This week marked the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park and its official release on June 11, 1993. It was primarily filmed on Kauai and ranked 33 on the list of the highest-grossing movies ever. During its production here, the one thing that got in the way of Jurassic Park was Hurricane Iniki, back in 1992. On the last day of filming this epic blockbuster on Kauai, Iniki roared across the island. Since then, Jurassic Park and its sequels have also roared, but across screens worldwide.
You can enjoy some of the Jurassic Park Hawaii filming locations on Kauai and Oahu while you are here. And when you are at the last lifeguard station at Hanalei Bay (Pine Trees at the north end), the first two homes on the left side facing the mountain belonged to the late author Michael Crichton, who wrote the book that started it all.
Jurassic Park on Kauai starts at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens.
A not to be missed Poipu adventure takes you deep into the Allerton Garden. Not only are the gardens exquisite, but they also have a storied past association with both TV shows and movies. Enjoy the ceiling-high roots of their famous Moreton Bay fig trees. Those are the ones that are seen in both Jurassic Park (1993) and Pirates of the Caribbean.
To visit the garden, you’ll take part in one of their tours which you won’t regret. The cost is $60 for adults and $30 for children up to 12 for the 2.5-hour tour. The tours are totally unlike anything you’ve experienced and are part garden and art exhibit. You’ll be guided through splendid “garden rooms” with exotic plants, water features, and sculptures. Another tour we like is their sunset tour after hours, which includes Allerton Garden and the Allerton Beach and Estate.
The Allerton Garden (sister to the McBride Garden, which is toured separately) is “a masterpiece of landscape architecture named one of the ’50 Places of a Lifetime’ by National Geographic Traveler.”
Then head to Jurassic Falls on Kauai.
Not long ago, BOH editors Rob and Jeff landed at Jurassic Falls, the actual name of which is Manawaiopuna Falls, and couldn’t have enjoyed it more.
First, you will have this falls virtually all to yourself. When we landed there with six people, we came into the valley and then dropped precipitously to the landing at this epic location. This is unquestionable “chicken skin” quality. See our Jurassic Falls review for all the details. The falls, which are at the headwaters of the Hanapepe River, feature prominently in the background of multiple scenes from the 1993 Steven Spielberg film Jurassic Park. It’s located on private property and is only accessible via one helicopter tour, which has an exclusive agreement with the landowner.
Jurassic Park Gate Trail on Kauai.
What’s left are the two poles from the famous park sign in the movie. Trail reviews are mixed. Most feel reaching it in a 4-wheel drive vehicle is better than the 10-mile hike. There’s also a small swimming hole as a reward for your efforts. It is located near Kapaa. Our suggestion before going is to research the hike on All Trails.
Jurassic Park at Kualoa Ranch Oahu.
Kualoa Ranch, on the north shore of Oahu, is the site of many scenes from three Jurassic Park iterations (Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, and The Fallen Kingdom). When Hurricane Iniki hit, this is where Spielberg changed locations for the final scenes he had planned for Kauai.
The 2.5-hour Jurassic Adventure Tour takes you to their iconic film locations in Kualoa, Hakipuu, and Kaaawa Valleys. It’s a slow and bumpy ride to see the original film locations, plus those for the sequels. According to Kualoa Ranch, you’ll “Relive the excitement of the Indominus Rex paddock with its 60-foot walls, the bunkers, and authentic dinosaur cages used in the movies, and visit the most famous field of all the Jurassic franchise, where the galli… galli… gallimimus are flocking this way!”
You may not know that editor Rob is a regular at Kualoa Ranch, where he performs weddings. Ironically, it is the gyro sphere depot of “Jurassic World” where editor Rob has performed weddings. But that’s another story. The ranch is renowned for its Jurassic Adventure Tour. Its beauty is epic, which belies its short distance from bustling Honolulu. You’ll find dozens of waterfalls in the valley where the movie scenes were filmed.
At Kualoa Ranch, the Jurassic Adventure Tours are priced as follows: Adults, $139.95; children, $69.95.
Behind-the-scenes filming of Jurassic Park.
Watch this fascinating video below from the filming on Kauai. Go to the 20-minute mark to see the falls in action.
Have you toured any of the Jurassic Park locations?
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Just a tip about Kualoa Jeep trip–the last 20 minutes are Extremely rough. I have permanent neck damage as a result. Yes, we are warned, but I had no idea it was be that bad. I have only myself to blame, but think it’s worth warning others. It’s great for movie buffs, as its far more than Jurassic Park.
Hi Sherri.
We’re very sorry to hear that. Thanks for letting us know.
Aloha.