The island of Oahu is known as the Gathering Place and for good reason. The home of Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and some of the best surf spots in the world houses almost a million of the 1.3 million people who reside in the tropical islands that make up the Hawaiian chain. Known (not necessarily affectionately) to residents of the neighbor islands as “Hono-zoo-lu,” Oahu brings a lot to the table. With vibrant nightlife, enchanting hiking, unforgettable cuisine, and glorious beaches, Oahu represents a bustling metropolis compared to the other, sleepier islands. What many people may be unaware of is the number of different movies and TV shows that have been filmed on our little paradise in the middle of the ocean. In fact, a single ranch on Oahu was the location of Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor, Godzilla, Lost, and many more! Another fun fact: ziplining, ATVing, horseback riding, and other adventure tours are available at that very ranch!
Its name is Kualoa Ranch and it occupies 4000 acres across the Windward, or east, side of Oahu. From this sublime stretch of land you can see Chinaman’s Hat, an aptly-named islet protruding from the ocean a half mile from shore. Kualoa Ranch is a special place just to see, never mind have a wild, high-flying adventure through the same park where Jeff Goldblum scampered away from a hard charging T-Rex. Jurassic Park showed a mere preview of the lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and jaw-dropping landscape that Kualoa has to offer. For locals, Kualoa is a cherished part of the island that many don’t get to take advantage of.
Tours of the real Jurassic Park are available with a variety of options. Choose a zipline course accompanied by ATVing, horseback riding, or a visit to a hidden beach. Rest assured there is something for everyone! Each tour has a different duration and a variety of add-ons, such as lunch, round-trip transportation and more. There is a cafeteria available if hunger catches up with you between speeding across the plains on your ATV, or taking in the stunning scenery astride one of the beautiful horses available for riding.
Oahu is an extraordinary island, cherished by just about everyone who visits. For those lucky enough to experience ziplining and more at Kualoa Ranch, the experience is always a highlight. Even if Jurassic Park or any of the other iconic movies weren’t filmed at this historic ranch, it would still be well worth a visit. Kualoa Ranch is a wonderland for kids and adults alike. It combines the beauty, majesty and stunning nature of Hawaii with the action-packed thrill rides of an amusement park, without sacrificing any of the native beauty.
