Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is a private windward Oahu nature reserve and working ranch known for guided valley tours, movie sites, Koolau mountain views and Hawaiian history.

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Kualoa Ranch, Oahu

Encompassing 4,000 acres of lush valleys and mountains on Oahu's windward coast near the town of Ka'a'awa, Kualoa Ranch has some of the most beautiful scenery on the island. It is no wonder that it has served as a Hollywood filming location for many popular movies in the past, including Jurassic Park, Godzilla and 50 First Dates.

Family-owned since 1850, visitors can take part in a wide variety of activities and educational programs here, such as horseback rides, UTV tours, movie tours, a Jungle Expedition, a Hawaiian Fishpond & Garden Tour, hula lessons and a snorkeling excursion to Kaneohe Bay with a picnic on a “secret” island. Kualoa Ranch also has a shooting range, a petting zoo and a visitor's center with a gift shop. They have individual half- and full-day tour packages.

Kualoa is also known as one of the most sacred places on the island of Oahu. There are many legends and myths surrounding the Kualoa Valley. For example, it is believed that the ranch's Moli'i fishpond was built by the Menehune, the legendary little people of Hawaii, within just one night.

Key Features

4,000-acre private nature reserve and working ranch
Located on Oahu's windward side near Ka'a'awa
Known for Ka'a'awa Valley and dramatic Koolau mountain views
Guided tours are required for most ranch areas
Movie-site, UTV, horseback, zipline, jungle and ocean-side tours may be offered
Family-owned ranch with roots dating to 1850
Kualoa, Hakipu'u and Ka'a'awa lands are part of the ranch setting
National Register historic listings are part of the ranch's preservation story
Private property, so visitors should stay with guides and marked tour areas
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for popular tours

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Kualoa Ranch connected with so many movies?

The wide valleys, steep Koolau cliffs and open ranch roads have made Kualoa a favorite filming location for adventure scenes, especially in Ka'a'awa Valley.

What does Kualoa mean?

Kualoa is often translated as "long back," a name that fits the long ridge and mountain setting behind the ranch.

Is Kualoa Ranch only a movie-location attraction?

No. Movie tours are popular, but the ranch is also known for Hawaiian history, working ranch land, fishpond stories, agricultural areas, ocean views and preservation of a large windward Oahu landscape.

Can you see Mokolii Island from Kualoa Ranch?

Yes. Many areas near the ranch look toward Mokolii Island, also called Chinaman's Hat, in Kaneohe Bay.

Why do Kualoa Ranch tours feel different from beach or town stops?

The ranch is private land with controlled access, so the visit feels more like a guided journey through valleys, ranch roads and cultural landscapes than an open public park visit.