Hawaii’s Real Jurassic Valley Tours: Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is the 4,000 acre Oahu valley where Hollywood films its dinosaurs, and you can step right into it. Locals and the film crews call it Jurassic Valley, and once you see those towering green ridges you will understand why Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, Kong Skull Island, and Jumanji all shot here. The movie tours are the headliner, but Kualoa is really a full day playground. Here is a quick guide to every Kualoa Ranch tour so you can pick yours and book before it fills up.
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Activity Overview
I’m afraid to say we never visited the Jurassic Valley when we lived on Oahu. Like the Polynesian Cultural Center, we felt it was a touristy place to skip.
Now, after visiting a few times, we appreciate the experiences, the movie sets, and the cultural immersion activities. It really is a fun place to visit, plus the windward coast of Oahu is the best! Locals work here to share their unique perspectives, making a visit an authentic Hawaii experience.
Hawaii’s Jurassic Valley (Ka’a’awa Valley) has it all! You can fly down ziplines, tear through the jungle in a UTV, ride horseback like a Hawaiian cowboy, paddle a secret beach, or learn how an 800-year-old fishpond still feeds the island. There is something for every age and energy level, and the most popular tours sell out weeks ahead.
All of those Jurassic Valley tours are at the world-famous Kualoa Ranch. The scenery, tours, and movie sets will have something for everyone in your party. This is a must-see site for many folks visiting Oahu.
Here is how to actually set foot in the Jurassic Valley.
Kualoa Ranch sits on 4,000 acres of jaw-dropping valley on Oahu’s windward side, and Hollywood has used it as a backlot for over 200 movies and shows. The crew nicknamed it Jurassic Valley, and the second you see those ridges, you will get it.
The films are just the doorway, though. Behind that famous scenery is a whole lineup of ways to explore the land, from the cushy to the adrenaline-soaked.
Jurassic Valley Tours Worth Booking
For movie fans
- Movie Sites and Ranch Tour: The classic. Hop a vintage bus through the valley to see the Jurassic World bunker, the Kong Skull Island boneyard, the Jumanji set, the gate from 50 First Dates, and Godzilla’s footprints. About 1.5 hours and great for all ages. Infants must sit on your lap.
- Jurassic Adventure Tour: The deep dive for serious fans. A bumpy 2.5-hour rainforest trek to filming spots from the original Jurassic Park, plus the Jurassic World films.
- Jungle Expedition Tour: A rugged ride in an open safari vehicle through the Hakipu’u rainforest seen in Jurassic World, Kong, and Jumanji. Duration: 1.5 Hours. Minimum age is 3 years old. Watch our video below as we show our experience on this tour.
For adventure seekers
- UTV Raptor Tours: Drive yourself or ride along as a guide takes the wheel, with 2-hour and 3-hour deluxe options. The most popular tour on the property, so book early. Passengers must be 5 years and older.
- Zipline Tour: Seven tandem ziplines, two suspension bridges, and short nature hikes high above the valley. Required Weight: must be between 70 lbs – 280 lbs.
- Electric Bike Tours: A mellow 2-hour sightseeing ride for beginners or a 3-hour Ultra workout for stronger riders. Minimum age is 10 years old.
- Horseback Tour: A 1 or 2-hour guided walking ride through the pastures and valleys, paniolo style. Visiting this Northeast Shore location by horseback will take you farther into the valley and give you an authentic ranch experience.
On the water
- Ocean Voyage: Cross the 800-year-old Moli’i fishpond, then sail Kaneohe Bay by catamaran. Duration: 1.5 hours. Infants must sit on laps. This is a scenic tour, no swimming I’m afraid!
- Secret Island Beach Activities: A private beach with kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, a glass-bottom boat, swimming, volleyball, and a picnic lunch. Half day or full day. Skip the crowds on this half-day trip to Oahu’s Secret Island Beach at Kualoa Ranch. Hop on a Polynesian boat to these secluded white sands and enjoy stunning views of Mokoli’i Island and Kaneohe Bay.
Culture and nature
- Kualoa Grown Tour: A relaxed trolley ride through the farm and ancient fishpond, with stops to learn about sustainable food grown right on the land. We did a version of this tour and loved the cultural experience!
Best value package
- Best of Kualoa Full Day: Three signature tours plus a free buffet lunch, the ultimate one-day visit. See the best of Kualoa Ranch with this comprehensive package including a jungle expedition by jeep in a rain forest, a farm trolley tour, and a behind the scenes look at filming locations of some of Hollywood’s biggest movies.
- Enjoy a buffet lunch and learn about Hawaii’s fascinating history and culture. This tour is great for visitors who want to take a deeper look at the island and its heritage.
How to Pick Your Jurassic Valley Tour
- Here for the dinosaurs: start with the Movie Sites Tour, or go all in on the Jurassic Adventure Tour.
- Traveling with young kids: the Movie Sites, Jungle Expedition, Ocean Voyage, and Kualoa Grown tours welcome all ages.
- Chasing a thrill: the UTV Raptor and Zipline tours are the big ones, and they sell out first.
- Want the most in one day? Grab the full-day package so lunch and multiple tours are handled for you.
A quick heads up from us: the UTV and zipline tours book out weeks in advance, especially in summer and around the holidays. If either is on your list, lock in your date as soon as you know it.
Jurassic Valley Tours: Videos!
We have visited Kualoa Ranch over the years, and we plan to go back more, now that the kids are older.
The best activities, in my opinion, are for older ages, like the zipline courses, horseback riding, and UTV tours. Our son loved the Jeep Expedition Tour, and so did we. The Kualoa Grown (previously called Malama ‘Aina) tour was also super interesting.
Watch our videos below to get familiar with Kualoa Ranch and their Jurassic Valley tours.
Jurassic Valley Tours FAQs
How do we get to Kualoa Ranch from Waikiki?
Kualoa sits on the windward side of Oahu, about an hour drive from Waikiki up the scenic Kamehameha Highway. If you would rather skip the rental car, Kualoa offers round-trip transportation you can add to most tours when you book for $30.
Morning and mid-morning pickups run from the Aqua Palms, Twin Fin Hotel, and Sheraton Waikiki at Aloha Landing, with early-bird pickups also available at Hotel La Croix, White Sands, and Prince Waikiki. Your exact pickup time and spot come in your booking confirmation email.
If you do drive yourself, parking at the ranch is free.
Do we need to book in advance?
Yes, and we really mean it. Spots are limited, and the popular tours, especially the UTV and zipline, sell out weeks in advance during busy seasons. Book online as soon as you know your date.
Are the tours good for kids?
Many are.
- All ages are welcome on the Movie Sites Tour, Kualoa Grown Tour, Ocean Voyage, and Secret Island.
- Age 3+: The Jungle Expedition and Jurassic Adventure open at age 3
- Age 5+: The multi-passenger UTV and Malama Experience at age 5
- Age 10+: The electric bike, horseback, and zipline tours at age 10, if they meet the height and weight requirements.
What should we wear and bring?
Comfortable clothes you do not mind getting a little dusty, plus sunscreen, water, and a light layer.
Closed-toe shoes are required on the electric bike, horseback, and zipline tours. The active tours also have height and weight limits, so double-check those before booking if anyone in your group is unsure.
Are the tours guided?
Yes. Every tour is led by trained Kualoa staff who share the history, culture, and movie stories along the way. That local knowledge is a big part of what makes the visit worth it.
What happens if it rains?
Tours generally run rain or shine, since a passing Hawaiian shower is part of the experience. Kualoa only cancels for genuinely unsafe conditions, such as high winds or lightning, and if they do, they refund the affected portion.
Is there food on site?
Yes. Aunty Pat’s Cafe at the Visitor Center serves meals and grab-and-go items, and there is a gift shop and a market, too. Lockers are available for a small daily fee if you want to stash your bags while you explore.
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