Kualoa Ranch (Oahu, Hawaii)

(updated 05-Feb-2020)
The blog shares my perspective of Kualoa Ranch gained through the "Jungle Jeep Expedition" tour. I look forward to your feedback and hope this post enables opportunities for the community to come together and collaborate.

Journey through the beauty and tranquility of this special place touring the sites made famous by the many Hollywood movies and television shows filmed on this ranch. Experience the locations where some of the successful Hollywood movies and shows were filmed. 

The ranch (also known as Hawaii's "Jurassic Valley") consists of 3 valleys: Kaʻaʻawa Valley, Kualoa Valley, and Hakipuʻu Valley and features the filming for 50 of Hollywood’s biggest blockbuster movies and TV shows, including even some of the 1960’s Elvis classics. 

Each of the many tours being offered gives you a unique experience of these locations and their beauty.

Two of the many 'Jungle Jeeps' conducting the expedition tour

I visited Kualoa Ranch during my Hawaii vacations in 2019 between Christmas and New Year accompanied by my wife and kids aged 12 and 5. 

The “Jungle Jeep Expedition Tour” covers the filming location for movies like Jumanji, Kong Skull Island and Jurassic World. The tour offers an adventurous and rugged ride deep into the beautiful Hakipu`u Jurassic rainforest.

Shooting location of the movie 'Jurassic World'

Shooting location of the movie 'Kong Skull Island'

Insights:

• Kualoa Ranch offers free parking.
• Tour Duration: The Jungle Jeep Expedition is a 90 minutes tour on a custom-built, 16 passenger jungle vehicle.
• Getting to Kualoa Ranch: Driving is by far the easiest method of getting to the ranch. It is conveniently located on Kamehameha Highway (84) on the coast and is approximately 40-50 mins from Waikiki. Scroll down to the end of this post for other available options.
• There is a small petting zoo for the kids that features turtles, hen, goat, etc...
• You will enjoy secluded spots that overlook Oahu’s eastern coastline and see Moli’i Pond.
• You will experience breathtaking landscapes for the most part of the tour.

One of the many scenic views during your tour

One of the many scenic views during your tour

• Our "Jungle Jeep Expedition" tour was accompanied by a tour guide (who is also driving the jungle jeep). Each guide is knowledgeable, interactive and provides a lot of information to the guest.

5-Starts to our awesome tour guide 'Justice'

Word of advice from Nikhil:

• Book in advance: Due to high demand and a low “guide to guest” ratio, many of Kualoa’s tours sell out in advance. I recommend booking your tour before you arrive in Hawai’i for the best tour times.
• Arrive early on the day of your tour: On your tour day, arrive 30 minutes before your tour time giving enough time from where you park to where you take your tour.
• Be prepared for a bumpy ride: Depending on the tour you go for, your ride could be bumpy and I don't recommend it for people with a back problem, expecting mothers.
• Wear shoes/closed footwear: some of the excursion stops could be slippery and muddy.
• Be prepared for hiking (optional): Some of Kualoa's tours have stops that expect you to hike for a breathtaking view of the valley. These stops are optional but check in advance to understand how much walking/hiking is involved for the tour you are interested in. 
• Avoid the last seat in Jungle Jeep: The last seat in your jungle jeep will be the bumpiest.

Share your thoughts and personal experiences about Kualoa Ranch or Hawaii by posting your comment in the box below. 

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Other helpful resources about Kualoa Ranch

• More about Kualoa Ranch on Wikipedia.
• Read the history of Kualoa Ranch.
• More information on the Jungle Jeep Expedition Tour.
• Learn about other tour options for an adventurous day at Kualoa Ranch.
• Other options for getting to Kualoa Ranch (Kualoa Waikiki Hotel Roundtrip Transportation, Driving Directions, City Bus).
• Other FAQs from Kualoa Ranch's official website.

MORE STUFF I WROTE ABOUT O'AHU, HAWAII

• Atlantis Fireworks Cruise
• Atlantis Submarine
• Diamond Head
• Dole Plantation
• Getting to O’ahu, Hawaii
• Kualoa Ranch
• Lanikai Beach (coming next... Subscribe to get an email alert when it's published)
• Local Shopping Areas
• Paradise Cove Luau
• The Byodo-In Temple