Kauai Jurassic Park Feature Image.

Kauai Jurassic Park: Top 7 Filming Locations to Visit in Kauai Hawaii

By visiting Kauai Jurassic Park, it feels that you are in ancient era. Kauai isn’t only the ‘Garden Isle’, but aptly also the background of some of Hollywood’s most iconic moments. This tropical location introduced the real life Jurassic Park of the big screen.

we suggest you take an excursion, a helicopter ride, and a movie site tour around the island. Do you dream of stepping inside the miraculous lives of dinosaurs? For ages, the nature of the dinosaur world has managed to hold us in awe.

Kauai Jurassic Park

Key Takeaways

  • Immerse Yourself in Cinematic Nature: Explore the lush landscapes where Hollywood magic brought dinosaurs to life, and experience the wonder of Kauai’s breathtaking beauty. These iconic filming locations are the island’s best-kept natural secrets.
  • Relive Jurassic Park Moments: Jurassic Park sites in Kauai provide an unforgettable way to relive your favorite film moments in real life as towers, waterfalls, and rainforests.
  • Capture Stunning Photos: And don’t forget to bring your camera because what you’ll love the most are the legendary filming spots that will give you the most picture perfect pics forever.

Jurassic Park movies and their iconic scenes shot in the Hawaiian Islands, especially Kauai island, are great views to read, and we all love them. This combination will add to a great Jurassic Park tour experience, making you feel like a star in your dinosaur adventure. That’s why we’ve fastened our seatbelts and are ready for the ride of a lifetime as we go through the seven best Kauai filming locations. This guide will help you on your next Kauai visit to see those locations for real with imaginary dinosaurs.

7 Best Kauai Jurassic Park Filming Locations

Here is the list of the 7 most incredible lieu tournage Jurassic Park Kauai:

1. The Dramatic Helicopter Landing at Manawaiopuna Falls, Hanapepe Valley (South Kauai)

Besides Jurassic Park film, Hanapepe Valley served as one of the filming locations for the scene in which the helicopter lands in that movie.

The helicopter making the landing, with a 400ft waterfall backdrop, on the mysterious Isla Nublar is an unforgettable moment. You’re just in awe of how beautiful this place is!

The Dramatic Helicopter Landing at Manawaiopuna Falls Hanapepe Valley South Kauai
Hanapepe Valley, South, Kauai. Manawaiopuna (Wailua) Falls Dramatic Helicopter Landing Place.

This location perfectly conveys the sense of an untouched world where dinosaurs used to roam freely, adding an authentic layer to the film. Filming at this place comes with challenges, as it’s not easily accessible by conventional means.

All this breathes a touch of reality into the film, with the characters becoming dependent on helicopters in order to get from place to place.

While “Jurassic Park” is a beautiful movie, it demonstrates not only the movie’s great camera work but the beauty that surrounds Kauai.

Manawaiopuna Falls’ contribution to the film and worldwide impact encourages choosing this perfect filming location.

2. Raptor Egg Discovery at Allerton Garden, Lawai, on the South Shore

Raptor Egg Discovery at Allerton Garden Lawaion the South Shore
Allerton Garden, where fantasy meets reality in the form of Raptor Egg Discovery

The Allerton Garden is the hottest tourist point on Kauai, and these tourists come from different parts of the world. Some parts of the film “Jurassic Park” and “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” were shouted at this garden. The atmosphere of the garden is filled with picturesque flowers, plants and waterfalls.

The National Tropical Garden, which oversees the botanical gardens, supervises it. This organization houses the most extensive collection of native Hawaiian plant species. Allerton Garden presents an unforgettable adventure with its foreign plants, long trees, and secret pathways.

Step into the Allerton Garden, where fantasy meets reality in the form of Raptor Egg Discovery. Be alert as you explore this lush paradise, and you might reach the raptor eggs. As you wander this botanical wonderland, imagine yourself as a paleontologist hunting for dinosaur eggs.

3. The Amber Mine at Hoopii Falls, Kapaa (East Kauai)

Hoopii Falls is another popular tourist spot on Kauai in the Wailua River State Park. This area is shown in the Jurassic Park-1 movie as the Manon De Dios Amber Mine in the Dominican Republic. Here, a mosquito was discovered enclosed in amber, whose DNA was later used to populate Jurassic Park with dinosaurs.

The Amber Mine at Hoopii Falls Kapaa East Kauai
The Amber Mine at Hoopii Falls Kapaa East Kauai

These falls are much more beautiful in real life than in the movie scene and are about 30 feet tall, offering a stunning view of the Wailua River. You can reach here after some light hiking. Its trail follows private property, so be sure to stay on the trail.

There may not be real amber mines here but the calm and attractive atmosphere will make you feel like you are in paradise. Keep an eye in the mud for dinosaur footprints and let your imagination run as you explore this heaven on Kauai.

4. Pilaa Beach (North Side)

Pilaa Beach North Side
Pilaa Beach on North Side of Kauai

Pilaa Beach is a beautiful white-sand beach on Kauai’s north side. Many films like Jurassic Park 3 were shooted here because of its amazing ancient looking views.

Remember to keep your camera nearby, as you never know what surprises might come to you as you travel here.

5. Jurassic Kahili Ranch, Spotting the Dinosaur Herd—Kilauea on the North Side

Jurassic Kahili Ranch is a private ranch over 2800 acres at the North side of Kauai. In fact, “Jurassic Park” and two of its sequels have been shot at this location. This allows them to have a perfect look to come in through the film and introduce the big dinosaurs.

Jurassic Kahili Ranch Spotting the Dinosaur Herd Kilaueaon the North Side
Jurassic Kahili Ranch Spotting the Dinosaur Herd Kilaueaon the North Side

Although it is open to the public and most locals also like to hike and horseback ride here. The ranch has now started a private tour facility for the public. So visit their website for more information if you are interested.

6. The Na Pali Coast—Northwest Kauai Shoreline

The NaPali Coast North west Kauai Shore line
The NaPali Coast North west Kauai Shore line

The Na Pali coast is a paradise for nature lovers due to its well-calm coastline, green valleys, and tall cliffs next to the sea. It was a filming site for Jurassic Park in 1993 and Jurassic World in 2015.

The most suitable way to experience this coast is by boat; however, some decide to see it from the air. Whether you opt for a helicopter, boat tour, or travel on foot, every moment will be thrilling and breathless.

7. Waita Reservoir, Koloa (West Kauai)

Another one of those adventurous locations to be found on the west side of Kauai is Waita Reservoir. You will be treated to some amazing views of Mt Hapu and the Black Mountain range on this epic off-road adventure. This reservoir is the place for a two-in-one adventure, if you’re up for watching the calm water and the beautiful scenery.

Waita Reservoir Koloa West Kauai
Waita Reservoir Koloa West Kauai

Think of yourself as an adventurous explorer. By boat or canoe, you can discover the secrets of the reservoir hidden in its coves and islands. Remember to look for signs of dinosaur activity as you navigate through the misty waters.

Kauai Explorations That Should Be in a Movie

If you have experienced the exciting exploration of Kauai’s filming locations, you should discover more adventurous activities. Exploring Kauai’s scenes on helicopter tours or ATV adventures offers multiple experiences perfect for the big screen.

Its incredible valleys, beautiful waterfalls, isolated beaches, and amazing rainforests prove that the movie was filmed there. Check out these experiences to extend your movie interests because the areas you can explore here, can’t be explored anywhere else. Some of these experiences are listed in the following.

  • Sightseeing “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
  • Wailua River Kayak Tours
  • ATV waterfall swim tour in Kipu Ranch
  • Mountain tubing through canals
  • Helicopter tours of the island

Similar Adventures to Jurassic Park Tours on Kauai

There are also plenty of activities and tours on Kauai that are inspired by the movie if you’re hankering for more dinosaur escapades on the island.

If you wish for cringe inducing experience so, definitely choose one of the helicopter tours or hike at the Jurassic Park Gate Trail.

The Dramatic Helicopter Landing at Manawaiopuna Falls Hanapepe Valley South Kauai
The Dramatic Helicopter Landing Manawaiopuna Falls Hanapepe Valley South Kauai.

Jurassic Park at Kualoa Ranch, Oahu

If the Kauai Jurassic Park trip is not satisfying enough, you can fly to the neighboring island of Oahu. Kualoa Ranch is on the northern side of the island of Oahu, and the setting was also used in three movies of “Jurassic Park.”

In this ranch, you can imagine Indominus Rex Paddock and dinosaur cages used in the movies. The ranch is famous for its Jurassic Adventure Tour, offering inspiring beauty despite its short distance from bustling Honolulu. You will face dozens of waterfalls in the valley where the reference scenes were shot.

Then what are you waiting for? Join a guided tour and explore its green valleys, historic Hawaiian shrines, and legendary movie locations. Begin an off-road experience to see the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park and take a selfie with your movie props.

Behind-the scenes-filming of Jurassic Park

You can actually book a behind-the-scenes tour of how the movie Jurassic Park was made with a local cinema enthusiast to see it. This tour gives you a little bit of an experience of the movie-making process, from the location where they shot it to behind-the-scenes stories.

FAQ

Most of Jurassic Park is filmed on Kauai, and the neighboring island Oahu also appears in some scenes. The shots were taken at Kauai’s locations, such as the Allerton Garden, Manawaiopuna Falls, and the Na Pali Coast.

Final Words

Kauai is a paradise for Jurassic Park movie lovers, with its stunning locations and waterfalls. Here everyone can enjoy exciting tours and activities with historic filming locations and memories. Be sure to add these spots to your wish list for your next trip to the island.

From towering cliffs to lush valleys, Kauai’s unmatched beauty has attracted film crews and travelers alike. there is much to observe and it give feelings that you are on any other planet.

Explore these locations and don’t forget to share your favorite Jurassic Park captured memories to your favorite ones. Are you prepared for this incredible journey of your life? It is now or never, so don’t waste coming vacations! Plan and create memories for life long assets.

References & External Links

  1. Manawaiopuna Falls
  2. The Allerton Garden

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