Visiting Kualoa Ranch in Oahu Hawaii-One of the Biggest Destinations in Oahu
Kualoa Ranch is a 4000 acre private ranch and nature reserve located on the windward side of Oahu between Waikane and Ka’a’awa.
The History of Kualoa Ranch dates back to the 13th century and the Ranch is sacred to the ancient Hawaiians. Today, it’s a working cattle ranch, in addition to being one of the biggest tourist destinations in Oahu.
Movie Sites and Jungle Tour
Over 200 movies have been partially filmed here: Jurassic Park, Kong – Skull Island, Jumanji, Narco, and Jurassic World are a few you might know. Of course, we drove at a slower pace as we rode up to the top, stopping to see where Jurassic World and Kong – Skull Island were filmed.
Jurassic World Filming Location
Our tour guide showed us where the helipad in Jurassic World was built. Additionally, we were also lucky enough to see the area that was used to CGI the hotel and stadium.
Idominus Rex Paddock
See where the Idominus Rex Paddock was built. As a matter of fact, this is the observation tower used to view the genetic hybrid dinosaur in Jurassic World. When you go, be sure to look out for the Idominus Rex claw marks on the wall.
Kong Skull Island Filming Location
Several tv shows and movies have been filmed in this area. Lost, Hawaii 5-0, as well as, 51st Dates to name a few. furthermore, here is a helicopter crash set that was left from the movie Kong – Skull Island.
Kaneohe Bay and Mokalii
Equally important, Kualoa Ranch offers some of the best views in Oahu. Moreover, here are a few pictures looking down over Kaneohe Bay and Mokalii, or Chinaman’s Hat as it’s known to the locals.
Our tour guide George, @zentourguide, gave us a great history lesson going up. Driving back down was a little crazy; George drove fast when he could, making sure he hit all the bumps and to make a point to tell us when he was going blindly over a hill. The kids loved it, the adults loved it, and everyone was whooping and hollering. All things considered, the ride down was the most exciting.
Heiau – Place of Sacred Prayer
Heiu is a traditional Hawaiian place of prayer. It allows the people to get closer to the Hawaiian gods (akua).
A Pule is a traditional Hawaiian prayer that is is spoken or chanted. Not only did we get to experience a wonderfully important place, but we also got to hear a beautiful traditional Pule before we entered the Place of Sacred Prayer.
Hawaiian Tiki Gods
There are four main gods of the Hawaiian people. For example one of them is Ku, the ancient Tiki God of War. Next is Lono, the ancient Tiki God of Fertility and Peace. Also, there is Kane, the ancient Tiki God of Light and Life. Last but not least is Kanaloa, the ancient Tiki God of the Sea. Although each God represents something different, each one is uniquely important.
Sleeping Grass
During our tour, we got out of the truck and were able to look around. As a result, one of the other tourists was able to point out a plant, known as sleeping grass. It closes up if it’s touched. Not only was it entertaining, it was educational.
