Your TL;DR Guide to O’ahu
TL;DR: Kualoa is an iconic O’ahu tourist destination. Settled along the eastern coast with the Kualoa Mountains in the background, it’s one of the most common and recommended spots for travelers. With tours ranging from 90 minutes and up, it’s a great way to see some famous movie sets up close. However, with tickets starting at $60 and climbing it can also be a pricier option for families and groups.
- What Makes Kualoa Ranch Special
- The Logistics & FAQs
- Nearby Stops to Check-Out
- The Final Verdict: Is Kualoa Ranch Worth A Visit?
- Posts
I’m no stranger to the allure filming locations have for travelers. There’s something exciting about seeing the background of your favorite show in real life. Or, getting to say “that’s such and such place” while streaming a new movie on Netflix. So it’s not surprising that the picturesque “Jurassic Valley” of O’ahu appears in every “where to visit” guide for the Island.
Of course, I’ve had to go myself a few times.
Not only is it a great place to see where several iconic films were made (aka Jurassic Park), the mountain range and crystal blue waters are stunning. But with all touristy things comes the question – is it actually worth it?
Well, let’s chat about that!
What Makes Kualoa Ranch Special
Surrounded by the Kualoa Mountain Range (every bit as majestic as it comes across in photos), Kualoa Valley has long held important significance for the people of O’ahu. Dating back as far as the 13th century, the valley was considered a sacred site.
Home to royalty and a training ground to chiefs, Kualoa is also linked with Hāloa in Hawaiian mythology and the growth of the taro plant.
In 1850, King Kamehameha III sold the land to American Dr. Gerrit P. Judd and it became a working cattle ranch. Today, the ranch has been passed down to the eighth generation of descendants from Dr. Judd. And while it still is a working cattle ranch, it is perhaps best known for its views, which have been featured in major films and tv shows such as Lost, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and Jurassic Park.
Kualoa Ranch also strives to uphold the tenants of ‘mālama ʻāina’ and care for the land they occupy. Aiming to restore and preserve the native Hawaiian flora and fauna, the organization has a dedicated stewardship team that conducts (and publishes) regular research in addition to more hands-on efforts and partnerships.
The Logistics & FAQs
At a Glance
Address: 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
Hours: 7:30 AM-6:00 PM
Parking: Free
Reservations: Required for tours; not required to just stop by
Cost: $60-$200+
How to Choose and Book a Tour
Tours can be booked online here. There are a lot of different tours running throughout the day, so you should be able to schedule something – however certain hours can fill up. I recommend booking a few days ahead so you’ll have an easier time getting the hour you want and planning out the rest of your day.
Now, what tour should you choose?
If you’re going based off of time, the shortest tours are 90 minutes, with options to view the movie sites, check out some agriculture, or enjoy an ocean voyage. I personally have done the movie site tour – it was a pretty low-key affair and something that may not be exciting or engaging for everyone, but I liked it.
Instead, the ocean voyage tour, while not as popular has some pretty good reviews from what I hear. The agriculture tour, of course, is a good option for anyone especially passionate about ecotourism and learning about the agricultural side of O’ahu. These three are also the cheapest tour options.
For adventure-seekers, I’ve heard fantastic things about the ATV and E-bike tours – just be prepared to get a little muddy.
And, if you’re looking for something truly special? Secret beach comes with unique access to a peaceful and secluded spot, complete with lunch (if you purchase the full day package).
Is Kualo Ranch Safe for the Whole Family?
Is the ranch itself safe for everyone? Yeah – no question. However, some tours have age restrictions (as you might expect), with the mildest tours requiring all children be at least 3 years old.
That being said, someone with a younger kid could walk around the main area of the ranch, say hello to the horses, and enjoy some snacks from the food court or KualoaGrown market – but that’s about it.
Accessibility at Kualoa Ranch
The facilities are wheelchair accessible – with ramp access available. The gift store is pretty cramped and crowded, though, and may not be the easiest to navigate. KualoaGrown, on the other hand has more space for moving around.
Not all tours are accessible, though, for wheelchair users or those with mobility support needs. The movie and ranch tour (one of the most popular tours) does have a wheelchair accessible option, but you’ll need to call a few days ahead to arrange everything. The other tours include rougher terrain that may not be suitable.
A little note – I didn’t need to discuss specific accommodations on my past visits, but I did interact with the staff for various other things and they were incredibly helpful and kind. So, if you’re unsure if the ranch has options for you, I highly recommend calling and chatting!
How Much Time Do You Need to Spend at Kualoa Ranch?
If you just want to stop by to get some photos while on your way somewhere else, less than 30 minutes will suit you fine. Otherwise, I’d plan for the length of your tour plus some time for photos and gift-shop exploring.
There is a food court with some dining options, but I usually go elsewhere.
Nearby Stops to Check-Out
Across from Kualoa Ranch is Kualoa Beach and Kualoa Regional Park. I’ve personally spent some time at the (very calm) beach to wait out traffic on the road.
As a bonus, you can see Mokoliʻi (meaning little lizard) – an Island tied the story of Pele – very clearly from the shore.
Kualoa Ranch is also a little up the road from Tropical Farms, another easy destination where visitors can get their fill of macadamia nuts.
The Final Verdict: Is Kualoa Ranch Worth A Visit?
I would say, yes – it is worth the visit at least once. While it is very touristy, Kualoa Ranch is straight-up beautiful and featured in some pretty amazing films.
Now, how much time or money you’d want to spend here is up for debate – as each tour offers a different experience. The movie tour is definitely one of the most popular and while I certainly enjoyed my experience (especially getting out to snap some shots at the different locations) it is a more relaxed pace than what some people may expect. So, I’d really recommend thinking about what kind of an adventure you’re looking for and carefully reviewing the different options before selecting one.
Have you been to Kualoa Ranch? What was your experience like?
TL;DR Travels 
Leave a comment