Kualoa Ranch Zipline Tour
The Kualoa Ranch zipline tour is one I havent yet done, but Im willing to bet its the best zipline Hawaii Oahu has! After all, there is nothing better than the Kaaawa Valley.
The tour includes 7 zipline sections, 2 suspension bridges, and 3 nature walks around five minutes in length. No experience required, but you must be between 70 and 280 pounds!
Join A Relaxing Downhill Cycling Trip
Downhill cycling is the perfect way to stay active without breaking much of a sweat!
As you cycle at your own pace, enjoy the views of the Waimea Canyon, hidden valleys, and sparkling waters with the wind rushing through your hair the whole way through.
With companies like Keko Kauai offering a wide range of experiences, its a great way to enjoy the fresh air.
Best Tours In Kauai Hawaii
Nicknamed The Garden Isle due to the dense tropical rainforest that blankets most of the island, Kauai is a natural wonderland that draws tourists from all over the world.
Its part of the larger Hawaiian archipelago, and not surprisingly, has been the shooting site for hundreds of movies and television shows, some of which date back many decades.
The N Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon are among the most dramatic and often-visited of the islands sights, but with so much else to do and see, youll likely have trouble fitting it all into your busy schedule.
Below are 15 of the best tours in Kauai.
Don’t Miss: Museum Of Jurassic Technology Gift Shop
Our Spectacular Manawaiopuna Falls Landing
Lets just say this part was worth the whole thing. About 15 minutes after takeoff from Lihue Airport, the 6-passenger, Airbus AStar helicopter, with floor-to ceiling windows began setting down to a grassy landing area just feet from the base of the 400-foot falls. The falls are located inland from Poipu, in the Hanapepe Valley famous for its rainbows, and at the headwaters of the Hanapepe River. Theyre also about 4 miles from your editors home and the approach is thrilling. The only way to see it from the ground is on this helicopter tour as it is inaccessible by foot.
A one minute walk on a path led to the, spectacular falls. We were on the ground for about 30-minutes just to take in the experience, the mist, get photos, and talk with our knowledgeable, Kauai-born and raised pilot. Beyond the falls themselves, the additional unassisted landing and takeoff from the falls was a huge addition to the invigorating experience.
Our Experience At Island Helicopters
Soon after arriving at their Lihue Airport location, we did a check-in, which included getting on a scale due to weight limitations. We sat together with the 4 other guests for a briefing including safety and other instructions. There are restrooms available before departure. There are no beverages or snacks provided during the flight. Before boarding, we put on booties so protect the land wed be walking on at Manawaiopuna Falls.
You May Like: Best Dinosaur Museum In Usa
Kualoa Ranch Tours: Are They Worth It
So, are the ranch and movie tours worth it at Kualoa? Is the Jurassic Valley of Hawaii all that it is cracked up to be?
Absolutely. The Kualoa Ranch visit was worth the money. It has countless tours, activities, and experiences, as well as stunning views of the valley floor, mountains, and ocean.
Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, movie tours, or just an amazing spot to spend the day with your family, you cant go wrong with Kualoa Ranch.
Affiliate disclosure:Please note, we may receive affiliate compensation if you click on a link in this post, at no charge to you. These help to keep our blog up and running to provide the best content we can for you.
No Need To Climb An Electrified Fence In The Olokele Valley On Kaui
The Olokele Valley on Kauai, located near Waimea, was featured during the harrowing scene where Dr. Grant, Lex, and Tim had to climb the electrified fence while Dr. Sattler attempted to turn the power back on. While you won’t find any towering fences there, you will find breathtaking views that will make your trip to Hawaii more than worth it.
Recommended Reading: New Dinosaur Movie Coming Out
Treat Yourself To Hawaiian Shave Ice
Hawaiian shaved ice is a classic local dessert if youve got a sweet tooth, make sure trying this staple sits high atop your list of things to do in Kauai!
Typically, the tasty treat consists of shaved ice and some kind of flavored syrup.
Its the perfect treat to cool yourself down on a hot day, and, thankfully, is served by countless places on the island.
Swim Like Royalty At The Queens Bath
Despite what you might think, the Queens bath isnt some sort of royal bathtub rather its a very unique tide pool that not many people know about !
Dwarfing the common swimming pool in size substantially, the Queens Bath is, believe it or not, actually a giant sinkhole that is surrounded by rocks still, tourists and locals cant get enough.
Just make sure that you check the forecast for the day before you go swimming to ensure conditions are safe.
Recommended Reading: Jurassic Park Free Online Watch
Famous Hawaii Movie Tour
Lights, camera action! If youre a film buff, this Kauai movie day tour is especially for you. With its natural beauty and tropical landscapes, Kauai has long been a sought-out destination for Hollywood. Youll love recognizing the iconic locations and backdrops from all your favorite films. For the maximum experience, immerse yourself in movie clips aboard the tour minibus and see how filmmakers made the island of Kauai translate onto the silver screen.
See where Harrison Ford and Anne Heche survived a crash landing in Six Days and Seven Nights. Relive the fate of those shipwrecked on Gilligans Island and feel just like a competitor in The Amazing Race. Check out the waterfall shown in the opening credits on Fantasy Island and remember, dead men tell no tales on Pirates of the Caribbean. Also dont forget about a classic Jurassic Park tour.
Or you can croon along with Elvis in Blue Hawaii in Coco Palms this is a special treat, as Roberts Hawaii is the only tour and transportation company with access to this popular site.
Want more movie trivia? Check out our Hawaii Movie Tours Location Guide for more information about different movie locations in Kauai.
Spend The Day Playing Golf
If youre a fan of the fairway, this is for you.
Theres arguably no more relaxing day than an afternoon riding around in a golf cart on one of the islands many golf courses Some tourist favorites include the Hokuala golf course, Poipu Bay resort golf course, Wailua golf course, Kukuiolono golf course, and the Princeville Makai golf club.
Most of these courses have drinks and mouthwatering food available, but more importantly, offer stunning views of the ocean.
Also Check: Dinosaurs And The Bible Timeline
Dig Into A Delicious Hawaiian Poke Bowl
Typically consisting of raw fish and greens topped over white rice, the Hawaiian poke bowl is not only enjoyed by the people of Hawaii but has rapidly become a favorite for foodies all over the world!
But you havent *really* had a poke bowl until youve tried one here, in Kauai. Luckily for us, theres an endless list of places on the island that serve it.
You Can Fly Through The Hanapepe Valley Just Like The Cast Did
Trekking through the remote Hanapepe Valley on Kauai is basically a no-go. But there are several helicopter tours that will fly you right through it. It’s the valley used in the very first Jurassic Park movie when our main characters arrived on Isla Nublar. These helicopter tours tend to also take you to see the Manawaiopuna Falls that are also featured in Jurassic Park.
You May Like: Dinosaur Activities For Elementary Students
The Bowmans Had Issues In Kipu Kai
Most of The Lost World: Jurassic Park was filmed in California, but the opening scene where the rich Bowman family stop off on Isla Sorna was shot on one of Kauai’s beaches, Kipu Kai. It’s located on the southeastern side of Kauai near Moleuhu. It’s difficult to access by foot so boating over is the best way to see it. Taking the Kipu Kai Ranch tour is your best bet.
Helicopter Arrival At Manawaiopuna Falls
The scenery in the Jurrasic Park movies seems surreal. Lush forests mashed up against seaside cliffs and towering waterfalls. The most famous waterfall from the movie can be seen in the early scenes when Dr. Grant and crew arrive by helicopter. The only way to see this waterfall in real life is by helicopter. So if you want to see Manawaiopuna Falls from Jurassic Park on Kauai you need to book a tour. Before you book your helicopter tour read these helpful hints so you know what you are getting into.
Insider Tip: There are plenty of other spots where they shot scenes from Jurassic Park on Kauai. The entrance gates of Jurassic Park that the jeep drives through is something everyone always asks about. You can hike to the spot the gate once stood but it is not worth the trouble. There is nothing there but a patch of dirt. People will try to tell you a set of poles that stand on either side of the trail is the gate but the poles being there is just a coincidence. If you truly match up the landscape with the movie, the actual gate would be about 300 yards further down the trail. Sorry to disappoint you.
It Was All A Lie On Halona Beach Oahu
The beach that Owen, Claire, and Franklin wash up on in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is actually a major tourist destination on the island of Oahu. Halona Beach is particularly special since it’s at the bottom of a steep, rocky trail and features stunning volcanic rock. It’s also a spectacular place to take a dip.
Some Notes On Our Experience
We had a hard time finding availability to book, even in the off-season. Theres a waiting list if the flight is full. A credit card holds your seat and youll get a discount paying cash. We packed optical zoom cameras for this photography flight. Sunglasses are useful for sunny days. Our flight was mid-afternoon, and we cant say whether that may be the best time of day, since it is largely weather dependent. We were advised to wear dark clothing to reduce reflection that could be seen in photos. The pilot and ground crew were all professional and we felt safe.
Kualoa Ranch Tours And Activities
Kualoa Ranch offers a handful of different tour and activity options, most of which I have personally done! As they note on their site, many tours sell out 2-3 weeks in advance, so book as early as you are able.
Note: when you book your Kualoa Ranch tour through a link on this post we are able to make a small commission at no additional cost to you! This helps us keep our site running. Thanks so much for the support!
Saddle Up For A Horse Riding Adventure
There are many places in Kauai that offer scenic horseback riding tours on the island.
But if youre a total newbie, theres no need to worry if you have no experience trotting on a mighty steed, the horses are well trained and the experienced tour guides allow you to go at your own pace, pressure-free.
Enjoy stunning views, winding trails, and fresh air all the way through/
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Remember this terrifying scene from the original film when Dr. Grant explains just how scary a raptor could be? You know, the one where it’s described as a “six-foot turkey?” Well, that scene was filmed in the very real Red Rock Canyon State Park in California. It’s a rather well-chosen set too, as California State Parks explains, “hidden behind the scenes in the layers of rock is what amounts to paleontologists as a treasure trove.” Come explore the park for yourself on a hiking or camping adventure, though if you do find any dinosaur bones, please leave them where you found them.
Do *not* Take The Jurassic Falls Tour
8798841,451
1st class all the way. We did the 85 minute tour of the island that included a landing and short walk to the base of Jurassic Falls. “OVER THE TOP” tour in all ways!
Thank you Holly for your comments. We are pleased that you enjoyed your tour with Island Helicopters. The “Jurassic Falls” Landing Adventure is a unique experience and we are honored to be able to offer this tour to our island visitors.
My girlfriend and I we’re really impressed with the whole Island Helicopter experience. The ground crew were pleasant, polite and helpful. We booked a few days in advance and were kept informed til our flight. It was easy to get to with our rental car and a secure place to park. Pilot Gary was awesome. We chose the Jurassic falls landing tour and it was worth every penny. Gary was very informative but not over chatty. When I first heard about music during the flight I thought it might be cheesy, but it was a very nice touch. Overall it was great, and an easy way to see all of the beauty Kauai has to offer since much of it is remote. The helicopter had great views regardless on where you sat. Highly recommended Island Helicopters and the Jurassic Falls tour.
Kualoa Ranch Utv Tour
Another new tour option, Kualoa Ranchs UTV tour is my recommendation if you have a family of up to 6. The UTVs are basically an ATV but for 2-6 people together! This way you chat, take photos, etc. together in one vehicle.
I havent done the UTV tour yet but as soon as I saw the UTVs while checking in for my e-bike tour I added it to my list. The minimum age for this is 5, which is perfect for next trip because my youngest niece is 4 at current time.
Jurassic Park Gate Kauai
Kauai Travel Blog14.1k Views113 Votes
- 26shares
5/17/2021 update: Loop Road has reopened as of May 17th, 2021 reports the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources . Repair efforts are continuing and only vehicles with 4-wheel-drive capabilities and high clearance should access the road at this time, reports DLNR. The North fork low-water crossing may be usable in dry conditions, but construction of a new low-water crossing will still be required. Users should not attempt this low-water crossing during heavy rainfall events as it can become extremely hazardous. Despite the reopening, the road has not been fully repaired and we still recommend parking at the Keahua Arboretum and hiking to the Jurassic Park Gate. Loop Road, officially the Wailua Forest Management Road, had been closed following flood damage in 2018.
Getting To Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is located at 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, 24 miles north of Honolulu. The easiest way to get there is by driving yourself. Just type Kualoa Ranch into your smart phone and itll get you there.
If youre coming from Honolulu, the quickest way is via the Likelike Hwy. This route will take around 45 minutes. If you prefer to take the coastal route , thats possible too. It will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. To do this add a stop at Waimanalo Beach .
KUALOA RANCH ADDRESS: 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
If you havent rented a car, they also offer roundtrip transportation from Waikiki for an additional $15 per person. For a list of departure times and pickup locations, . You can also find city bus instructions there.
Jurassic Park Gate Trail On Kauai
Whats left are the two poles from the famous park sign in the movie. Reviews are mixed. Most feel its better to reach in a 4-wheel drive vehicle instead of the 10 mile hike. Theres also a small swimming hole as a reward for your efforts. Located near Kapaa. Our suggestion before going is to research the hike on All Trails.
Behind The Scenes Filming Of Jurassic Park
Fascinating video from the filming on Kauai. Go to 20 minutes to see the falls in action.
Disclosure: We receive a small commission on purchases from some of the links on Beat of Hawaii. These links cost you nothing and provide income necessary to offer our website to you. Mahalo! Privacy Policy and Disclosures.
How To Get To Kualoa Ranch
When driving yourself around the island, Kualoa Ranch is a scenic 30-40 minute drive from Honolulu. Allowing for extra time, take a leisurely cruise along the Kalanianaole Highway to soak in ocean views and stunning cliffsides. Or take the quickest route along the H-3 or Pali Highway.
Honolulus City Bus also offers an affordable trip to the ranch, however, it will be a longer commute than driving on your own. Check out TheBus website for fares and schedules.
Kualoa Ranch Activities & Tours
- Good for adults and children
- 8 guest capacity limit
- Open air Jungle Jeep ride and some walking
The Jurassic Adventure is a recent addition to Kualoa Ranch tours. Advertised as a deluxe adventure, it truly lives up to the description! We loved this tour because it covered both valleys and we took our time exploring the movie sites.
We discovered that the Jurassic Adventure tour was the best of both the Hollywood Movie Sites tour and Jungle Jeep Expedition.
After a brief overlook of the Molii fishpond and Chinamans Hat, we cruised into the rainforest. The tour started off with checking out the Indominus Rex pen from Jurassic World!
Our guide also showed us the interior room where they filmed the viewing area for the Indominus Rex paddock. We checked the monitors for the thermal signature of the Indominus, but thankfully found no sign of her! -wink-
Following a quick stop at the WWII army bunker , the second half of the tour consisted of more in depth exploration of Kaaawa Valley.
The tour consisted of all the major filming spots for Jumanji, Jurassic Park, Fifty First Dates, Godzilla, Lost, Hawaii Five-O and, of course, Kong Skull Island!
Many of the other movie site activities at Kualoa Ranch simply drive by the Kong Skull Island boneyard, however, the Jurassic Adventure tour gave us the opportunity to walk around the skeletons.
Overall, Jurassic Adventure was our favorite Hollywood tour because it included all of the iconic film sites in both valleys of Kualoa Ranch.