Kualoa Ranch: Oahu's Jurassic Valley & Adventure Hub

Hollywood's Favorite Backdrop

The Ko'olau cliffs and Kaʻaʻawa Valley have appeared in more than 70 films and TV shows. The most famous: Jurassic Park (1993), Jurassic World (2015), Lost (2004-2010), Kong: Skull Island (2017), 50 First Dates (2004), and Hawaii Five-0 (2010-2020).

On the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, an open-air bus drives through the valley and stops at filming locations. You will see the log that the kids hid behind in the T-Rex chase scene from Jurassic Park. You will stand where the "Lost" beach camp was built. Guides point out locations from each production and share behind-the-scenes details.

This is the most popular tour at the ranch, and it fills up fastest. If you only do one activity, this is the one.

Tour Options at Kualoa Ranch

The ranch runs several distinct tours. Each lasts 1 to 2.5 hours. Here is what is available:

• Hollywood Movie Sites Tour (90 min) - Open-air bus through Kaʻaʻawa Valley visiting filming locations from Jurassic Park, Lost, Kong: Skull Island, and dozens of other productions.
• Jungle Expedition ATV Tour (2 hrs) - Drive a two-seat UTV (side-by-side) through Kaʻaʻawa Valley on dirt roads and trails. Closed-toe shoes required. Minimum age 16 to drive, 5 to ride.
• Jurassic Valley Zipline (2.5 hrs) - Seven ziplines across the valley. The longest line runs 1,200 feet. Weight limits apply (75-280 lbs).
• Horseback Riding (2 hrs) - Guided trail ride through Kaʻaʻawa Valley with mountain and ocean views. Rider weight limit: 230 lbs.
• Ocean Voyage Tour (2 hrs) - Catamaran cruise along the windward coast past Mokoliʻi Island (Chinaman's Hat) with snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.
• Secret Island Beach (half-day) - Boat ride to a private beach with kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, volleyball, and hammocks included. No crowds. Calm water safe for children.
• E-Mountain Bike Tour (2 hrs) - Electric bike ride through the ranch with guided stops at scenic and historic sites.
• Malama Experience (3 hrs) - Cultural and agricultural tour focused on traditional Hawaiian farming, fishpond restoration, and sustainability practices.

Tickets, Packages & Pricing

Individual tours start around $50-55 per adult. The ranch encourages combination packages, which bundle two or three tours at a discount. A two-tour package typically runs $100-130, and a three-tour package $140-170. Secret Island beach access can be added to most packages.

Children (ages 3-12) receive discounted rates on most tours. A few tours have minimum age requirements: the ATV requires riders to be at least 5 (drivers 16+), and the zipline has a 75 lb minimum weight.

Prices change, so check the Kualoa Ranch website for current rates. Two things that matter: booking online in advance saves money over walk-up prices, and combo packages are significantly cheaper per-tour than buying individual tours separately.

Lunch is not included in most tours. The ranch has an on-site cafe (Aunty Pat's Cafe) with plate lunches, burgers, and local-style food. Plan to eat between tours.

Getting to Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is at 49-560 Kamehameha Highway in Kaneʻohe, on Oahu's windward (east) coast. From Waikiki, the drive takes about 35-45 minutes via the H-3 freeway through the Ko'olau Mountains. The H-3 route is shorter. The alternative Likelike Highway (Route 63) or Pali Highway (Route 61) takes slightly longer but offers windward coast views once you drop down the other side.

Free parking is available at the ranch. The ranch also operates a shuttle from Waikiki hotels for an additional fee. If you are renting a car on Oahu, the drive is straightforward and well-signed.

The ranch opens at 7:30 AM. First tours typically start at 8:00 or 9:00 AM. Arriving early beats the midday heat and gives you time to check in before your first tour.

Tips for Visiting Kualoa Ranch

• Book in advance. Tours sell out, especially the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour and ATV. Book online at least a few days ahead. Weekend slots fill faster than weekdays.
• Wear closed-toe shoes. Required for the ATV and zipline tours. Sandals and flip-flops are fine for the movie tour, Secret Island, and horseback riding, but sneakers or hiking shoes are better for everything.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat. The valley is open and exposed. You will be outside for hours. Reef-safe sunscreen is required in Hawaii.
• Pack a change of clothes if you are doing the Ocean Voyage or Secret Island. You will get wet.
• Plan a half day minimum. One tour takes about 2 hours including check-in. Two or three tours will fill 4-6 hours easily. A full-day combo is the best value.
• Bring cash for the cafe. Cards are accepted, but the line moves faster with cash.
• Rain is normal. The windward coast gets more rain than Waikiki. Brief showers pass quickly, and the green landscape exists because of the rain. Tours run rain or shine.

Who Should Visit Kualoa Ranch

Families with kids love the Secret Island beach (calm, shallow water, no crowds) and the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour (kids recognize the Jurassic Park locations). The ATV tour is popular with couples and thrill-seekers. The zipline draws adrenaline junkies. The horseback ride is the most relaxed option.

If you or anyone in your group watched Jurassic Park, Lost, or Kong, the movie tour alone is worth the trip. Standing in the valley where those scenes were filmed, with the same ridgeline rising above you, is one of those rare moments where a real place matches what you saw on screen.

Budget at least half a day. The ranch is 45 minutes from Waikiki each way, and you will want to do at least two tours. Combine it with a stop at Mokoliʻi (Chinaman's Hat) viewpoint or Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden on the drive back for a full windward coast day.