Tracking Hawaii’s Jurassic Park Filming Sites On Oahu And Kauai

The prehistoric world of Jurassic Park came alive in Hawaii’s lush landscapes, standing in for the fictional Isla Nublar. Directors chose these islands for their dramatic mountains, untouched rainforests, and prehistoric feel that perfectly matched their vision.

Exploring these filming locations on Oahu and Kauai offers fans a chance to step into the movie and experience the magic firsthand.

1. Kualoa Ranch: The Heart Of Jurassic Valley

This 4,000-acre working cattle ranch on Oahu’s northeastern coast has starred in multiple Jurassic films, earning its nickname “Jurassic Valley.” The stunning Ka?a?awa Valley served as the backdrop for the iconic dinosaur stampede scene.

Visitors can take guided movie site tours that highlight filming locations such as the fallen log where characters hid in the original film. Tours also feature areas used in Jurassic World, making Kualoa a must-visit for true fans.

2. M?n?waiopuna Falls: The Iconic Arrival Scene

Remember when the helicopter descended toward the island in the original Jurassic Park? That breathtaking 400-foot waterfall is M?n?waiopuna Falls on Kauai’s western side.

Hidden deep in Hanapepe Valley on private property, the falls are nicknamed “Jurassic Falls” by locals. Access requires booking a helicopter tour, as there are no hiking trails to reach it. The dramatic cascade remains virtually unchanged since filming, offering visitors the authentic Jurassic Park arrival experience.

3. Limahuli Garden: Home To The Raptor Enclosure

Part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kauai’s north shore, Limahuli Garden provided the lush setting seen in the film. The dense tropical foliage created the perfect prehistoric atmosphere.

This carefully preserved botanical garden features ancient terraces and native Hawaiian plants. While no set structures remain, fans can still walk the same paths surrounded by the tropical vegetation that gave the movie its primeval look.

4. Ho?opi?i Falls: The Amber Mine Entrance

This hidden gem on Kauai’s east side doubled as the fictional “Mano de Dios Amber Mine” in the film’s opening sequence. The two-tiered waterfall system creates a mysterious jungle setting that perfectly matched the movie’s vision for the Dominican Republic amber mine.

The falls are accessible via a forest hike, with the upper falls featured most prominently in the film. While the set dressing is gone, the natural rock formations and cascading waters remain virtually identical to their appearance in the 1993 classic.

5. Na Pali Coast: The Spectacular Island Approach

The rugged, emerald cliffs of Na Pali Coast on Kauai’s northwest shore created those unforgettable first glimpses of Isla Nublar. These dramatic 4,000-foot sea cliffs, shaped by millions of years of erosion, provided the perfect prehistoric-looking coastline.

For the full Jurassic experience, boat tours offer the most movie-accurate perspective. Helicopter tours showcase the same sweeping aerial views seen in the films. The jagged mountains and verdant valleys remain untouched since filming, allowing visitors to experience the island exactly as the characters did.

6. Makai Research Pier: Jurassic World’s Ferry Dock

Located on Oahu’s southeastern shore in Waimanalo, this oceanographic research pier transformed into the bustling ferry dock where visitors arrived at Jurassic World. The concrete structure extends 1,200 feet into Makapu?u Bay’s turquoise waters.

While the movie added extensive set dressing, the basic structure remains recognizable to fans. The pier is publicly accessible, allowing visitors to stand where fictional guests first stepped foot on Isla Nublar in the 2015 film. The stunning coastal views and crystal-clear waters make it worth visiting even for non-fans.

7. Halona Beach Cove: Fallen Kingdom’s Shoreline

Tucked away on Oahu’s southeastern shore, this small pocket beach starred in 2018’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Famous for its appearance in the beach rescue scene, the intimate cove features striking volcanic rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

Also known as “Eternity Beach” from its role in the film From Here to Eternity, this location is accessible via a short but steep path. The beach looks almost identical to its film appearance, though visitors should check tide conditions before visiting, as high surf can sometimes make access dangerous.

8. Hanapepe Valley: The Prehistoric Backdrop

This expansive valley on Kauai’s western side provided many of the wide establishing shots that gave Isla Nublar its prehistoric feel. Its vast, undeveloped landscape features the perfect mix of lush rainforest and dramatic mountain terrain.

The valley is best viewed from the air, as much of it remains inaccessible by road. Helicopter tours offer the same perspective seen in the films. Many scenes featuring dinosaurs grazing in wide-open fields were filmed here, with the valley’s natural beauty requiring minimal special effects.

9. Jurassic Kahili Ranch: Where Dinosaurs Roamed

Formerly known as Kipu Ranch, this 3,000-acre private cattle ranch on Kauai provided settings for several key outdoor scenes. The expansive grassy fields where the Gallimimus flocked in the original film were shot here.

The property is private, but film location tours in Kauai often highlight its role in the movies. The open pastures remain recognizable from the scene where Dr. Grant and the children are chased by a dinosaur herd.

10. Allerton Garden: Dinosaur Egg Discovery Site

Part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kauai’s south shore, Allerton Garden’s prehistoric atmosphere made it perfect for the raptor nest discovery scene. The garden’s massive Moreton Bay fig trees with their distinctive buttress roots created an otherworldly setting.

These same trees can be visited today on guided tours through the garden. Though no dinosaur eggs remain, fans immediately recognize the location from the film. The garden preserves the iconic setting where actors made their dramatic discovery.