7 Breathtaking Places on Oahu That Feel Like Jurassic Park

The Jurassic Park movies were filmed all over the Hawaiian islands, but you’ll find some of the most iconic Jurassic Park filming locations on Oahu.

In this article, I’m sharing seven unique places on Oahu that will make you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park! This includes actual filming sites you can visit in person (like that unforgettable valley where the characters see dinosaurs for the very time) and other places to visit on Oahu that have that rugged, awe-inspiring Jurassic Park feel.

As you plan your Hawaii vacation, be sure to check out my other Hawaii travel guides for practical tips and unmissable destinations that I’ve enjoyed throughout my Hawaii travels.

👋🏽 Note from the author: Did this article impact the way you planned your trip? Have any questions? Please comment at the end of the article! It helps this blog grow and helps me know what types of articles to write more. 💛

1. Kualoa Ranch (Jurassic Park Filming Location!)

With the towering lush Kanehoalani mountains, and iconic Ka’a’awa Valley (Jurassic Valley) where Jurassic Park’s most memorable scene was filmed, Kualoa Ranch is undoubtedly the best place on Oahu to feel like you’re in Jurassic Park.

The 4000-acre ranch is privately owned and operates a variety of adventurous tours daily, like horseback riding through the iconic Ka’a’awa Valley where Jurassic Park was filmed, Hollywood movie site tours, and even zip lining through Jurassic Valley.

If you’re most interested in seeing Jurassic Park filming sites, I would recommend one of these two experiences:

🛻 Official Jurassic Park Adventure Tour at Kuoala Ranch: Experience some of the most breathtaking Jurassic Park filming sites in an open-air vehicle (looks a bit like the Jeeps in the movies!) Tour details.

🥾 Jurassic Valley Zipline: An adventurous way to see Jurassic Valley with 14 unique zipline cables plus suspension bridges. Tour details.

You can see a little bit of Kualoa Ranch without going on a tour, but mostly just around the gift shop and ticket area. You’ll also get the same Kanehoalani mountain views from across the street at Kualoa Park, a free public park. That said, you do need to go on a tour at Kualoa Ranch if you want to see the iconic Ka’a’awa Valley.

Travel Tip: I learned the hard way that all of Kualoa Ranch’s tours sell out in advance! Be sure to book your experience at least a few days ahead, but ideally even earlier if you want to do one of the most popular tours like the Jurassic adventure tour.

2. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is a free-to-visit 400-acre botanical garden nestled up against some of Oahu’s most gorgeous lush mountains. It is located in Kāneʻohe, just a short drive from Kailua’s famous Lanikai Beach and on the way to Kualoa Ranch from Honolulu.

As you drive into the park you’ll probably recognize the views from viral travel videos – the lush mountains and foliage are so picturequse they practically beg to be photographed!

You can walk, hike, and explore tropical flora and fauna from Hawaii and several other tropical regions, or just gaze up at those breathtaking mountains! There is also a beautiful pond, which is a perfect spot for a picnic.

That said, it can be difficult to find spots with a view of the mountains. It wasn’t until my third trip to Oahu that I found the spot where I took the photo above since Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is a little confusing to navigate. My favorites spots in Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden are pinned on my Oahu map if you want find them more easily!

3. Sacred Falls

This 800-foot waterfall cascades down vibrant green mountains and absolutely looks like its straight out of Jurassic Park. The problem is, the only legal way to witness Sacred Falls is from a helicopter.

Thankfully, it’s very easy to book a helicopter tour of Oahu that includes a flight over Sacred Falls. I always recommend this 60-minute Oahu helicopter tour, which hits all the best sites including Sacred Falls, Lanikai Beach and the Mokes, Hanauma Bay, the North Shore, Diamond Head, USS Arizona Memorial, and everywhere in between. You can choose between a doors off or doors on helicopter tour, but I highly recommend doors off for the most immersive experience (and best photos)!

And of course flying over the rugged landscapes of Oahu on a helicopter makes you feel like you’re arriving at Jurassic Park just like in the movies!

Note: Sacred Falls State Park has been closed to the public for 25 years for safety reasons and although some people still attempt to hike to the falls, it is not something I’d recommend as it’s both illegal and disrespectful.

4. Kaʻena Point State Park

Situated on the northwest corner of Oahu, Kaʻena Point State Park is one of the most underrated places on Oahu. Most people visit to see the sea lions and tide pools on an 2.5-mile easy hike beside the ocean. But the uniquely shaped lush mountains right beside the path are reminiscent of the lush rolling hills and mountains of Jurassic Park.

Although I’d been to Oahu’s North Shore a handful of times, it wasn’t until my most recent trip when I stayed on the North Shore that I ventured over to this side. It’s easy to miss since most of the North Shore’s attractions are in and east of Haleiwa, but if you head west you’ll escape the crowds and be delighted with rugged mountains that jet up along the coastline.

Keep in mind that there are two ways to get to Ka’ena Point Park, from the North Shore and from the leeward side. The part I’m referencing here is the North Shore entrance, which I have linked on my Oahu map. The drive between the entrances is over an hour (yes, some locals will drive through the park with high clearance vehicles but trust me it’s not something you want to do in a rental car!)

If you do get my free Oahu map you’ll notice that one of my favorite beaches on Oahu is just a few minutes away from Ka’ena Point, so make sure to stop there, too!

5. Mt. Olomana (Three Peaks Hike)

Mt. Olomana features some of the most unique landscapes on Oahu. The tall, skinny ridge has three distinct peaks, and you can actually hike along the ridgeline!

Most people will recommend that you only hike to the first or second peak as the last bit of the trail to the third peak has taken several lives. Plus, you actually get the best views from the first and second peak so it’s not worth risking your life by hiking to the third.

On my most recent visit to Oahu I hike to the first peak, which was challenging, but so worth it for the 360 views, and especially for the views of the second and third peak (see the photo!) It is a short hike (under 2 miles to the first peak), but that does not mean it is easy! There are several parts where you have to scramble/climb up rock, assisted by ropes.

It’s also worth mentioning that there isn’t any parking at the trailhead, we had to walk over a mile from a nearby neighborhood. All things considered, Olomana is a bucket list hike and if you’re looking for those otherworldy rugged landscapes we associate with Jurassic Park, this is an incredible hike to consider! Start early in the morning, be cautious (don’t overestimate your abilities), and do not hike alone.

6. Wahiawā Botanical Garden

Wahaiwa Botanical Garden is another free botanical garden on Oahu, but it’s quite different than Hoʻomaluhia. You don’t get any mountain views, but the dense tropical foliage that encapsulates you makes up for that.

The landscapes remind me of that scene in the first Jurassic Park movie where t-rex throws the car into a tree and Alan has to climb up to rescue the kid (Tim), who is stuck in the car, in the tree.

Wahaiwa Botanical Garden is located in Wahaiwa, a town in the middle of Oahu that you pass if you’re driving between the North Shore and Honolulu. While this botanical garden might not have any stunning mountain views, I really enjoyed wandering around it and would recommend stopping here if you’re looking for something to do in the area. I also recommend nearby Surfer Coffee for a delicious drink!

7. Makapuʻu Lookout & Surrounding Area

If you head to Oahu’s southeastern side and drive along the scenic Kalaniana’ole Highway you’ll also have the chance to see a few more filming locations for the Jurassic Park series (and many other movies).

Specifically, the Makai Research Pier was used as the entry point for Jurassic Park in the Jurassic World film. Here’s a little secret: the tiny beach near Makai Research Pier is an excellent, lesser known place for snorkeling! The pier itself isn’t anything too special, but if you’re a big fan of the movies it’s worth seeing one of the original filming sites.

Around the same area I recommend stopping at the Makapuʻu Lookout (see my photo), which has one of the best views on Oahu. Nearby Halona Beach Cove is a charming little beach that was featured in a variety of films including From Here to Eternity, 50 First Dates, and Pirates of the Caribbean. And two more places to see in the area include Hanauma Bay (reservations required for snorkeling) and Koko Head, which is one of my favorite hikes on the island.

Bonus: Interstate H3 and Haiku Valley

If you drive between Honolulu and Kailua or Kaneohe, you might end up on Interstate H3, which winds through green mountains that spike up toward the sky. You’ll also drive over Haiku Valley, which boasts a beautiful view of these mountains.

The drive itself is gorgeous, but you can soak the views in for longer if you get dinner (or happy hour) at Haleiwa Joe’s Kaneohe in Haiku Valley (not to be confused with their location on the North Shore of Oahu!)

I’ll admit I haven’t had the chance to visit Haleiwa Joe’s yet, but I’ve heard wonderful things about it and the pictures speak for themselves! Reservations are recommended, but if you show up and have to wait, you can walk around the gardens until your table is ready!