9 Jurassic Park Filming Locations You Can Visit
And you won't even have to worry about dinosaur stampedes.
Almost 30 years have passed since the original Jurassic Park film was released, and it's safe to assume that Steven Spielberg and Co. were confident they had a blockbuster on their hands. Some of the more optimistic studio execs might have foreseen a future with a massive franchise, merchandise, spin-offs, and theme park tie-ins, but it's still pretty surprising that all this time later fans are still wondering what's next following the conclusion of the second trilogy with 2022's Jurassic World Dominion.
Spoiler alert: There will be more movies.
Until the next project becomes a little clearer, though, fans can still enjoy and visit some of the films' major stars. The islands of Hawaii provided the backdrops that helped the mystical homes of dinosaurs come to life. Here are nine Jurassic Park filming locations you can visit on your next trip to Hawaii. Please note that some locations are on private property, so it's important to follow posted signs.
This spot may look familiar. Dubbed Hollywood's "backlot of Hawaii," Kualoa Ranch has served as the filming locations for several movies and TV shows, including Hawaii Five-0, LOST, Kong: Skull Island and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. One of the most notable movies filmed here is the first Jurassic Park, and several scenes from Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom were filmed here as well.
While being chased by dinosaurs, Grant and the kids took cover behind a fallen log, which almost wasn't part of the film. In 1992, production was forced to move from Kauai to Oahu for a few final scenes due to Hurricane Iniki. Had the storm not caused the location change, this famous fallen log would never have made its big screen debut. The log is a popular photo op on Kualoa Ranch's movie tours.
In an early scene of the first Jurassic Park, a helicopter lands at the base of a beautiful waterfall. You'll find this spot on Kauai—in fact, Manawaiopuna Falls is now commonly referred to as "Jurassic Park Falls." Want to recreate the scene? The site is located on private property and is only accessible via helicopter, so you'll need to take a tour with one of the helicopter companies that are permitted landing access, like Island Helicopters Kauai.
In 1997's Lost World, Kauai's NaPali Coastline is shown as the fictional Isla Sorna, which is located approximately 90 miles from the fictional Isla Nublar.
Kipu Kai, Kauai
One of Kauai's beaches, Kipu Kai, is also featured in Lost World, and can be seen when the Bowmans are dining on the beach. Located on Kauai's southeastern side near Moleuhu, the beach is difficult to access and can only be reached via boat. To catch a glimpse of the area, take a Kipu Kai Ranch tour.
Pilaa Beach, Kauai
Jurassic Park III's final rescue scene features Kauai's Pilaa Beach. This difficult-to-access beach is infrequently visited and not good for swimming. But if you brave the steep, rocky access trail you'll be rewarded with stunning views and solitude.
Jurassic Kahili Ranch, Kauai
Other scenes from Jurassic Park III were filmed at Jurassic Kahili Ranch, however the ranch is private property. No tours are available and the no trespassing rules are strictly enforced.
For 2015's Jurassic World, the helicopter entrance scene was filmed on the north shore of Maui, near the Garden of Eden Arboretum.
Also in Jurassic World, the Nublar ferry arrives on the Makai Research Pier, which is open to the public. The Navatek Boat that doubled for the ferry in the movie has since been retired, but you can whale watch or go for a dinner cruise on one of the company's newer vessels.
In Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, when Owen, Claire, and Franklin wash ashore after escaping a volcanic eruption and dinosaur stampede (because it wouldn't be a Jurassic Park movie without one!), the spot is Halona Beach. A steep, rocky hike is the price of admission, but the picturesque cove is worth it. Scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides were also filmed here, though they called the spot Whitecap Bay.
As an added bonus, drive by 42-139 Old Kalanianaole Road on Oahu and see where Chris Pratt lived during filming.