Kualoa Ranch Questions?

flinkerfrosch

DIS Veteran
Joined
Mar 22, 2013
Hi,

My family of 4 will be coming to Oahu- Aulani for 11 days end of Nov:)
My family consists of 2 adults and 2 boys ages 10 and 8.

I wanted to get any opinions on the activities/tours available at Kualoa Ranch, for all of you that have been there;)

My 8 yr old won't be able to do the Ziplinning because he's too small. He's a very small 8 yr old. My 10 yr would, but we want to do something as a family and not leave anyone out.

ATV's are out too because my kids are too young, unfortunately. And we're unsure of the Horsebackriding. From what I've read, you don't get to see as much, but I could be wrong.

So, I have been looking at the Secret Island Beach Activities (2.5hrs) and the VIP Movie Site Tour (2.5hrs).

Is the VIP Movie Tour worth it for those that have done it? And same for the Secret Island Beach Activities? Can you go to the beach and enjoy it without being on a tour?

We already have a jammed packed Itinerary, so I also wanted to know if Kualoa Ranch is a 'must do' and would we be missing out if we skipped it?

I'm also open to any other tours you've done and have rave reviews about!

Thanks so much!!
Cheers:)
 
We did the VIP Movie Tour in September - some details and photos are in my Trip Report linked in my signature.

We thought it was worth it, if you're movie buffs and would appreciate seeing the locations. Keep in mind that many of the locations are just open fields with a sign. Props have been removed, and a lot of the locations are even digitally altered in the movie. There was a TV in the van and whenever we approached a filming location, the driver would play a short clip that showed the location in the movie so it was nice to have that context.

Our tour was scheduled from 9am-11:30am. We were in an air conditioned passenger van that held 9 people total I think - 2 people per row (maybe 4 in the back) and someone sat in the front passenger seat. They also had a cooler in the van with water and snacks. The tour guide was very informative and offered several times to spend more time at different sights, and offered to take photos for each of the groups. The coolest part of this tour is the Indominous Rex pen from Jurassic World. This is the only set that's really still in tact and recognizable from the movie. We even got to go in the observation deck which is featured a lot throughout the movie. To my knowledge, this is the only tour at the ranch that includes this stop.

In addition to all the movie sets, the tour also goes through part of the jungle where the Jungle Expedition tour would go. It also goes down by where the dock is for Secret Island. Our guide mentioned that some movies were filmed on the Secret Island, but we didn't go there. I've read that tour is really just a beach day - a boat out to the island, but of course it's private and not crowded.

Our tour ended around 11:15, so we got lunch at the buffet at the Ranch which was really good. Definitely glad we did this tour, but I'd be hesitant to recommend it to anyone who might not be familiar with some of the movies or can't use their imagination to appreciate seeing the sights.

The Ranch took us over an hour to get to, as it's on the opposite side of the island. With a 9am start time, we were told to be there by 8:30. We left Aulani around 6:45am and got caught up in a mix of rush hour traffic and accident traffic. We arrived exactly at 8:30. After we left the Ranch, we visited the Byodo-In Temple which is just down the road, and then we spent a few hours in Kailua which is a quaint little town with a gorgeous beach park. I might recommend Kailua in lieu of the Secret Island if you want some beach time. We enjoyed this day and seeing the other side of the island. Not sure if it's a "must do", but we liked it better than Diamond Head and the Swap Meet!
 
We did the VIP Movie Tour in September - some details and photos are in my Trip Report linked in my signature.

We thought it was worth it, if you're movie buffs and would appreciate seeing the locations. Keep in mind that many of the locations are just open fields with a sign. Props have been removed, and a lot of the locations are even digitally altered in the movie. There was a TV in the van and whenever we approached a filming location, the driver would play a short clip that showed the location in the movie so it was nice to have that context.

Our tour was scheduled from 9am-11:30am. We were in an air conditioned passenger van that held 9 people total I think - 2 people per row (maybe 4 in the back) and someone sat in the front passenger seat. They also had a cooler in the van with water and snacks. The tour guide was very informative and offered several times to spend more time at different sights, and offered to take photos for each of the groups. The coolest part of this tour is the Indominous Rex pen from Jurassic World. This is the only set that's really still in tact and recognizable from the movie. We even got to go in the observation deck which is featured a lot throughout the movie. To my knowledge, this is the only tour at the ranch that includes this stop.

In addition to all the movie sets, the tour also goes through part of the jungle where the Jungle Expedition tour would go. It also goes down by where the dock is for Secret Island. Our guide mentioned that some movies were filmed on the Secret Island, but we didn't go there. I've read that tour is really just a beach day - a boat out to the island, but of course it's private and not crowded.

Our tour ended around 11:15, so we got lunch at the buffet at the Ranch which was really good. Definitely glad we did this tour, but I'd be hesitant to recommend it to anyone who might not be familiar with some of the movies or can't use their imagination to appreciate seeing the sights.

The Ranch took us over an hour to get to, as it's on the opposite side of the island. With a 9am start time, we were told to be there by 8:30. We left Aulani around 6:45am and got caught up in a mix of rush hour traffic and accident traffic. We arrived exactly at 8:30. After we left the Ranch, we visited the Byodo-In Temple which is just down the road, and then we spent a few hours in Kailua which is a quaint little town with a gorgeous beach park. I might recommend Kailua in lieu of the Secret Island if you want some beach time. We enjoyed this day and seeing the other side of the island. Not sure if it's a "must do", but we liked it better than Diamond Head and the Swap Meet!

Awesome advice and info, thanks!

You're advice to visit Kailua after the Ranch is very wise and great suggestion! Kailua Beach is on my 'must do list' for beaches to visit.

I think I will skip the Secret Beach because you're right, we can have a 'beach day' at so many gorgeous beaches along the North Shore etc...

As for movie buffs, we're not persay, but we do enjoy watching movies, and all really enjoyed the Jurassic Park movies.

I know my boys would love to see some of the highlights from the Jurassic Park movies. We also want to do a tour for the scenery etc...

Can I ask what you liked better about the Ranch vs Diamond Head? Diamond Head is on my list of places to visit, but I have so many that I need to knock a few off because we want at least 3 or 4 resort days as well.

Their is so much to do!!! Lol
 
Has anyone done the Catamaran boat ride offered at Kualoa Ranch?
 


Can I ask what you liked better about the Ranch vs Diamond Head? Diamond Head is on my list of places to visit, but I have so many that I need to knock a few off because we want at least 3 or 4 resort days as well.

Diamond Head was cool, but it was a little more strenuous than we were anticipating. Not really hard but we're two average sized young adults, and the hike to the top was obviously all uphill with lots of stairs at different points. We stopped a couple times to catch our breath. It was also very crowded both on the pathway and at the top, so it was difficult to truly enjoy the sights for us. It was also very hot and in the direct sunlight, with little shade. And we were there around 10am, which is relatively early. We took a group tour to Diamond Head but if you drive yourself, it's recommended to get there early because parking can be a challenge. I think the Waikiki area is definitely worth a visit, but we probably wouldn't do Diamond Head again.
 
Diamond Head was cool, but it was a little more strenuous than we were anticipating. Not really hard but we're two average sized young adults, and the hike to the top was obviously all uphill with lots of stairs at different points. We stopped a couple times to catch our breath. It was also very crowded both on the pathway and at the top, so it was difficult to truly enjoy the sights for us. It was also very hot and in the direct sunlight, with little shade. And we were there around 10am, which is relatively early. We took a group tour to Diamond Head but if you drive yourself, it's recommended to get there early because parking can be a challenge. I think the Waikiki area is definitely worth a visit, but we probably wouldn't do Diamond Head again.

Sounds like a work out indeed lol

I guess I'm going to have to decide on what's more important for us to visit. My DH doesn't like exercise or getting up early, so could be a challenge lol

We do plan on visiting the Waikiki area, and that's when we were going to visit Diamond Head along with Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, See the Halona Blowhole and Lanikia Beach. Hmmm...maybe this is too much in one day? Not sure?

If we did do the Ranch, Lanikia Beach is pretty close to Kailua Beach as well (I think) and maybe we should visit it on our Ranch day?

I'm trying to get it all sorted out so we can fit as much in as possible without adding too much.
 
Hi,

My family of 4 will be coming to Oahu- Aulani for 11 days end of Nov:)
My family consists of 2 adults and 2 boys ages 10 and 8.

I wanted to get any opinions on the activities/tours available at Kualoa Ranch, for all of you that have been there;)

My 8 yr old won't be able to do the Ziplinning because he's too small. He's a very small 8 yr old. My 10 yr would, but we want to do something as a family and not leave anyone out.

ATV's are out too because my kids are too young, unfortunately. And we're unsure of the Horsebackriding. From what I've read, you don't get to see as much, but I could be wrong.

So, I have been looking at the Secret Island Beach Activities (2.5hrs) and the VIP Movie Site Tour (2.5hrs).

Is the VIP Movie Tour worth it for those that have done it? And same for the Secret Island Beach Activities? Can you go to the beach and enjoy it without being on a tour?

We already have a jammed packed Itinerary, so I also wanted to know if Kualoa Ranch is a 'must do' and would we be missing out if we skipped it?

I'm also open to any other tours you've done and have rave reviews about!

Thanks so much!!
Cheers:)
There is a multi person raptor (atv) tour the age limit is 7... you may have to call and inquire about it not sure if it shows up online
 


Sounds like a work out indeed lol

I guess I'm going to have to decide on what's more important for us to visit. My DH doesn't like exercise or getting up early, so could be a challenge lol

We do plan on visiting the Waikiki area, and that's when we were going to visit Diamond Head along with Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, See the Halona Blowhole and Lanikia Beach. Hmmm...maybe this is too much in one day? Not sure?

If we did do the Ranch, Lanikia Beach is pretty close to Kailua Beach as well (I think) and maybe we should visit it on our Ranch day?

I'm trying to get it all sorted out so we can fit as much in as possible without adding too much.

So there's Laniakea Beach which is where the turtles are in the North Shore. And then there's Lanikai Beach which is very close to Kailua. IMO, I wouldn't do Lanikai Beach on your Waikiki day because you'll be driving all over. It would make more sense to visit it on your Kualoa Ranch day, it's closer and somewhat on the way back to Aulani after leaving the ranch. It does make sense to keep Hanuama Bay with Waikiki, and that is also another place you should go early in the day to.
 
There is a multi person raptor (atv) tour the age limit is 7... you may have to call and inquire about it not sure if it shows up online

Ohhh...that sounds cool! I will look into this, thank you! I never did see this on the website, so I think you're right. I will call:)
 
So there's Laniakea Beach which is where the turtles are in the North Shore. And then there's Lanikai Beach which is very close to Kailua. IMO, I wouldn't do Lanikai Beach on your Waikiki day because you'll be driving all over. It would make more sense to visit it on your Kualoa Ranch day, it's closer and somewhat on the way back to Aulani after leaving the ranch. It does make sense to keep Hanuama Bay with Waikiki, and that is also another place you should go early in the day to.

Yes, Laniakea Beach is on my list for our North Shore trip to hopefully see some Turtles. I think we're going to do the North Shore twice because we have so much on the list lol
I will take out Lanikia Beach on our Waikiki Day, and add it to the Ranch day, thank you!
I read about arriving early (7:30-8am) for Hanauma Bay, and my DH is going to hate me lol. It seems that every single outing has to start off super early because of traffic or other reasons. I don't have a problem with it:)
Have you been to Hanauma Bay? I'm worried it may too cool to swim/snorkel so early in the am? Maybe I'm wrong? We will be in Hawaii end of Nov, so I have no idea what the water temps and or air temps will be?
I figured we would go to Hanauma Bay 1st, then the Halona Blowhole, and then to Wakiki Beach. I was hoping to squeeze in Diamond Head somehow, but I guess we will have to play that one by ear.
We have no issues being out ALL day if needed. We want to see as much as possible.
Thanks again for all your help!! ;)
 
With one day in Waikiki, I would choose either Diamond Head or Hanuama Bay. IMO, they both need to be done early or else it gets too crowded. And too hot with Diamond Head. And, we were very hot, sweaty, and dirty by the time we were done with Diamond Head and didn't want to do anything but go back to our hotel and shower afterward. We were also in sneakers/work out clothes.

I've not done Hanuama Bay. We were there at the end of September and were surprised at how warm the water was, but not sure how much that would change by November.

North Shore was one of our favorite places! I tried to fit in a second visit before we went home, but never made it. Enjoy!
 
There is a multi person raptor (atv) tour the age limit is 7... you may have to call and inquire about it not sure if it shows up online

This is what we are planning in September. We did the ATV's a couple years ago and had a blast, it was raining and we had so much fun driving through the puddles. We were soaked afterwards, but it was worth it. This trip we will have our grandsons who are not old enough so we will go for the multi person ATV.
 
With one day in Waikiki, I would choose either Diamond Head or Hanuama Bay. IMO, they both need to be done early or else it gets too crowded. And too hot with Diamond Head. And, we were very hot, sweaty, and dirty by the time we were done with Diamond Head and didn't want to do anything but go back to our hotel and shower afterward. We were also in sneakers/work out clothes.

I've not done Hanuama Bay. We were there at the end of September and were surprised at how warm the water was, but not sure how much that would change by November.

North Shore was one of our favorite places! I tried to fit in a second visit before we went home, but never made it. Enjoy!

I think I'm going to take Diamond Head out. As much as we would love to do it, other things on our list are more important.
I hope the water is as warm in Nov/Dec as it is in Sept.
My boys also want to learn how to surf (take a lesson) so I hope they're comfortable in the ocean temps.
We've swam in the Ocean many many times in Nov, but never in Hawaii, always in the Caribbean, and its always been so warm.
I really hope to fit in a second visit to the North Shore as well! My DH is lazy lazy on vacation, and I'm a go go kinda person, so we shall see what happens lol
I told my DH we would do a 'resort day/chill' every other day, and he looked at me like I had 2 heads:confused3
I've extended our days by 1 night, so now we're doing 11 nights in Aulani to hopefully get everything done that I want to accomplish.
We're also staying 10 days in Maui before Aulani, so I'm pretty confident we will get to see and do a lot :cool1:
 
This is what we are planning in September. We did the ATV's a couple years ago and had a blast, it was raining and we had so much fun driving through the puddles. We were soaked afterwards, but it was worth it. This trip we will have our grandsons who are not old enough so we will go for the multi person ATV.

That sounds like a lot of fun! Did you do the 1 hr tour? If so, did you feel it was long enough and got to see a lot?

Have an awesome trip in Sept!!! :goodvibes
 
We switched things around and went to Hanauma Bay in the afternoon. We got there around 1:00 and had no problem parking and we had 2 cars. We left the resort around 9:30 to avoid traffic and drove over to Lanikai beach and it was BEAUTIFUL. Stopped for lunch and then went to Hanauma Bay. We were there a few hours with our friends but my daughter and I thought the water was way to cold to get in. (we are from Florida though) We stopped at the blow hole and Pali lookout on the way back to Aulani. We were there mid June.

We are thinking of doing the ranch this summer as we have not made it there yet but my must stop is back to Lanikai. SOOOOO pretty. I never thought about doing them the same day. Sounds like a good plan.
 
We switched things around and went to Hanauma Bay in the afternoon. We got there around 1:00 and had no problem parking and we had 2 cars. We left the resort around 9:30 to avoid traffic and drove over to Lanikai beach and it was BEAUTIFUL. Stopped for lunch and then went to Hanauma Bay. We were there a few hours with our friends but my daughter and I thought the water was way to cold to get in. (we are from Florida though) We stopped at the blow hole and Pali lookout on the way back to Aulani. We were there mid June.

We are thinking of doing the ranch this summer as we have not made it there yet but my must stop is back to Lanikai. SOOOOO pretty. I never thought about doing them the same day. Sounds like a good plan.

I love love the idea of doing Hanauma Bay in the afternoon! I didn't even think it was possible.

We're going Nov 26th-Dec 7th, so hopefully we would have luck and be able to find parking as well. I'm not sure how busy it is in Ohau around this time of year?

The afternoon would work so much better for us to snorkel etc at Hanauma Bay.

Lanikia beach and Kailua Beach are on my list as well! Same with the blowhole and Lani Lookout.

I like the idea of what you did...Lanikia 1st and then head to Hanauma Bay. How long did it take you to get from Lanikia Beach to Hanauma Bay?

What is the Pali Lookout?

Also, if we left the resort around 9-9:30am does that mean we have a better chance of avoiding traffic anywhere we go? Are their better times to leave in the am and better times to make it back to Aulani in the Pm to avoid all the rush hour traffic?

We also want to go to Waikiki Beach, so now I'm torn on how to organize it all lol

Thanks for all your help! :)
 
Concierge always recommended leaving after 9 for our day trips so that is what we did. We did the same thing for our North Shore day as well. We got to Dole Plantation right when it opened. No hassle with parking and no line for dole whips.

Every evening we went down to the lobby and they had people with maps and little notecards with exact directions to where you want to go. Pali Lookout was a stop they recommended. It was very chilly! Let me see if I can load some pics. I do not remember how far it was from Lanikai to Hanauma but I would say maybe 30 minutes. Both the blow hole and Pali lookout were on the way back.

We did Waikiki Beach another day. We did hit traffic sometimes in the afternoons. Around the Honolulu area. It is bad between 3-5ish maybe. We also did Pearl Harbor/Swap meet on Sunday so that we didn't hit any early morning work traffic.
 
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13418736_10209231665086054_3686953205403589147_n.jpg
blow hole
 
13432421_10209231666006077_8592407040158446837_n.jpg
view from Pali lookout. I have better ones but not loaded on this computer. We were all wrapped up in our beach towels as it was very windy.
 
There is a multi person raptor (atv) tour the age limit is 7... you may have to call and inquire about it not sure if it shows up online

Ohhh...that sounds cool! I will look into this, thank you! I never did see this on the website, so I think you're right. I will call:)

This is what we are planning in September. We did the ATV's a couple years ago and had a blast, it was raining and we had so much fun driving through the puddles. We were soaked afterwards, but it was worth it. This trip we will have our grandsons who are not old enough so we will go for the multi person ATV.

When I called about ATVs for my under-16 kids, I was told the multi-person ATVs are Mules, not Raptors. My kids can drive ours for free, so we decided if we go, to ride horses instead. Just make sure to call and ask exactly what you're getting if that would affect your decision! They were very helpful on the phone.
 

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