tour, which focus on the ranch’s farming efforts and offer insight into the cultural and historical significance of the valley.
Q: Is transportation provided to Kualoa from Waikiki?
A: Transportation is available from certain Waikiki hotels for an additional fee.
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