This Beautiful Hawaiian Nature Reserve Is An Iconic Must-Visit For Movie Lovers
Snorkeling, zip-lining, and hiking are among the best things to do in Oahu, Hawaii. Beyond these adventurous recreational activities, this stunning island features a must-visit attraction for movie buffs. A 4,000-acre private nature reserve and cattle ranch on Oahu's windward coast, Kualoa Ranch holds a legendary claim to Hollywood fame.
In the 1950s – a century after its establishment – Kualoa Ranch also started being used as a filming site. Kualoa Ranch's impressive, lengthy resume includes classic movies and popular TV shows such as "Pearl Harbor," "50 First Dates," "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," "Lost," "Magnum P.I.," and "Hawaii Five-0." Notably, this Hawaiian destination was also one of the key filming locations for "Jurassic Park." With its sublime valleys and coastal surroundings, it's no surprise that Kualoa Ranch rose to stardom.
The Kualoa Ranch: Hollywood Movie Sites Tour transports visitors to some of cinema history's most iconic film sets. Prices start at $54.95 for adults and $39.95 for kids (ages 3-12). With a 4.5 average Tripadvisor rating, this tour has won the hearts of visitors. So, what can you expect to see? Lights, camera, action!
Blockbuster backdrops and marvelous landscapes
Kualoa Ranch's 90-minute vintage bus tour, led by a local guide, provides an inside look at major backdrops from blockbuster movies and TV shows. You'll get to see and learn about the location of the famous dinosaur herd scene from "Jurassic Park." Step into the scenes of other memorable movie moments like the "Jumanji" dance fight and the giant footprint discovery in "Godzilla" (1998). The tour includes a stop at a World War II army bunker containing Kualoa Ranch film props and memorabilia.
In addition to offering an incredible cinematic expedition, the Kualoa Ranch: Hollywood Movie Sites Tour highlights picturesque landscapes. Visitors will catch glorious views of Mokoli'i Island, Ko'olau Range, and Kaneohe Bay, which appears in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides." The tour will also help you gain insight into Hawaiian agriculture, such as farming and ranching. As one Tripadvisor review summed up, "To see where so many of the best movies & TV series were filmed (Lost, Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbour etc) is great in itself but the location is extremely beautiful & has so much history."
Other remarkable adventures at Kualoa Ranch
Aside from the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, Kualoa Ranch boasts a variety of spectacular adventures such as electronic bike, UTV, horseback, and zip-line excursions. Another sightseeing option is the Ocean Voyage tour hosted on a catamaran. Those interested in quality beach time on Oahu should consider booking the Secret Island Beach Adventure, which offers half-day and full-day visits. Guests can participate in paddle boarding, kayaking, beach volleyball, and ping pong. Then, there's the Best of Kualoa Experience Package, where visitors can go on the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, Jungle Expedition, and Kualoa Grown Tour.
Besides booking a tour, don't forget to check out Kualoa Ranch's free on-site facilities. Learn more about the nature reserve's fascinating past by visiting its museum, Kualoa History Hall. Stop at Judd Theater to view a brief historical documentary. Additionally, the ranch is home to a petting zoo and sculpture garden. Needless to say, Kualoa Ranch is an ideal destination for nature-loving movie fans.