Kauai Jurassic Park: 7 Best Sensational Filming Locations
By visiting Kauai Jurassic Park, it feels that you are in ancient era. Kauai is not only the ‘Garden Isle’, it is also the iconic backdrop for some of Hollywood’s most thrilling moments. Known as the real life Jurassic Park, this tropical location brought dinosaurs to life on 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.
“Stepping into Kauai’s Jurassic Park filming locations is like walking into a living postcard—where nature’s grandeur becomes your own adventure story.”
Andrew McCarthy, American Travel Writer and Actor
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: From towering waterfalls to dense rainforests, Kauai’s Jurassic Park sites offer an unforgettable way to relive your favorite film moments in real life.
- Capture Stunning Photos: Don’t forget your camera—these legendary filming spots provide picture-perfect opportunities to snap memories that will last a lifetime.
Viewers love Jurassic Park movies and its iconic scenes, which are filmed in the Hawaiian Islands, especially on Kauai island. This combination will add to a great Jurassic Park tour experience, making you feel like a star in your dinosaur adventure. So, fasten your seatbelt and prepare for a thrilling journey as we explore the seven best filming locations of Kauai. 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 Jurassic Park filming locations in Kauai:
1. The Dramatic Helicopter Landing at Manawaiopuna Falls, Hanapepe Valley (South Kauai)
In the Jurassic Park film, the helicopter landing scene at Manawaiopuna is a cinematic masterpiece in the breathtaking Hanapepe Valley. The helicopter landing on the mysterious Isla Nublar, with a towering 400-foot waterfall background, is an unforgettable moment that will leave you in awe of the sheer beauty of this location.
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.
The characters’ dependence on helicopters for transportation adds a touch of reality to the film. This scene shows not only the cinematic excellence of “Jurassic Park” but also the beauty of 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
The Allerton Garden is the most popular place on Kauai, loved by people visiting from all over the world. This garden was filmed in “Jurassic Park” and “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” movies. The garden has a unique atmosphere of 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.
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 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. This beach is also well-known for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
No doubt It is challenging for inexperienced hikers to get to it. 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
The Jurassic Kahili Ranch is a private ranch in Kilauea, which is spread over 2800 acres on the north side of Kauai. This location has been shot in “Jurassic World” and two other Jurassic Park movies. The vast and expansive grass here gives a perfect look to introduce the dinosaurs in the film.
It’s also well-liked for hiking and horseback riding among locals, yet it’s only sometimes open to the public. 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 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 adventurous location is the Waita Reservoir in Koloa, located on the west side of Kauai. On this exciting off-road adventure, you can experience stunning views of Mt. Hapu and the Black Mountain Range. This reservoir is the place for a two-in-one adventure, if you’re up for watching the calm water and the beautiful scenery.
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
If you’re hungry for more Jurassic Park adventures, Kauai offers a wide range of activities and tours inspired by the movie. You can choose from multiple options, like helicopter rides, guided hikes, or off-road adventures.
Get ready for a blockbuster experience, whether you choose the Jurassic Park Gate Trail or a helicopter tour.
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
To see the movie-making process of Jurassic Park, we can book a behind-the-scenes tour with a local cinema enthusiast. These tours give a unique experience of the movie-making process, from the filming location to behind-the-scenes stories. We can also research the difficulties of bringing dinosaurs on-screen and gain a new appreciation for movie-making magic.
FAQ
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.
