12 Hawaii Spots Where Dinosaurs Roamed (In The Jurassic Park Movie, Of Course)

Lights, Camera, Roarrrr..

The Jurassic Park filming has been part of Hawaii for over 30 years now, since 1993.

Hawaii’s lush landscapes provide the perfect prehistoric backdrop and look as wild and untamed as the dinosaurs themselves.

These are 12 places in Hawaii where scenes from Jurassic Park were filmed, along with things you do at each site.

Kualoa Ranch, Oahu

Wild herds of dinosaurs once stampeded across Kualoa Ranch’s sweeping spaces.

You must have seen it on screen once in Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. What’s happening now? The ranch offers movie site tours focused specifically on Jurassic Park filming.

You can see the fallen tree where Dr. Grant finds dinosaur eggs, as well as the Indominus Rex paddock from Jurassic World. Prop dinosaur bones and footprints are scattered throughout the ranch too.

Na Pali Coast, Kauai

Every film in the Jurassic Park series features Kauai, Hawaii’s fourth-largest island, as the fictional Isla Nublar, the birthplace and home to the resurrected dinosaurs.

The Na Pali Cast doubles as the mysterious “Site B” (Isla Sorna), and the opening helicopter scene of Jurassic Park was filmed here.

Since cars can’t reach this dramatic coastline, you can join boat tours that let you see the coast from the same angle as in the films.

Take a helicopter tour (just like the movie scene) and recreate the iconic arrival scene.

Manawaiopuna Falls, Kauai

“Jurassic Falls” is the local nickname for Manawaiopuna Falls. It marks the spot where the iconic helicopter scenes from the first film took place.

This 400-foot waterfall appears in the opening of Jurassic Park.

They’re on private property but visible via helicopter tour, some of which include the Jurassic Park theme music during the approach.

Halona Beach, Oahu

The beach is nicknamed “Eternity Beach” due to its film appearances.

In Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Owen, Claire, and Franklin survive their ordeal and wash up on Halona Beach.

The beach requires a short hike to access, and the reward is dramatic ocean views. Try visiting during the winter months for the chance to see whales from the beach.

Allerton Garden, Kauai

The garden’s famous Moreton Bay fig trees appear in multiple scenes. Some of the plants seen in the films are still growing in the garden.

These massive plants in Hawaii caught the eye of Jurassic Park’s location scouts since they needed greenery big enough to feed a Brachiosaurus herd.

Honolulu Zoo, Oahu

Between Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, sits Honolulu Zoo in Kapi’olani Regional Park, which transformed into Isla Nublar’s children’s petting zoo for Jurassic World.

The zoo’s African Savanna exhibit was used for herbivore scenes, and some of the zoo’s structures appear as park buildings in the films.

Though real dinosaurs don’t roam here, wildlife does – from orangutans and Komodo dragons to lemurs, giraffes, sloths, rhinos, penguins, and elephants, plus various reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

The zoo also offers “Movie Night” events featuring Jurassic Park films.

Kipu Kai, Kauai

Remember that peaceful beach scene from the Lost World?

It takes place at Kipu Kai in the opening scene right before those tiny dinosaurs disrupt the Bowman family’s day.

Only accessible by boat or with special permission, you can join ATV tours of nearby Kipu Ranch which offers views of the beach from above.

Hawaii Convention Center, Oahu

The Hawaii Convention Center played the part of the Hilton Isla Nublar Resort in Jurassic World. The center’s glass exterior mimics the futuristic look of Jurassic World.

The large open spaces allowed for complex filming setups. Now? The center sometimes hosts Jurassic Park-themed events, so check their calendar before you go.

Ho’opi’i Falls, Kauai

The supposed Mano de Dios Amber Mine (the source of the dinosaur DNA-containing mosquito fossils) in the original film, sits near Ho’opi’i Falls on Kauai.

Fun fact: Two separate waterfalls were used for different scenes, and they’re less crowded than some other Jurassic Park locations.

Garden of Eden Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Maui

The scientists’ dramatic helicopter arrival in the movie showcases this Maui garden.

Along the famous Hana Highway stands “Jurassic Rock” – named Keōpuka Rock – which appears in that memorable scene.

The garden offers guided “Jurassic Tours” highlighting filming locations, and you can stand in the same spot as the actors during famous scenes.

He’eia State Park, Oahu

The park’s fishpond appears in underwater scenes, while its diverse landscapes were used for multiple sets.

Owen’s search for the velociraptor Blue in Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom leads him to He’eia State Park, located on Oahu’s windward side in Kaneohe.

Kayak tours allow visitors to explore filming locations from the water.

Hangar 79, Oahu

The hangar houses exhibits about both Pearl Harbor and Jurassic Park.

Filmwise, the reunion scene at Jurassic World’s end unfolds in Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s Hangar 79. The museum sometimes displays props from the movies, too.

Beyond the movie, this historic structure bears witness to December 7, 1941, with bullet holes from the Pearl Harbor attack still marking its blue glass windows.