Is the UTV Tour at Kualoa Ranch Worth It? A Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour Review- 2023
Considering the UTV Raptor Tour at Kualoa Ranch but wondering if it’s worth it?
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Oahu, Kualoa Ranch stands as a natural paradise. There are simply no words to describe the beauty of this place. It is just out of this world, breathtaking! 🤩
But besides its stunning beauty, what really attracted me to Kualoa Ranch was the promise of a thrilling UTV adventure through its rugged terrain and the chance to explore the filming locations of blockbuster movies like Jurassic Park. 🌟🎬
But, does the highly acclaimed Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour live up to all the hype?
In this Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour Review, I’ll share my family’s personal experience and insights, revealing whether this excursion truly lives up to its reputation and whether it’s an adventure worth embarking on. 🏞️ 🦖
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Brief Overview of Kualoa Ranch
Before we get started on this Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour Review, let me give you a brief overview of Kualoa Ranch.
Natural Beauty:
Kualoa Ranch is located on the eastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii. It is a breathtaking 4,000-acre private nature preserve renowned for its stunning beauty and diverse landscapes. Kualoa Ranch has lush green valleys, dense tropical forests, towering cliffs, and pristine beaches. 🌴🌊
Movie and TV Location:
Because its landscapes are out of this world gorgeous, Kualoa Ranch has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows including Jurassic Park, King Kong, Jumanji, and Lost, earning it the nickname “Hollywood’s Backlot.” You can take movie site tours to see these iconic filming locations. 🎬🦖
Tours & Activities:
The ranch offers a variety of tours and activities, including UTV tours, horseback riding, zip-lining, biking, and ocean voyaging. These activities provide a unique way to explore the beautiful and diverse terrain. 🚗🏇🚴♂️🚤
Cultural Significance:
Kualoa Ranch holds significant cultural and historical value to the Hawaiian people. It was once a sacred place and played a vital role in ancient Hawaiian culture. You can learn about its history and cultural importance through one of their guided tours. 🌺🗿
Sustainability:
Kualoa Ranch is dedicated to environmental sustainability and conservation, ensuring the protection of both its natural beauty and cultural heritage. This commitment lies at the core of their mission. 🌿🌎
KUALOA RANCH UTV TOUR REVIEW
What You Need to Know About Kualoa Ranch UTV Raptor Tour
✔️ Book Early 📅
The UTV Raptor Tour is a super popular tour. In fact, is one of the most popular things to do in all of Oahu. Be sure to book an Advanced Reservation as soon as possible because these tours do sell out!!
✔️ Family-Friendly 🚸
The Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour is family-friendly, but do know it is for ages 5 and up only. And if you have a bigger family like mine, it’s super nice because the UTVs hold up to 6 people!!
✔️ You Will Get Dusty & Dirty 🌬️
If you’re one that does not like getting dirty, this is not the tour for you. This is a dusty and dirty adventure! Plus, this tour runs rain or shine, so if it’s raining during your tour time know that you will get wet.
Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour Review
This 2-hour UTV Raptor Tour at Kualoa Ranch was the activity I was looking forward to the most on our Hawaiian vacation. I’m all about adventure and seeing beautiful places and I was super excited to see the stunning filming location of Jurassic Park.
Arriving/Checking-In
Kualoa Ranch kindly requests that you arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled tour time. 🕒 This allows everyone to arrive punctually and provides sufficient time for the check-in process, restroom use, and other preparations.
As our tour time approached, my husband, Chris, had to complete the “driver form.” Following that, we were provided with our safety helmets. Once properly fitted with our helmets, we watched an informative safety and instructional video.
UTV Time!
Then after all of these preliminary steps, it was time to board our UTV!! The UTV fits my family of 5 perfectly! Chris and I sat in the front and my 10-year-old and 2 teens sat in the back.
The drive down the trails took us through lush jungles, alongside awe-inspiring cliffs, and past picturesque valleys. 🌿🏞️ As we were cruising along I thought to myself, “Wow, this looks like this scene in Jurassic Park, and wow here’s another!”
There were many stops along the way where we got out, took pictures, and listened to our very friendly and knowledgeable tour guide👩🌾 tell us about the history of the ranch and the movies and TV shows that have been filmed here. She even gave us an inside scoop on movies that were filmed here in the last couple of months.
Not only was she super friendly and knowledgeable, but she was also a wonderful photographer. 📸 She happily asked if she could take our family’s photos at all the stops. Plus, she even made it a little fun by incorporating a fun dinosaur into the shots. 🦖
At one of the stops, she even took a slow-motion video of us running from a dinosaur at the Radio Tower Bunker from the movie Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. 🤣
Across from the Radio Tower Bunker was a cage also from the same movie, which is a great photo opp.
It was so surreal to see the famous scene from the original Jurassic Park where Grant and the kids were being chased by dinosaurs and they hid behind the log. 🪵 🦖 I couldn’t believe we were actually HERE!!
Located next to the famous log scene was also the boneyard from the movie, Kong: Skull Island.
Summary: Our Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour Review
The best part of this tour was the awe-inspiring scenery. Words simply can’t capture the sheer breathtaking beauty of Kualoa Ranch. 😍
It was also my first time in an ATV/UTV, and it was an absolute blast! In fact, my whole family really enjoyed this tour!!
This tour is perfect for families because there’s something for everyone to enjoy, no matter their age. It’s packed with excitement, stunning scenery, and a touch of “Hollywood.”🌟
And if you have teenagers, you know how challenging it can be to find activities that they genuinely love. Well, this tour is the ideal choice for a thrilling and unforgettable experience with your teen in Hawaii. 🌴👩👦👦💫
Take Home a Kualao Ranch UTV Photo Momento
After the tour is over, you have the option to purchase a picture (picture featured below) of your crew on the UTV Tour. This picture was $20 and well worth it for an awesome memory of this incredible adventure.
KUALOA RANCH UTV TOUR REVIEW
Cost of UTV Tour
Adults: $182.15
Children (ages 5-12): $87.91
Is the UTV tour at Kualoa Ranch Worth It?
The UTV Raptor Tour at Kualoa Ranch is definitely worth it!!! 💯 ✨ Yes, it might come with a higher price tag, but let me tell you, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime dream experience. Picture yourself going off-roading through one of the most stunning places on Earth and driving right into the scenes of your favorite movies! 🌟🚗🎬
But hey, you don’t have to take just my word for it. There are OVER 900 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEWS for this UTV Raptor Tour, including the one below: 👇
Breathtaking views, movie filming locations and the best tour guide, Matty! This was hands down one of the highlights of my trip to Oahu. Lots of fun & adventure and you will get dirty! Many gorgeous photo ops as well. Don’t miss out on the beauty that Kualoa Ranch has to offer!
-Deserie_M (see more reviews)
Booking Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour
Now that you know the Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour is absolutely worth it! 🌟 Don’t hesitate, go ahead and secure your tour now before it sells out! 🏃♂️ Trust me, you’ll be really bummed if you miss out on this adventure!
I highly recommend booking the Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour through Viator. 🌐🚗 I personally use Viator for tours all around the world, and as a travel agent, I always recommend Viator to my clients. It’s a trusted choice and just so easy to book with! 👍🌍
KUALOA RANCH UTV TOUR REVIEW
What to Do Before/After Your Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour
Kualoa Ranch Gift Shop
The Kualoa Ranch Gift Shop is conveniently located within the main building, which you’ll first encounter after parking. This is your ultimate spot to grab memorable keepsakes from your Kualoa Ranch adventure. 🛍️🏞️
Prepare to be amazed because the Kualoa Ranch Gift Shop is huge! 🤩🛒 You’ll discover a wide selection of fantastic Kualoa Ranch souvenirs, including t-shirts, jackets, shorts, hats, cups, jewelry, toys for kids, and much more.
And a significant portion of this merchandise is Jurassic Park-themed, perfect for all you Jurassic Park enthusiasts out there! 🦖🌴
Eating at Kualoa Ranch
Craving a quick bite before or after your Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour? Look no further than Aunty Pat’s Cafe! 🍔🍳
They’ve got you covered for breakfast and lunch, and you can choose to dine either outside the front or back of the restaurant at picnic tables.
On the breakfast menu, you’ll find delicious options like the Kualoa Omelette or bacon fried rice with eggs and a beef patty.
For lunch, they serve a variety of sandwiches and burgers that will hit the spot.
And if you’re in the mood for a quick snack, you’ll find tempting treats like chocolate chip cookies, homemade banana bread, and mouthwatering bread pudding. 🍪🍌🍞
Wall of Movies, Films, Stars & Guests, Music Videos, Concerts & Festivals/Museum
Take some time before or after your tour to explore the fascinating wall displays at Kualoa Ranch. 📸🎥
There’s a wall with pictures of legendary stars and guests who’ve graced the ranch, a wall showcasing music, videos, concerts, and festivals that have left their mark here, and artwork displaying the films and TV productions shot in this iconic location. 🌟🎬🎶
You might be surprised by just how much has happened here – it truly is “Hollywood’s backlot.” 🎞️✨
Additionally, don’t miss the museum/visitor center where you can step inside and discover exhibits that dive into the rich history and significant events that have unfolded at Kualoa Ranch.
Kualoa Grown Market
In addition to being a breathtaking destination with famous Hollywood filming locations, Kualoa Ranch also operates as a working cattle ranch and farm. 🐄🌾
While you’re here, make sure to visit the Kualoa Grown Market, which you can find inside the “Ranch House” Building. Whether you want to browse or do some food shopping, it’s a must-visit spot during your visit.
KUALOA RANCH UTV TOUR REVIEW
Tips for Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour
✔️ Make an Advance Booking 📅
This tour is in high demand! 🚗💨 Don’t count on just showing up and getting a spot on the UTV tour. Book your reservation as soon as possible to secure your spot.
✔️ Wear Sunglasses 😎
This tour is DUSTY! Make sure to wear sunglasses to keep dust and dirt from flying into your eyes. Also, a bandana would be nice to keep it from going into your nose or mouth. They sell bandanas in the gift shop if you feel like you need one.
✔️ Bring Wipes 🧼
Expect things to get a bit messy! 🌪️ This UTV Raptor tour isn’t the cleanest activity, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring along some baby wipes for a post-tour cleanup. I was surprised to find my face covered in dirt after the ride, so having wipes is a good idea.
✔️ Change of Clothing 👕
Embrace the dirt! If you plan on heading to dinner or doing anything else after the tour, consider bringing a change of clothes. You’ll thank yourself later.
✔️ Cash for Tipping 💵
Show some appreciation! 🙌 Be sure to have cash on hand to tip your fantastic Kualoa Ranch tour guide at the end. These guides are truly amazing and deserve your gratitude!
KUALOA RANCH UTV TOUR REVIEW
Other Tours at Kualoa Ranch
In addition to the UTV tour, Kualoa Ranch offers a variety of other fantastic tours and activities. You can enjoy these activities either in combination with the UTV tour or on their own. 🌟
Here’s a selection of these top-rated tours and activities available at Kualoa Ranch. 🏞️🌺
🎬 Kualoa Ranch – Hollywood Movie Sites Tour:
Take a 90-minute Kualoa Ranch movie tour on Oahu to explore the iconic filming locations of Hollywood blockbusters like Jurassic Park, Jumanji, Lost, Pearl Harbor, and Magnum P.I. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll ride in a vintage school bus, passing by stunning natural attractions like Mokoli’i Island and Kaneohe Bay which was featured in Pirates of the Caribbean 4. This tour also includes a stop at a WWII bunker housing movie props.
🌿 Kualoa Ranch – Jungle Expedition Tour:
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping 90-minute off-road adventure on the Jungle Expedition Tour. Traverse the wild terrain of this expansive cattle ranch in a 6-wheel-drive Swiss Pinzgauer, tackling steep jungle trails and pausing at remote lookouts for breathtaking views of Oahu’s eastern coast.
🦖 Kualoa Ranch – Jurassic Adventure Tour:
Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you explore the iconic filming locations from the Jurassic Park film series on this tour through Kualoa, Hakipu’u, and Ka’a’awa Valleys. You’ll take an open-air vehicle to witness breathtaking panoramic views, the paddock, bunkers, dinosaur cages, and the renowned field that played pivotal roles in the films.
🌳 Kualoa Ranch – Jurassic Valley Zipline:
Soar through the Ka’a’awa Valley rainforest on an exciting zipline adventure at Kualoa Ranch! Feel the thrill as you glide along fourteen tandem cables, and conquer two suspension bridges that sway over rushing streams. Your experienced adventure guides will be by your side to share knowledge about the native plant and animal life in this lush valley. No prior ziplining experience is needed.
🐴 Kualoa Ranch – Horseback Walking Tour:
Opting for a horseback tour allows you to delve deeper into the valley, offering an authentic ranch experience. Choose between 1- or 2-hour options and let experienced horse wranglers ensure a safe and enjoyable journey through the scenic Ka’a’awa Valley.
Things to do Near Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour
The Byodo-In Temple
Byodo-In Temple is the perfect spot to explore before or after your trip to Kualoa Ranch. If coming from Waikiki or Ko Olina, Byodo-In Temple is on the same route to Kualoa Ranch.
Byodo-In Temple is a stunning architectural replica of a 900-year-old temple in Uji, Japan, but it’s also a tranquil oasis surrounded by the majestic Ko’olau Mountains.
Imagine stepping into a serene world where you’ll find yourself amidst a mesmerizing koi pond and meticulously manicured Japanese gardens. The ambiance is peaceful and calm and the temple itself is an architectural masterpiece. Don’t miss the opportunity to ring the immense bon-sho (sacred bell).
Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku Gardens
Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku Gardens is a must when in Oahu. And since it’s so close to Kualoa Ranch (about 8 miles away), it’s the perfect opportunity to dine here.
This restaurant has got to have one of the most beautiful atmospheres and views of any restaurant. Plus the food is absolutely amazing!
They are only open for dinner and open at 4 p.m. We arrived at 3:30 PM and there was already a long line. So arrive early because you cannot make a reservation here.
Also, plan to bring a change of clothes and wipes to clean yourself up after your UTV tour so you are ready for dinner.
FAQs-Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour Review
For the UTV Raptor Tour make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Also, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust and dirt. A bandana is also a great idea to protect your nose and mouth from all of the dirt.
Kualoa Ranch is free to enter the main grounds. On the main grounds are a gift shop, a quick-service restaurant, and a small museum/visitors center. However, you will not be able to see the true beauty of Kualoa Ranch unless you go on a tour.
If you are looking to drive yourself through Kualoa Ranch, then you’ll have to take the UTV Raptor Tour. This is the only way to drive on the Kualoa Ranch property.
If you want to swim at Kualoa Ranch, the Secret Island Beach Adventure is perfect! This is a secluded private beach at Kualoa Ranch with unlimited access to kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, volleyball, ping-pong, and other equipment.
The Wrap-Up: Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour Review
Without a doubt, the UTV Raptor Tour at Kualoa Ranch is an adventure you don’t want to miss during your Hawaiian getaway.
It’s a family-friendly tour that everyone in your family from ages 5 and up will enjoy!
Imagine exploring lush valleys, dramatic mountains, and pristine coastal views up close and personal. Picture yourself standing where iconic movie scenes from Jurassic Park and Jurassic World were filmed.🦖🌟 It’s a surreal and thrilling experience that you’ll remember forever!
The UTV tour at Kualoa Ranch is worth every penny, delivering memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss your chance to make your Hawaiian vacation unforgettable!🌺🤙
Book your UTV Raptor Tour today!!
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