8 Best Oahu Jurassic Park Tours

Hawaii is undoubtedly one of the most paradisiacal places in the world, but did you know that the Jurassic World saga was filmed in its valleys? Come with me and I'll tell you about all the tours you can take to discover the settings of the mythical films.
8 Best Oahu Jurassic Park Tours

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If you're a film buff and this holiday you're planning a trip in style, I can't think of a better destination than heading to the wonderful archipelago of Hawaii, specifically to the island of Oahu, home to its capital, Honolulu, and one of the most cinematic valleys in the world.

Oahuis full of activities and plans to do, but if you want to spend a whole day touring the scenes that gave life to the whole Jurassic World saga, I can't think of anything better than taking one of the many tours that have been organised. You can go through the Jurassic Valley on horseback, fly over it in a helicopter or zip line, or tour it in different types of transport in groups. All adapted for you to have a great time, are you going to miss it?

1. Classic tour of Jurassic Park

Kualoa Ranch| ©Shelby L. Bell
Kualoa Ranch| ©Shelby L. Bell

Oahu is one of the most visited islands by tourists who come to Hawaii and it's partly because it has the best nature tours around. The jungle and the wilderness take over much of the island and it is precisely for this reason that it was chosen for the filming of most of the Jurassic World movies.

That is why, on the west side of the island you can find the famous Kualoa Ranch, a large ranch that gives access, among other things, to the entire complex of Jurassic Park. If you want to live this experience, one of the best ways to do it is through one of the most classic tours.

You will have to either hire a tour with transfer to the ranch or get to the access to Kualoa by your own means. From here, you can book one of the most popular tours among tourists, which will take you and a group of about 15-20 people to all the most famous film locations.

The huge gateway to the Jurassic reserve, the cages used for the dinosaurs, the great meadows of the brontosaurus and much more await you.

Interesting details

  • Price: around 130€ per person.
  • Duration: these tours usually last an average of two and a half hours.
  • Means of transport: in an old van without glass so that you can see everything well.
  • Advantages of this option: you are guaranteed to see all the sets with transfers included and a guide who explains everything.
  • Disadvantages of this option: perhaps it is a little short if you want to go deeper and spend more time in the natural environment.

Book a Jurassic Park tour in Oahu

2. Group bus tour through movie sets

Kualoa Cliffs| ©Jason Jacobs
Kualoa Cliffs| ©Jason Jacobs

Within Oahu, the Kualoa Ranch is where all the film sets and locations that have been made on the island are located.

That's why, if you're a fan of the Jurassic saga, but also want to see the other places like the bunkers of Lost, the ruins of Kong or the sets of Jumanji, you don't have to give up anything, as there are tours that take you through all these film locations.

In addition to being able to visit all the places that were chosen to bring the popular dinosaurs to life, the tour will take you and a group of approximately 20 people through all the other emblematic places. Upon arrival, you'll be able to hop off the bus, walk around the site for a few minutes to get a closer look and take photos.

There are a multitude of bus tours on Oahu, but if you want to soak up all the cinematic appeal, this type of group tour of Kualoa Ranch is the one for you.

Details of interest

  • Price: Approximately €60 per person.
  • Duration: The tour usually lasts two hours.
  • Means of transport: Transfers to the different locations will be by group bus.
  • Advantages of this option: not only will you be able to see the scenes of Jurassic Park, but also other locations from films and series such as Kong or Lost.
  • Disadvantages of this option: if you are only interested in the Jurassic World saga, this tour may not be enough for you.

Book a Jurassic Park tour in Oahu

3. Jurassic Valley jeep adventure tour for small groups

Kualoa Valley| ©jai Mansson
Kualoa Valley| ©jai Mansson

The Kualoa reserve has many types of tours and itineraries to suit all tastes. If your goal is to go deep into the jungle and see not only the specific locations, but also the whole environment of the valley where the landscapes were filmed, one of the most comfortable and exciting ways is by jeep.

The terrain of the whole Jurassic Valley area is quite uneven and that's why getting around by jeep can be the best option. If you are coming with friends or family and would prefer this tour to be a more intimate experience, this tour option is ideal as the jeeps usually hold a maximum of 5 to 6 people.

As well as being able to get to all the places marked on the map quickly, you will be able to tour the jungle area of the valley in a very exciting and authentic way and get some spectacular views.

Interesting details

  • Price: around 150€ per person.
  • Duration: these tours usually last around three hours.
  • Means of transport: in an all-terrain jeep capable of driving through the jungle terrain.
  • Advantages of this option: it is a very entertaining tour to do with a group of friends or family and immerse yourself in the world of Jurassic Park.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it is not suitable for everyone as it is not accessible for babies or people in wheelchairs.

4. Private off-road quad tour of Jurassic Park

Quad biking in Kualoa| ©TRAILSOURCE
Quad biking in Kualoa| ©TRAILSOURCE

If you like adventure and thrills and already have a bit of experience of being on four wheels, one of the most incredible experiences you can have when it comes to seeing the Jurassic Park locations is by taking a tour where a guide will take you and your small private group on an off-road quad bike.

The terrain of the valley and the natural complex that is the ranch is quite difficult to do by any other type of transport if you want to get off the beaten track. That's why they have designed this type of off-road tour of the island where, guided by a guide, you can drive a powerful quad through the jungle and reach all the mythical locations of the films.

Also, don't worry if you have small children or if you are not very skilled at driving. You'll be supervised by the guide at all times and there's even the option of two people on one of the quads.

Interesting details

  • Price: around 180€ per person.
  • Duration: the tour usually lasts about two hours.
  • Means of transport: each person can hire their own quad during the tour.
  • Advantages of this option: A different and exciting way to experience Kualoa Ranch and the Jurassic Park locations in a private and intimate way.
  • Disadvantages of this option: If you don't like driving and thrills, you won't feel comfortable.

Book a Jurassic Park tour on Oahu

5. Small group horseback riding tour of Jurassic Valley

Kualoa Horses| ©Ewen Roberts
Kualoa Horses| ©Ewen Roberts

Seeing the entire Jurassic Valley of the Kualoa Preserve by bus is fun enough, but wouldn't it be great to ride through it at the trot of native horses? If you've already had your eyes light up at the thought, let me tell you that such tours exist on Oahu and are ideal for all nature and animal lovers.

During a tour lasting about two hours, you can take a horseback ride through the Jurassic Valley area and gallop across the plains where the great dinosaurs of the movies roamed. You will also be able to reach the most emblematic sites in the company of these friendly animals.

As you can imagine, the terrain of this natural environment is not easy to walk and one of the oldest and most valued ways of getting to know it is to get on a beautiful horse. If you don't know how to ride or are afraid of riding, don't worry; a guide will be with you and your group at all times and will choose the best horse for you.

Details of interest

  • Price: this experience costs around 150€ per head.
  • Duration: The rides are usually 2 hours long. You'll get to see everything without overtaxing the horse's condition.
  • Means of transport: a beautiful horse native to the island.
  • Advantages of this option: it is a tour that offers you a souvenir beyond the locations of Jurassic Park. You will be able to ride through the mythical locations and experience the thrill and therapy of horseback riding.
  • Disadvantages of this option: It can be a little tiring as being on a horse for two hours can be tiring on the legs and buttocks.

6. Kualoa Ranch Electric Bike Tour

Electric Bicycle| ©John Karakatsanis
Electric Bicycle| ©John Karakatsanis

If you are interested in doing some eco-tourism in Hawaii and you don't want to miss out on the wonderful experience of seeing the sets and locations where Jurassic Park was filmed, one of the best ways to do it is by riding an electric bike that will take you quickly and enjoyably along the film route.

Within this type of tour you will have everything you need to spend an entertaining half day. You'll have a guide who will also be on a bike and, as well as showing you all the places, will check that all the bikes are working properly. You'll also have a helmet and protective gear in case you fall off due to uneven terrain.

Do you feel you're not fit enough to spend two hours cycling? Don't worry! The bikes on these tours are electric, so if you start to get tired, just turn on the engine and continue cycling through the Jurassic Valley in an ecological and sustainable way.

Interesting details

  • Price: these tours are around €120 per person all-inclusive.
  • Duration: the tours usually last two hours.
  • Means of transport: an electric bicycle.
  • Advantages of this option: it is an ecological and fun alternative to see the whole of the Jurassic Park environment.
  • Disadvantages of this option: if you don't know how to ride a bike, even an electric one, you may find it difficult to keep up with the pace.

7. Zipline adventure tour of Kualoa Ranch

Ziplining in Hawaii| ©Brian Omura
Ziplining in Hawaii| ©Brian Omura

Are you a thrill-seeker and want to do some adventure sports on your trip to Hawaii? Then Kualoa Ranch has prepared for you a kind of tour around the Jurassic Valley that is sure to take your breath away; zip lining! Don't forget that, although many of the locations used for the film had to be adapted, the natural environment where it was filmed is a chaotic and almost untouched jungle.

There's no better way to see all those fantastic views from where Alan Grant glimpsed the majestic dinosaurs than by sliding down the rope of a zip line and flying over the green jungle.

But don't think it's all about speeding through the trees. Normally this type of tour has a whole circuit that runs through the scenes of the film and mixes short walks with thrilling jumps into the void that will fill you with adrenaline while you get to know in depth how the famous saga was made.

Interesting details

  • Price: these tours cost around €180 per head.
  • Duration: They last around 4 hours and include a short introductory safety briefing.
  • Means of transport: on foot and via zip lines.
  • Advantages of this option: it is an ideal option for people who like adrenaline and exciting sports while discovering the natural environment of Jurassic Park.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it is not suitable for everyone as it is not recommended for the elderly, pregnant women, children under 7 years old and people with reduced mobility.

8. Helicopter tour over the valley and Jurassic Falls

Helicopter Tour| ©Steve Jurvetson
Helicopter Tour| ©Steve Jurvetson

What would you say is one of the most famous scenes from the Jurasic Park movie? You're probably thinking of the legendary helicopter ride that took the main characters to the fascinating theme park in the first few minutes of the film.

If you want to experience this tour first hand and see from the heights the great and impressive natural scenery that was filmed, you should know that you can hire one of the helicopter tours available in Oahu.

If you like heights, you will enjoy like a little kid going up in one of these machines and flying over all the terrain and plains that you have seen so many times on the big screen. Also, thanks to this type of tour, you'll be able to reach one of the most difficult locations; the Jurassic Falls, an impressive waterfall that Spielberg used for his films and that can only be reached by helicopter.

Interesting details

  • Price: around €300.
  • Duration: The helicopter tour usually lasts about two hours with a landing at the waterfall.
  • Means of transport: Helicopter.
  • Advantages of this option: it is an unforgettable experience and allows you to privately reach the privileged surroundings of the whole of Jurassic Park.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended if you are afraid of heights and the price is a little high.

Book the best helicopter tours in Oahu

When is the best time to take a helicopter tour?

Kualoa Ranch| ©Thank You
Kualoa Ranch| ©Thank You

If you're determined to come to Hawaii and the island of Oahu to experience the Jurassic World scenes first hand, you should know that, despite boasting consistently pleasant temperatures, there are months that are more recommendable.

Normally, neither of the extremes are good in the archipelago. On the one hand, in winter, you can find a very rainy and cold environment, while in summer the heat and humidity are a bit uncomfortable to be walking for hours in the jungle of Kualoa Ranch.

That's why it's best to go to Ouha in April or November, i.e. spring and autumn, when the weather will be much milder and more stable and you'll find it pleasant to do outdoor activities, whether it's tours of the Jurassic Park complex or enjoying all the water sports on offer, for example, with all the surfing lessons available on Oahu.

Book a Jurassic Park tour on Oahu

Are any of these tours worth doing?

Jurassic Park Waterfall| ©in-boulder
Jurassic Park Waterfall| ©in-boulder

Oahu has a lot to offer. From paradise beaches, 5-star resorts, rural tourism and adventure sports. However, while you can access all of these activities on your own, there is no way you can access the amazing Jurassic Park locations without hiring a guide.

And it's not just a tourist thing; the Kualoa Ranch environment is so vast and wild, you need a guide to get to all the sights and do some of the best hiking around. In addition, you have a wide variety of tour options so you can choose the one that suits you best and let yourself go and enjoy yourself like a child. It's definitely worth investing in one of these experiences.

If, as well as wanting to see the Jurassic Park environment, you're interested in the world of film and history in general, don't forget that you're on one of the islands most filmed by Hollywood and also in one of the key settings of the Second World War, so, as well as tours of Kualoa Ranch, you can also attend, for example, the best tours of Pearl Harbor.

Book a Jurassic Park tour on Oahu

Are these tours suitable for the whole family?

Koaloa Rach| ©Ken Lund
Koaloa Rach| ©Ken Lund

The tours that take you to the Jurassic Park locations and the entire Jurassic Park Valley have the main advantage that they offer the same experience in a lot of different ways.

This means that while some of these options may not be suitable for, say, children or pregnant women (such as quad biking or ziplining), you can always find a family-friendly option aboard a bus or jeep. Oahu with kids and families has flexibility and hundreds of activities to have a great time.

How to get to Jurassic Park tours from Honolulu

Koaloa Ranch| ©Dronepicr
Koaloa Ranch| ©Dronepicr

Kualoa Ranch is on the east side of the island, in an area that, although very touristy, has little in the way of hotels. Most likely you will have decided to stay in accommodation in the capital, Honolulu. If so, and you want to take a tour of the Jurassic Park scenery, you're probably wondering how to get there.

Well, if you've booked a private tour option, you don't need to worry, as most include a hotel pick-up option. However, if you want to take one of the many tours offered by the ranch, you will have to get there by your own means.

One of the most popular, cheapest and easiest ways is to take the number 60 bus, which leaves from the downtown station and drops you off at the gate in less than an hour.

It usually leaves every half hour and the ticket is less than €3. If you want a more comfortable option, you can take a taxi, but be warned it's around €70 or, if you want to explore on your own for the rest of the days, another option would be to hire a car and drive yourself.

If Steven Spielberg chose this island to film his masterful Jurassic saga, it must be for a reason. Be sure to come and discover the charms of the island of Oahu, a place that will win you over and take you back in time to prehistoric times.

Book a Jurassic Park tour in Oahu

Reviews from other travellers

4.7
· 1301 Reviews
  • J
    J. Q.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The experience of being in a movie is amazing, but the price seemed a little high.
  • N
    N. B.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The Jurassic Park tour was a unique experience, I felt like I was in the movie!
  • R
    R. U.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved this tour, I felt like I was in a movie. I saw amazing places that I will never forget.
  • C
    C. F.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The Jurassic Park tour is the best, you feel like in the movie. Highly recommended, the guides know a lot.