One of the main sights I really wanted to see was the Kualoa Ranch with its amazing backdrop. It is here where some of the Jurassic Park franchise was filmed along with classics like Lost, Jumanji, 50 First Dates, Godzilla, Pearl Harbor, Kong: Skull Island, Along Came Polly, Mighty Joe Young and You, Me and Dupree to name a few. As well as booking up a tour (I chose the Hollywood Movie Sites Tours) to go around the ranch to see these movie locations and the stunning scenery on offer, there is also a chance to do an ATV tour, e-bike and zipline if booking up other activities here on the ranch which can be found on their website here.
This was the day I was really looking forward to during my stay on Oahu. I am a bit of a movie buff but also I knew what the scenery was like on the ranch and for years I so wanted to come here and discover it for myself. The only thing I wish I did do before visiting was to book tickets for the tour in advance. Thankfully the day I came there were spaces for the tour I wanted but one piece advice I would give visitors to the ranch, book up in advance. It is very popular.
After collecting the tickets and having about an hour to kill, I checked out the nearby beach across the main road from the ranch. From the beach I took in views of the small islet nearby known as Mokoli’i. In English, it is known as Chinaman’s Hat because of the unmistakable shape of the island. According to Hawaiian mythology, Pele’s sister Hi’iaka battled a dragon lopping off its tail & leaving a piece of it behind which is known today as “Chinaman’s Hat”. Its resemblance to the hats worn by Chinese farmers, but this popular landmark is actually called Mokoli’i which means “Little Lizard”.
Back in the ranch grounds, near the ticket office I checked out the Wall of Fame with photos of the stars that have appeared in the movies and television shows that were filmed here which includes Brendan Fraser, Elvis Presley, Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore. There were some shows and productions I didn’t know were filmed here so it was like an education lesson. I would also advise at this point to use the toilets and make sure you have water on you before going to the meeting place for the tour as there is none during the tour.
The ranch itself is over 4000 acres and is a private nature reserve as well as a cattle ranch. Way back in 1850, King Kamehameha III sold a piece of land at Kualoa to an American, Dr. Gerritt P. Judd. Over the years, more and more land was brought up and increased to the 4000 acres which is where it stands today. The ranch is still owned by the family, at present, The Morgans who are direct descendants of Dr Judd. Whilst on the tour I found out that most of the filming for movies, television and even music videos are filmed in the northern part of the property.
The tour itself was amazing, I just loved looking out from the vehicle we were in, taking in those views. The highlight for me was the Ka’awa’a Valley which is also known as the Jurassic Valley and this was where the famous Gallimimus chase was filmed back in the original Jurassic Park movie way back in 1993. This was the only scene in the original Jurassic Park movie that was filmed here at the Kualoa Ranch as most of the movie was filmed on the neighbouring island of Kauai.
I did see some bunkers on the grounds as we drove around which were built during the Second World War (mainly because the Japanese bombed the hell out of Pearl Harbor on the other side of the island) but they are not in use anymore. Also there is a pass where the tour bus took us and we did get high above sea level at one point and when we did, the view out to the ocean was stunning.
I really did enjoy my experience here. From bouncing around in the bus going around the ranch to hiding underneath the tree which was used to shelter from dinosaurs on the run in Jurassic Park was truly amazing. But for me it was the landscape, which is truly remarkable. Even the ocean view and looking out towards the Chinaman’s Hat was just simply breathtaking. It is worth every penny to go onto this tour and I highly recommend it.
Essential information to make a day enjoyable at the Kualoa Ranch
How to get to Kualoa Ranch: By car, Kualoa is just 45 minutes from Waikiki. Take the H-1 Freeway west to the Likelike Highway, Route #63. Proceed up the Likelike Highway and go through the Wilson Tunnel. Descend towards beautiful Kaneohe town and exit onto Kahekili Highway, Route #83, heading north. Continue along Kahekili Highway – note that the road becomes Kamehameha Highway as you pass the historic “Hygienic Store” in the village of Kahalu’u. In about 10 minutes you will see signs indicating you are approaching the Kualoa entrance which will be on your left as you round the curve past Mokoli’i Island. Of course, the easiest way is to search for Kualoa Ranch in Waze, Apple Maps, Google Maps or any other smartphone or GPS app or use our street address which is 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, KANEOHE, HI 96744.
By Bus: Getting to Kualoa on Honolulu’s City Bus is the most affordable option, although it will take the longest time. From Waikiki Hotels, take any of these buses … #8, #19, #20, #23, #42, #60 or #88A to Kualoa Ranch.
And coming in by plane to Honolulu International airport, the first place I would go to find airline tickets to the city is using (I would recommend) Skyscanner to find flights as that is my first point of call. Then if necessary use the airlines directly to find a good deal. I sometimes use Momondo as well to compare prices before booking.
Car Rentals - as I do a lot of road trips around the world, I use Rentalcars.com which is very reliable for booking car hire in advance. I also use Turo (the airbnb of car rentals) and never had a problem with them. The cars are insured, owners vetted and never had an issue.
Accommodation: There are a lot of accommodation options and a lot of websites which can do some great deals. My first point of call is always Booking.com and can offer a range of hostels, hotels, campsites, apartments, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts.. After that I always have a look through AirBnb and Vrbo for great deals on apartments and other lodgings especially when traveling as a family.
Currency: Hawaii uses the U.S Dollar. Cash and card are widely accepted on the island.
Language: Hawaii has two official languages and is the only U.S. state to do so (one for the pub quiz, the USA overall does not have any official languages, due to the many languages spoken by its citizens, like English, Spanish, Hawaiian, maybe a bit of French is spoken somewhere etc). Hawaii’s official languages are English and Hawaiian (which is a Polynesian language and very similar to languages spoken across the Pacific islands).
Travel insurance: This is essential to anywhere you go in the world. I always carry travel insurance. Having travel insurance will cover you from theft, illness and those annoying cancellations which can happen on the road. Safety Wing offers coverage for a lot of adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and so forth.
Need a visa for the USA? Always check if you need a visa when visiting the United States.
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Please note that while I was not working with the guys at the Kualoa Ranch, my review and experiences written about in this post are 100% genuine. I value my readers too much to lie to you. My blog would be nothing without you and your continued support! There maybe some links above which are affiliate and are at no additional cost to you. If my readers use them, I earn a commission to buy their products and remember, I only mentioned products and companies I use. The income from this keeps this website going. Thank you.
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