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Kualoa Ranch: 4,000 Acres of Hawaiian History and Adventure
Kualoa Ranch sits on 4,000 acres of private land along Oahu's windward coast, backed by the jagged ridgeline of the Ko'olau Mountains. The valley was sacred to ancient Hawaiians. Chiefs trained here. It was a place of refuge, considered so holy that commoners bowed when passing by canoe.
Today, it is one of the most visited attractions on Oahu. The ranch operates as a working cattle ranch and nature reserve, but most visitors come for the adventure tours and the movie locations. Jurassic Park filmed here in 1993, and the valley has barely changed since. You will recognize the landscapes immediately.
The ranch runs about a dozen different tours across Kaʻaʻawa Valley (the "Jurassic Valley"), the ocean shoreline, and a private beach called Secret Island. Individual tours vary in length, and package options can fill a half or full day.
Book the earliest slot you can get — the light on the Koʻolau ridgeline before the trade clouds build is the whole show.
— John C. Derrick, Founder · Why trust these picks »
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, from 90-minute sightseeing trips to three-hour adventures. Compare the listed adult rates and activity limits below:
Kualoa Ranch Tour Comparison
| Tour | Duration | Price (Adult) | Restrictions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Movie Sites Tour | 90 min | $59.95 | All ages | First-timers, Jurassic Park fans |
| Jungle Expedition | 90 min | $59.95 | Age 3+; guided ride (no self-driving) | Families, scenic valley ride |
| UTV Raptor Tour (self-drive) | 2 hrs | $154.95 | Driver 21+ with valid license; passenger 5+ | Thrill seekers, self-drive fans |
| Jurassic Valley Zipline | 3 hrs | $184.95 | Age 10+; 70-280 lbs; 4 ft 8 in-6 ft 9 in; closed-toe shoes | Thrill seekers |
| Horseback Riding | 2 hrs | $154.95 | 230 lb weight limit; age 10+ | Relaxed pace, scenic views |
| Ocean Voyage Tour | 1.5 hrs | $59.95 | All ages; guided catamaran ride | Kāneʻohe Bay scenery |
| Secret Island Beach | Half-day | Check rate | All ages | Families with kids, relaxation |
| Novice E-Mountain Bike Tour | 2 hrs | Check rate | Age 10+; 85-250 lbs; height 4 ft 9 in-6 ft 5 in | Active travelers, eco-tours |
| Kualoa Grown Tour | 1.5 hrs | $59.95 | All ages | Farming, fishponds, sustainability |
Adult rates from Kualoa's booking catalog. Kualoa displays different prices for Secret Island and the novice e-bike on its website and booking pages; use the linked booking pages to check the current rate and confirm the total before paying.
The Hollywood Movie Sites Tour is the signature experience. An open-air bus drives through Kaʻaʻawa Valley and stops at filming locations. You will see the log the kids hid behind in the T-Rex chase from Jurassic Park. You will stand where the Lost beach camp was built. Guides share behind-the-scenes details from each production. If you only do one activity, this is it.
The UTV Raptor Tour (the self-drive option) puts a licensed driver age 21 or older behind the wheel of a multi-passenger UTV on dirt roads through the valley. Guests age 5 and older can ride along.
The Jurassic Valley Zipline runs seven lines across the valley. The longest is about 1,320 feet — a quarter mile. Weight limits apply (70-280 lbs). The views from the zipline platforms are some of the best on the ranch. For a side-by-side comparison with Oahu's other two zipline operators (CLIMB Works Keana Farms on the North Shore and Coral Crater in Kapolei), see our Oahu zipline tours guide.
Secret Island Beach is the best option for families with young children. A boat takes you to a private beach with kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, volleyball, and hammocks. The water is calm and shallow. No crowds.
The Kualoa Grown Tour visits the ranch's gardens and Mōliʻi Fishpond to explore Hawaiian farming, aquaculture, and current sustainability work. Check Kualoa's current tour listing for availability.
Browse Oahu adventure tours on Viator for additional booking options and availability.
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Tickets, Packages & Pricing
Individual Movie Sites, Jungle Expedition, and Ocean Voyage tours each start at $59.95 per adult. The Half-Day Package pairs the 90-minute Movie Sites Tour with the 90-minute Ocean Voyage and includes a buffet lunch for $124.95 per adult. Schedule A and B contain the same activities in a different order. Check in at 9:45 a.m.; the package runs until about 2:30 p.m.
Children's rates and age limits vary by activity. UTV passengers must be at least 5, and self-drive UTV drivers must be at least 21 with a valid license. The zipline requires participants to be at least 10 and weigh 70-280 pounds, with additional height and harness-fit limits.
Compare individual tours and packages in Kualoa's booking catalog before reserving. The Half-Day Package includes lunch; compare its full itinerary with the individual tours you actually want.
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 Kāneʻohe, on Oʻahu's windward coast. Kualoa estimates about 45 minutes from Waikīkī and gives directions via Likelike Highway (Route 63). Check live traffic before leaving.
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, closed-heel shoes. Kualoa requires them for e-bike, horseback, and zipline tours. Choose practical footwear for the dusty UTV route too.
- 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 for water and sun if you are doing the Ocean Voyage or Secret Island; bring a change of clothes if you plan to use beach equipment.
- Plan a half day minimum. Individual tours run 90 minutes to three hours, including briefing time. Check tour times before combining activities.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Kualoa Ranch cost?
Movie Sites, Jungle Expedition, and Ocean Voyage tours each start at $59.95 per adult; horseback riding is $154.95 and ziplining is $184.95. The Half-Day Package bundles Movie Sites, Ocean Voyage, and a buffet lunch for $124.95 per adult. Children's prices and age limits vary, so check Kualoa's current booking details before reserving.
Is Kualoa Ranch the Jurassic Park filming location?
Yes. Kaʻaʻawa Valley at Kualoa Ranch was the primary filming location for Jurassic Park (1993), Jurassic World (2015), and several other Jurassic franchise films. The valley has appeared in more than 70 movies and TV shows including Lost, Kong: Skull Island, and Hawaii Five-0.
How long do you need at Kualoa Ranch?
Plan at least half a day (4-6 hours). Individual tours commonly run 1.5-3 hours, and the Half-Day Package runs from its 9:45 a.m. check-in until about 2:30 p.m. Kualoa estimates about 45 minutes for the drive from Waikīkī.
Which Kualoa Ranch tour is best?
The Hollywood Movie Sites Tour is the most popular and best for first-time visitors. For adventure, the UTV Raptor Tour (the self-drive option) or Jurassic Valley Zipline. Families with young kids love Secret Island Beach for its calm, shallow water and no crowds.
Do you need a car to get to Kualoa Ranch?
A rental car is convenient; Kualoa estimates about 45 minutes from Waikīkī. The ranch also offers a shuttle from select Waikīkī hotels for an additional fee, and its directions page lists city bus options that take longer.
