Kualoa Ranch Tour Reviews: Which One is the Best?
Are you considering taking a tour at Kualoa Ranch but don’t know which one to choose?
With so many options, deciding which tour is right for you can take time and effort. To help make your choice easier, we have rounded up the top tours at Kualoa Ranch that you won’t want to miss.
From exploring sites where blockbuster movies were filmed to learning about Hawaiian culture, these tours have something for everyone.
Don’t have time to read our full review of the best Kualoa Ranch tours on this list? No worries—we have shortlisted our three favorite tours here to make things easy for you.
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(1) UTV Raptor Tour
- Perfect for adventure seekers
- Stops at iconic movie sets
- A unique way to explore the ranch
- Focuses on the Jurassic Park movie franchise, plus additional movie sets
- Ride along in an open-air off-road vehicle
- Stop at a historic World War II bunker
- Perfect for adventure seekers
- Seven ziplines, including a 1/4 mile zipline
- Option to purchase photos taken during the tour
Why should you trust us? We’ve spent several hours researching and gathering consumer feedback on the best tours at Kualoa Ranch, but most importantly, we’ve been to Kualoa Ranch multiple times. We know all about the beauty and adventure that can be found at this stunning location.
What Is Kualoa Ranch?
Kualoa Ranch is one of the oldest and most revered ranches in Hawaii. Located on Oahu’s windward coast near Kaneohe, this 4,000-acre ranch offers breathtaking views with lush green valleys and majestic mountains.
Kualoa Ranch is a working cattle ranch, but it has also served as an iconic filming location since the 1950s. It has been featured in films such as Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Jumanji, and many more.
Note About Kualoa Ranch Tours
Before we begin, I want to mention that the tour duration includes safety briefings and training. I’ve seen multiple reviews where people said the tour was shorter than expected.
We have been on many tours in Oahu and Kualoa Ranch specifically, and we have never felt like the tour was too short compared to what was advertised.
So, with that said, let’s dive in and look at the top tours at Kualoa Ranch!
1. ATV Raptor Tour
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Duration: 2 hours
Age Restrictions: 21+ years to drive; 5+ years to ride
The ATV Raptor Tour is a thrilling adventure that takes you through the heart of Kualoa Ranch’s Jurassic Valley.
Guests will ride in all-terrain UTVs through dirt roads, passing by movie sets and other landmarks.
This two-hour tour also includes an experienced guide who will take you to some of the ranch’s most beautiful and remote locations. Your guide will share stories about Kualoa Ranch’s rich history, culture, and movies filmed there as you explore its unique terrain.
Each ATV can hold between two to six people depending on your group’s number of kids.
This is an excellent option for those looking for a thrilling adventure and stunning views of the ranch.
Note: This tour is officially known as the UTV Raptor Tour, but we are referring to it as the ATV tour because most tourists call it the ATV tour. Your guide will be the only one driving an ATV while everyone rides UTVs.
Tip: This is the most popular tour at Kualoa Ranch, so be sure to book ahead of time! Also, this is a rain-or-shine tour, so be sure to come prepared and check the weather in advance.
We wore raincoats during our tour because mother nature blessed us with rain. If you do not have a raincoat, they sell some ponchos for cheap.
What’s Included:
- Use of UTV
- Helmet
- Googles
Why we love this tour: This tour is the perfect mix of adventure and exploration. You will have an action-packed day, from driving your ATV to learning about Kualoa Ranch’s history! Also, our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Even though we did this tour on a rainy day, he still made the experience fun and exciting.
Cons: Very dusty and muddy, but that’s part of the adventure! So, make sure to wear clothes you are okay with getting dirty.
2. Jurassic Adventure Tour
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Duration: 2.5 hours
Age restrictions: 3+ years
The Jurassic Adventure Tour is a guided tour that takes you to iconic movie sets such as the original Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, King Kong, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and more.
The tour begins in an open-air off-road vehicle, where you will journey through the lush valleys and rugged terrain of Kualoa Ranch. The ride might be a little bumpy, but nothing too intense.
The tour also covers some historical sites, including an old World War II bunker.
Along the way, you can take pictures with some of the props used in different films. Your guide will also share stories about the movies filmed there and interesting facts about Hawaiian history and culture.
Our favorite part of this tour was stopping at the famous Jurassic field where the Gallimimus flock towards the cast! It was surreal to see a place where some of our favorite scenes were shot.
What’s included:
- Guided tour
Why we love this tour: We loved seeing some of the iconic movie locations. It was also a fantastic way to learn about the different movies filmed at Kualoa Ranch. Also, the guides are very knowledgeable and friendly.
Cons: Some might find this tour a bit pricey, but it’s worth the experience.
3. Jurassic Valley Zipline
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars | Duration: 3 hours
Restrictions:
- Age: 18+ years old if unaccompanied by an adult
- Height: Between 4’8” – 6’9”
- Waist Size: Between 22″ – 50″
- Upper Thigh Size: Between 18″ – 28″
- Weight: Between 70 and 280 pounds
The Jurassic Valley Zipline Tour is another thrilling way to explore Kualoa Ranch with friends and family. This zipline tour consists of seven ziplines, five short hiking trails, and two suspension bridges.
Guests will take a shuttle to the zipline base camp, where they will be fitted with a harness and helmet. Safety briefings are included before each zipline.
All ziplines are tandem (dual) and range from 200 feet to 1/4 of a mile in length. The lines start easy and get progressively more challenging, but nothing too scary, in our opinion.
The longest zipline is the fourth one, and the fastest one is the seventh giving you time to get used to the experience before it gets more intense.
After the tour, guests will return to the zipline base, where you can purchase photos taken throughout the tour.
What’s included:
- All necessary gear
- Tour guide
Why we love this tour: The adrenaline rush of flying through Jurassic Valley on a zipline is an unforgettable experience. Also, we love dual zip lines, as these tend to move faster than other single-line tours we’ve been on.
This tour reminds us of ziplining with Outfitters Kauai, one of the best zipline tours in Kauai. If you are ever in Kauai and looking for a tandem zipline experience, definitely check it out.
Cons: Some customers mentioned that most lines were moderate. If you are a very experienced zipliner and an adrenaline junkie, this one might not be the right tour.
4. Horseback Walking Tour
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Duration: 2 hours
Restrictions:
Age: 10+ years old
Height: minimum 4’6″
Weight: maximum 230 pounds
If you would rather explore Ka’a’awa “Jurassic” Valley on the back of a horse, then you should join this two-hour walking tour. The horses are well-trained, so even if you have never been horseback riding before, you can still enjoy it.
The tour begins with an introductory lesson about how to ride your horse correctly and safely. Your guide will then help everyone get on their horses.
The tour will take you along the trails of Ka’a’awa Valley, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and see some of the locations used in film productions.
The trails are easy to navigate, and your guide will give you interesting information about the area as you ride.
What’s included:
- All necessary gear
- Tour guide
Why we love this tour: The horseback riding tour is a great way to intimately explore Kualoa Ranch and Ka’a’awa Valley. It’s a peaceful way to take in the breathtaking views and learn about the area’s history.
Cons: None
5. Jungle Expedition Tour
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Duration: 90 Minutes
Age Restrictions: 3+ years old
The Jungle Expedition Tour is one of the best ways to explore Kualoa Ranch with less work on your part.
You will be driven in a custom-built open-air jungle vehicle to explore the Hakipu’u rainforest. This is the same gorgeous valley seen in Jurassic World, Jumanji, Kong: Skull Island, and more.
The ride is bumpy and fun, and you’ll learn about the history of Kualoa Ranch and the surrounding areas from your guide.
Guests also have the option to take a short 15-minute hike to a scenic overlook with incredible views of the valley.
What’s included:
- Tour guide
- 15-minute hike (optional)
Why we love this tour: If you don’t have the time or prefer sitting back and taking it all in, this is the perfect way to explore Kualoa Ranch. We also love that this tour is one of the cheaper options and is suitable for people of most ages.
Cons: While this tour includes some stops on movie sets, it has fewer stops than the other tours or the Movie Sites Tour. If your primary goal is to visit most movie sets, this tour might not be the best one. It focuses more on the jungle, the beautiful views, and a fun ride.
6. Hollywood Movie Sites Tour
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Duration: 90 minutes
Restrictions: None
Are you a movie buff? Then the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour is perfect for you! This tour has the most movie stops of all the tours listed.
You’ll explore the iconic backdrops used in movies and television shows since the 1950s. Some stops include Jurassic World, Godzilla, Windtalkers, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor, Jumanji, and more.
Your guide will take you on a vintage school bus and provide interesting information about the production and filming of the scenes.
This tour also stops at the World War II bunker, where you can find WWII artifacts and exhibits, props, posters, and memorabilia from movies and shows that have been shot at the ranch over the years.
What’s included:
- Tour guide
Why we love this tour: We love that this tour has the most movie stops. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and told us many interesting stories about the production and filming of each movie. It felt surreal to be standing in the same place where our favorite movies were filmed.
Cons: None
7. Electric Mountain Bike Tour
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars | Duration: 2 Hours
Restrictions:
Age: 10+ years old
Height: Between 4’6” – 6’5”
Weight: Between 85 – 250 pounds
Do you want to explore Kualoa Ranch in a more active way? Then the 6-mile Electric Mountain Bike Tour is perfect for you!
You will get outfitted with an electric mountain bike as you explore Kualoa and Ka’a’awa Valleys with your guide. The e-bike makes it easy to cover more ground in less time, with minimal effort on your part. The trail is a gravel/rocky path, but the e-bike and its suspension make it much easier to traverse.
Enjoy spectacular views of Kaneohe Bay, Mokoliʻi (Chinaman’s Hat Island), and Kualoa Valley. At certain spots along the trail, your guide will stop for photo ops so you can capture some amazing shots of the scenery.
This tour includes 5-6 stops. During the first stop, you will explore the World War II bunker and its artifacts. After that, you’ll explore the valley and the movie sets.
What’s included:
- Electric mountain bike rental
- Tour guide
- Helmet
Why we love this tour: We love the idea of exploring the ranch on an electric bike. Electric bikes make it easy for people of all skill levels to enjoy the ride. Also, electric bikes are much quieter than ATVs, so it’s a peaceful way to explore nature.
Cons: None
8. Secret Island Beach Adventure
⭐ RATING: 4 out of 5 stars | Duration: 3 Hours
Restrictions: None
Looking for an adventure that includes a beach? Then the Secret Island Beach Adventure is perfect for you. On this tour, you’ll explore Kualoa’s secret beach and take part in many activities.
Guests can participate in kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, beach volleyball, and more. The beach also has hammocks under palm trees for those that want to relax and enjoy the view.
Showers and changing rooms are available on the beach. Bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, drinks, snacks, and whatever else you need for the beach.
What’s included:
- Beach Activities
Why we love this tour: This is a unique experience. You get to explore the secret beach at Kualoa Ranch and participate in many beach activities with your friends or family. Also, the tour guides are very friendly.
Cons: This tour doesn’t focus on movie sets or touring the gorgeous valleys, so this might not be the best tour if that’s what you’re looking for. This tour is best for those wanting to spend time at a private beach.
9. Kualoa Grown Tour
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars | Duration: 90 minutes
Restrictions: None
The Kualoa Grown Tour is perfect for those that want to learn about local Hawaiian farming.
Guests will tour one of Hawaii’s most preserved ancient Hawaiian Fishponds (Moli’i), carbon-dated between 800 and 1,000 years old.
For over 800 years, Moli’i has been used to raise fish and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
You’ll also get to explore flower gardens and tropical fruits of Moli’i during the tour.
What’s included:
- Tour guide
- Access to Moli’i Fishpond
Why we love this tour: We love that this tour focuses on agriculture. You get to learn about the ancient Hawaiian culture and traditional farming methods that have been passed down for generations.
Cons: Just like the Secret Island Beach Adventure, this tour doesn’t focus on movie sets or touring the gorgeous valleys.
Kualoa Ranch Movie Tour vs. Jungle Tour
The main difference between the movie tour and the jungle tour is that the movie tour focuses on movie sets, locations, and TV shows filmed at Kualoa Ranch. Overall, the movie tour has more stops at movie sites than the jungle tour.
On the other hand, the jungle tour focuses more on the natural beauty of Kualoa Ranch and its lush green valleys. It also includes some stops at movie sites but is more focused on the flora and fauna of Kualoa Ranch.
Which one should you choose? It depends on the experience you are looking for when choosing between these two tours. We recommend the movie tour if you’re interested in seeing movie sites and learning about filming locations.
If you’re looking for something more focused on nature and natural beauty, plus some movie location stops, then the jungle tour is a great option.
How to Get to Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is located on the east side of Oahu. Below are the two best ways to get there:
Drive: Driving to Kualoa Ranch is very straightforward. It takes about 35-45 minutes from Waikiki, depending on traffic.
Uber/Lyft or Taxi: If you cannot drive or would rather not, you can book an Uber/Lyft or take a taxi. This option is more costly but is another convenient option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Visit Kualoa Ranch Without a Tour?
Unfortunately, no. All visitors to Kualoa Ranch need to purchase a tour to access the property. You can, however, stop by the gift shop and the visitors center without a tour purchase.
What Is the Best Jurassic Park Tour in Hawaii?
In our opinion, the best tour at Jurassic Park is the ATV Raptor Tour. This tour allows you to explore the movie sites, valleys, and lush green jungles at Kualoa Ranch in a fun, adventurous way. We feel like this tour has the best of both worlds and the best value for your money.
It’s worth noting that the best tour will vary depending on your interests.
How Long Does It Take to Tour Kualoa Ranch?
The duration of the tour will vary depending on which tour you choose. Most tours are two hours long, but some are less, and some are more.
Is Kualoa Ranch Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely! Kualoa Ranch is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved locations in Hawaii. There is something for everyone, from ancient fishponds and lush green valleys to sites where Hollywood movies were filmed. Plus, you get to learn about the Hawaiian culture and its history while exploring this stunning place. The views alone are worth the visit!
Which Hawaii Island has Jurassic Park?
Kualoa Ranch is located on the island of Oahu, home to the famous Jurassic Park.
What Waterfall Is in Jurassic Park?
The waterfall you see in the opening scene of Jurassic Park is Manawaiopuna Falls, a privately owned waterfall. This waterfall is located on the island of Kauai and not Oahu, where Kualoa Ranch is located.
Final Thoughts
Kualoa Ranch is a must-visit destination in Hawaii. Whether you’re looking for movie sets, nature trails, educational experiences, or stunning views, Kualoa Ranch truly has something for everyone!
Plus, it’s an excellent way to learn about Hawaii’s local culture and history!
We hope this article has helped you decide which tour to take and answered your questions about Kualoa Ranch.
Mahalo for stopping by. Until next time, aloha!
