Hi Rylee,

Awesome tips, Thanks for sharing that with our readers.

Great to hear you had a great time at the Ranch, We can’t wait to get back there.

Steve

Pictures: https://creditcarrots.com/kualoa-ranch-horseback-riding-review/

Tips if you’re going:

1. Once you’re on the horse you don’t get off until the end of the tour. Make sure you sunscreen up appropriately! Most of the tour will be in direct sunlight.

2. If you ask your tour guide, he or she will gladly take some pictures of your group while riding.

3. Kualoa Ranch is about 40 minutes from Waikiki. If you’re leaving during rush hour, then budget an extra 10 minutes for Waikiki/Honolulu traffic.

4. The air conditioning in the gift shop and food area is very weak. If you don’t like the heat, then make sure you bring some ice cold water to help cool you down.

5. The tour can be very windy as the ocean winds blow into the valley. Make sure you don’t wear any loose fitting hats.

Hi Luca,

Sorry, the area is one of a few parts of the island that are private property and is actually a working ranch. This means they have the rights to restrict access at will. Unfortunately, they have chosen to only allow access via paid tours.

There are parts around the area along the highway and such but access deep into the valley is restricted. The only way to see the area properly is on a tour. You can head up to the Ranch and Visit the Gift shop and such which will give you a taste of the ranch but not the extensive and stunning scenery that you find inside the Valley. There is also the Kualoa Regional Park Across the Road which is a beautiful Beach Side Park offering lush foliage, sweeping ocean vistas and views into the Valley. This is free and has some nice walks that explore the area.

It is a shame as most of Hawaii’s beauty is available free to everyone (apart from the national parks, but the work they do is worth paying for) but this little corner of paradise is off limits. We much prefer exploring areas on our own without guides but this is one place thats not possible.

On the plus side the tours are really good!

Steve

My question is if we can just enter the area and walk around without purchasing any of the above packages. The area is incredibly beautiful.

Hi,

Hawaii is blessed with such a fantastic year round climate it dosn’t really have a low season. It has high season and really busy season. As such prices never really drop that much. More soar in the busiest months. This includes attractions. Yes the Kualoa Ranch is open year round and only closes for very adverse weather. Lots of tours operate rain or shine.

Glad you like the look of the ranch hope you make it to Hawaii soon and check it out. 

Thanks

Steve

Hi Cheryl,

Yes most of the film series was shot in Hawaii, not all on Oahu but across the islands but large parts were shot at Kualoa Ranch. Any Jurassic park fan would love it there!

Waikiki is still a fab beach it’s just VERY crowded. If you can live with that it is fine. There are also loads of theor beaches on Oahu for you to explore and find some peace!

Thanks for reading

Steve

I used to love the idea of visiting Waikiki beach till I read this post and have seen other areas that look amazing too.