Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch – Discover the Magic, Explore, Unwind & Enjoy

Kualoa Ranch is an oasis of beauty and history located in Hawaii. It has a rich past, having been settled by ancient Hawaiians before being purchased by Dr. Gerrit Judd in 1850, followed by his son Charles who bought 1188 acres in 1880. In 1863, a sugar mill was built but closed down seven years later. During WWII, the U.S. military occupied the ranch and it was added to the National Register in 1974.

Today, Kualoa offers more than just its stunning scenery – visitors can explore the working cattle ranch, take guided tours or horseback rides, and try shrimps caught from the ranch for lunch. Its popularity extends even further into the world of popular culture; 79 movies and TV shows have been filmed there and it served as The Amazing Race 20 Finish Line and Pit Stop on the French version of The Amazing Race.

Location and Directions

Kualoa Ranch, located in Oahu, Hawaii, is a 4000-acre paradise nestled between Ka?a?awa and Waikane on State Route 83 – just an address away at 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA. From the busy streets of Waikiki city center, it’s an easy 23 mile journey to this oasis, taking 35-40 minutes by car or around $100-200 for an Uber, Lyft or Holoholo ride.

Directions to Kualoa Ranch from Waikiki: Start off by driving onto I-H-1 W, then take the exit 20 A onto HI-63 N/Kalihi St toward Likelike Hwy. Follow HI-63 N for about 7 miles before taking the right-hand ramp to HI-83/Kahekili Hwy. Continue for 10 miles until you see the ranch on the left-hand side

For those without access to a vehicle, there’s still plenty of options; taking line 2 bus and line 60 bus will get you there in 1h 44m and costs only $6. So why not make the short trip to Kualoa Ranch where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and explore the beauty and freedom of the Hawaiian Islands?

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A Quick History of Kualoa Ranch

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, Kualoa Ranch is the place to be! Established in 1850 and owned and managed by sixth generation descendants of Dr. Gerritt P. Judd, this 4,000 acre ranch provides a unique experience located on the Windward side of Oahu.

Kualoa was originally bought from King Kamehameha III for $1300. His son purchased additional 2,200 acres 10 years later. This spectacular landscape offers 800-year-old fish pond with its own secluded beach.

In 1985, the ranch began offering recreational activities and it has become a popular tourist attraction.

Things to Do at Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch, located on the beautiful island of Oahu, can offer you unforgettable adventure. From ATV tours to horseback riding, there is something for everyone at this incredible destination.

You can explore Jurassic Valley and discover locations from movies filmed here or take a jungle expedition with your friends. Get up close and personal with nature on one of the many hiking trails or experience a zipline tour like never before.

For those looking for a special occasion, weddings at Kualoa Ranch are truly magical and you won’t want to miss the Farm Fair.

Go and see why this stunning location has been featured in numerous films and television shows – you won’t be disappointed.

Nearby Attractions and Accommodations

If the ocean is calling your name, head to one of the many stunning beaches near Kualoa Ranch. Take a dip in the crystal blue waters of Kualoa Rock Beach, marvel at the panoramic views from Kualoa Beach, or explore the serenity of Kualoa Regional Park. For a truly unique experience, don’t miss Secret Island – it’s like stepping into an idyllic dream world!

When it comes to finding comfortable accommodations, you won’t be disappointed. Treat yourself to some rest and relaxation at Schrader’s Windward Country Inn, Koolau Haven, 5 Palms, Paradise Bay Resort, Luxury Condos at Punaluu, Tiki Moon Villas, Courtyard by Marriot, Inns of the corps, Manu Mele Bed and Breakfast, or Sheffield House Bed & Breakfast. I promise that you’ll have a great time no matter where you choose to stay.

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Finally, make sure you try some of the delicious restaurants near Kualoa Ranch. You can find all kinds of tasty treats like Yummy Huli Huli Chicken, Great Cold Coconuts and shaved ice, Keneke’s Grill at Punaluu, Uncle Bobo’s, Shrimp Shack, Aloha Shrimp, Waiahole Poi Factory, Nome Ono Food, Koolau Drive Inn, L & L Hawaiian BBQ, and Adela’s Country Eatery. The options are endless, so come hungry when you visit!

Practical Information for Visitors

Hours of Operation

Kualoa Ranch is your go-to spot for outdoor fun, and you can trust that everything will be open when you need it to be. Here’s a quick look at the opening hours:

  • Kualoa Ranch: Open 7:30am – 6:00pm every day (except Christmas Day & New Year’s Day).
  • Aunty Pat’s Café in the Visitor Center: Open 7:30am – 3:00pm (with some grab & go items available until 4:00 pm) on the same days.
  • Retail & Gift Shop at the Visitor Center: Same as Kualoa Ranch.
  • KualoaGrown Market: Open Thursday-Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, with the same holiday exceptions.

As the old adage goes, “It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” So plan ahead and make sure Kualoa Ranch is open when you want to enjoy all the amazing things they have to offer!

Reservations for Tours and Activities

Tour/ActivityPrice
Surf & Turf Package$149.95
Jurassic Adventure Tour$139.95
2-Hour Ride Along UTV Raptor Tour$144.95
2-Hour UTV Raptor Tour$144.95
Hollywood Movie Sites Tour$51.95
Jurassic Valley Zipline$174.95
Novice Rider E-Bike Tour$119.95
Experienced Rider E-Bike Tour$119.95
Ocean Voyage Adventure$51.95
Secret Island Beach Adventure$51.95
Jungle Jeep Expedition$51.95
2-Hour Horseback Walking Tour$144.95
Kualoa Half Day Package$114.95
Best of Kualoa Package$149.95
Kualoa Grown Tour$51.95
Koa Tree Planting$249.95
Malama Experience$51.95

You can reserve a tour on their website at kualoa.com, or call 808-237-7321. They recommend that you book ahead of time. Cancellations must be made no less than 48 hours before. They will also ask you to sign a waiver for some of the tours that involve risks, such as ATV, eBike, zipline, and more.

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Weather Conditions at Kualoa Ranch

With its lush green mountains and clear blue ocean, it’s no wonder that Kualoa Ranch attracts so many visitors each year. But what makes this place truly stand out is the amazing weather conditions experienced there – perfect for outdoor activities.

  1. Mild Temperatures – The average temperature at Kualoa Ranch ranges from mid 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit all year round, making it an ideal destination regardless of season. It is rarely above 85 degrees.
  2. Low Humidity – Thanks to the trade winds coming in off the ocean, humidity levels remain relatively low throughout most of the year. This means fewer uncomfortable days and more enjoyable outdoor experiences.
  3. Lots of Sunshine – The sun shines almost every day in Kualoa Ranch, providing plenty of opportunities to get your daily dose of Vitamin D.
  4. Beautiful Sunsets – Watching the sun dip below the horizon every night is a must-do when you’re here. As they say, “A picture paints a thousand words.”
  5. Breezy Evenings – As the day cools down, the trade winds pick up, making for some delightfully breezy evenings. It’s like getting a breath of fresh air after a long day of exploring.

Gift Shop

Experience the adventure of Kualoa Ranch and leave with a souvenir to remember your trip! Their well-stocked gift store offers a variety of items, such as logo t-shirts, hats, shorts, Hawaiian crafts, delicious goodies, and other unexpected treats.

Handcrafted jewelry, intricately carved wood sculptures, and plenty of fun things for the kids are just some of the delightful discoveries you can make there.

If you are on Oahu, you should also consider visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore, and take a trip to Kaneohe Bay before returning to Waikiki.