Kualoa Ranch Jungle Tour Review & Our Recommendations for Your Visit

Ever wondered, “What island in Hawaii was Jurassic Park filmed on?” We did, too: The answer is the incredible island of Oahu—specifically, at Kualoa Ranch. This spot was an unforgettable stop on our trip to Oahu, bringing some major throwback magic for me and my husband, as some of our favorite childhood movies and series were filmed here. And for the kids, what little boy doesn’t like riding in a big truck through the jungle in search of adventure and maybe some dinosaurs? We chose the Kualoa Ranch Jungle Tour and really enjoyed it! Let’s dive into our experience.

Introduction

When we planned our trip to Oahu, Hawaii, we knew we wanted to experience an adventure that would be memorable for the whole family. That’s when we discovered Kualoa Ranch, a place that offers natural beauty, adventure, and Hollywood magic. If you’ve ever seen movies like Jurassic Park or series like Jumanji, you might be familiar with the stunning landscapes that make Kualoa Ranch so special. It’s one thing to watch these iconic scenes on the big screen, but it’s another to step into the world where they were filmed.

Why Kualoa Ranch Is Worth the Visit

Once you arrive at Kualoa Ranch, it’s clear why this place is considered one of Oahu’s top attractions. The ranch offers a wide range of activities, from ATV tours and horseback riding to zip-lining and movie site tours. But for us, the real draw was the Jungle Expedition Tour, which promised an off-road adventure deep into the heart of the Ranch’s landscapes.

Before we get into the details of the tour itself, it’s important to note that Kualoa Ranch is not your typical tourist spot. The remoteness of the location means that it’s not as crowded as some of the more popular destinations on Oahu, which adds to its appeal. You’re able to experience the natural beauty of the island without the distractions of large crowds. It’s a place where you can truly connect with the land, the history, and the magic of the movies.

Kualoa Ranch is a place where adventure and history come together in a way that is uniquely Hawaiian. Whether you’re a movie fan, a nature lover, or just someone looking for a memorable experience with your family, Kualoa Ranch has something for everyone.

Our Kualoa Ranch Jungle Tour Experience

We opted for the Jungle Expedition Tour, a 90-minute tour that takes you deep into the Hakipu’u rainforest aboard an open-air jeep. With a minimum age requirement of 3 years old, our littlest adventurer just made the cut. Our journey began with a warm welcome from our guide, who shared fascinating Hawaiian mo’olelo (legends) unique to the area, along with insights into the Ranch’s various stewardship and conservation initiatives. The excitement only grew as we learned that the trails we were about to cross had been featured in iconic films like Jurassic World, Kong: Skull Island, and Jumanji.

The custom-built jungle jeep rumbles along jungle trails, across isolated stream beds, and powers up steep, bumpy hills to see the most spectacular views we’ve ever seen. At various points along the ride, your guide will stop for the group to get out an explore. We were able to get a close look at typical Hawaiian housing structures and wooden deity sculptures.

After that, the jeep took us through sweeping iconic Hawaiian landscapes, with huge green mountains reaching up to the sky. As we drove up the hills, we were educated on many local plants, including fruit-bearing trees. Guests are able to sample the fruit at the times of year that they’re ready to harvest, which is typically in August. Shortly after, we took a short hike to a scenic overlook with views of the valleys.

After the hike, which was at the peak of the land, our jeep rumbled downhill towards the see, and we were able to get a breathtaking view of the Mokoli’i island aka Chinaman’s Hat aka Hershey’s Kiss poking up out of the sea. Shortly after, our tour drove through the movie sets, where we saw the filming locations of Jurassic World, Jumanji, and others, in addition to some props that had been left behind. The tour concluded back at the start, where we could continue to explore the front area of the ranch on foot.

One of the highlights of our visit was the willingness of the guides to take photos throughout the tour. They made sure to capture each group before moving on to the next point, which was very nice, as it can be so challenging to get family photos all together.

What to Expect

1. All-Weather Adventure: The tour runs rain or shine, thanks to the canopy on the jeep. In fact, it poured right before our tour, but Mother Nature was on our side, and the sun came out for the rest of the day.
2. Bumpy Ride: Be prepared for a rugged journey. While our kids found the bumps thrilling, and sometimes even soothing—our youngest dozed off for a bit, the tour isn’t recommended for expectant mothers.
3. Come Prepared: Bring rain jackets for everyone. Even if it’s sunny when you start, the weather can change quickly in the rainforest.

Planning Your Visit

Before you set off on your own Kualoa Ranch adventure, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

How Do You Get to Kualoa Ranch?

Kualoa Ranch is located at 49-560 Kamehameha Highway Kaneohe, Oahu, about 45 minutes from Waikiki. It’s important to note that you’ll need a car to get there, as the ranch is off the beaten path. We found driving ourselves to be the most convenient option, especially with two young children. Construction is ongoing near Kualoa Ranch. To avoid any delays, I recommend allowing extra time for your drive.

If you think that driving is not for you, here is a transfer service from Honolulu to Kualoa Park you might want to check out: Transfer from Waikiki.

You can also get to Kualoa on Honolulu’s City Bus. Although it is the most affordable option, it will take the longest time. From Waikiki Hotels, take any of these buses: #8, #19, #20, #23, #42, #60 or #88A to Kualoa Ranch. Fare is $3 one way for adults, $2 for children.

Arriving and Getting to Your Tour

It’s important to arrive a bit ahead of your scheduled tour time to get situated. This gives you enough time to use the bathroom and locate your pickup spot. The grounds at Kualoa Ranch are quite large, and with many different tour types available, not everyone is picked up right at the front entrance. Arriving early ensures you won’t miss your tour and can start your experience without any stress.

Kualoa Ranch Ticket Office and Booking

We highly recommend booking your tour in advance to ensure you secure your preferred date and time, especially during peak tourist seasons. Ticket prices vary depending on the tour you choose. For example, during our visit, adult tickets for the Jungle Expedition Tour started at $54.95, and children’s tickets (ages 3-12) were priced at $39.95. However, it’s always best to check online for the most current rates.

Here you will find more of the tour options at Kualoa Ranch. Be sure to check the age restrictions, as not all are for kids! If none of these tours seem like the right fit for your family, the official Kualoa Ranch website offers many more options to explore.

What to Pack for the Adventure

• Rain jackets for everyone: Even if it’s sunny when you start, the weather can change quickly in the rainforest
• Extra clothes: In case you do get caught in the rain, having a backup set of clothes is essential
• Sunscreen: The strong Hawaiian sun makes sunscreen an absolute must for every outing, even in a covered jeep. This is our favorite. It’s also reef-safe and can be used all over Hawaii.
• Insect repellent: There are lots of mosquitoes around, so don’t forget to put on insect repellent before heading out to keep the bites away. Here is our favorite DEET-free option.
• Comfortable Clothing and Shoes: Make sure to wear light, comfortable clothes, as well as closed-toe shoes or sandals for walking around the ranch.
• Water: While the tour isn’t overly long, it’s always good to have water on hand, especially in Hawaii’s warm climate.
  • Our favorite water bottles for kids
  • Our favorite water bottles for adults

What to Do After the Tour

Once the Jungle Expedition is over, don’t rush off just yet! There’s plenty more to explore at Kualoa Ranch. The grounds are filled with interesting sights, from live and fake horses (statues) to movie memorabilia that will transport you back to the sets of your favorite films. There’s also a gift shop on site where you can pick up clothes, souvenirs, and locally made goods to remember your adventure. We came away with a t-shirt for each of our boys, but we didn’t buy any of the locally-made foods, as they were quite pricey. Either way, it is really fun to visit and see all the stuff they have.

Frequently Asked Questions

I recently uploaded an Instagram reel on my account @marionthemap, and I received some questions about it. Here they are:

Can you get tickets when you arrive or should you get them in advance online?

Yes, you can buy onsite, but we recommend buying them online ahead of time, as tours have limited availability and may sell out in advance.

How much are the tickets?

The cost of tickets varies depending on the tour you choose. Prices start at $54.95 for some tours, but it’s important to check the specific tour options and current rates on the Kualoa Ranch website. Each tour offers a unique experience, so it’s worth exploring the different options to find the one that best suits your family’s interests and budget.

What are Kualoa Ranch’s hours?

Kualoa Ranch is open Monday through Sunday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, with the last tours departing at 3:30 pm. The ranch is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Aunty Pat’s Café, located in the Visitor Center, operates from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm, with grab-and-go items available until 4:00 pm. The retail and gift shop, also in the Visitor Center, is open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Additionally, the KualoaGrown Market is open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm but is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Kualoa Ranch parking

Parking at Kualoa Ranch is free and easy. There is a large lot onsite.

Age Requirements

One of the most common questions I received was about age restrictions. For our Jungle Expedition Tour, the minimum age is 3 years old, which meant our youngest was just old enough! All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Children of all ages can join the Kualoa Grown Tour, Movie Sites Tour, Ocean Voyage Adventure, and Secret Island Beach Activities.

For the Jurassic Adventure Tour, children also must be 3 years or older. The Multi-Passenger UTV Raptor Tour and Malama Experience require kids to be 5 years or older. For eBike, Horseback, and Zipline Tours, children must be 10 years or older and meet height and weight requirements. Teens 16 years and older can participate in all tours, provided they meet the necessary height and weight criteria.

Is Kualoa Ranch worth it?

Kualoa Ranch is definitely worth it. Visiting was one of the best parts of our trip to Oahu, and we all had a blast. The mix of beautiful scenery, fun adventures, and movie history made it an experience we won’t forget. Whether you love movies, enjoy outdoor activities, or just want to see a special part of Oahu, the Kualoa Ranch Jungle Tour is a great choice.

Additional Resources on Oahu, Hawaii

For more information on family-friendly activities in Oahu, be sure to check out our other blog posts:

• Hanauma Bay Snorkeling: A Family Adventure
• Waimea Falls Hike: A Family-Friendly Adventure in Oahu, Hawaii
• Visiting Pearl Harbor with Kids: A Memorable Experience for Families
• Diamond Head Hike with Kids: An Unforgettable Family Experience