The original Jurassic Park is perhaps one of the greatest films ever produced. With its debut in 1993 the movie still holds up against the spectrum of time. With limited CGI at the director’s disposal, the dinosaurs still look amazing almost 30 years later. If you’re a fan of the original movie trilogy, then Kauai needs to be on your list of places to travel. Many of the most important scenes were filmed on the island.
The Amber Mine aka Hoopii Falls
The scene that starts it all. Finding the mosquito encased in Amber allows the researchers to extract the DNA needed to genetically engineer the dinosaurs that will populate the park. While the waterfall in the scene seems no more than a trickle, the actual location reveals a much more prominent cascade of water which you can hike to. For the map and trail guide to Hoopii falls click here.
Gallimimus Stampede at Kipu Ranch
Just when you think Dr. Grant and the kids can relax a herd of Gallimimus’ nearly trample the doctor and kids before one of the ostrich-like creatures gets obliterated by the t-rex. Fun fact: The Gallimimus was the first dinosaur in the movie to be completely digital, no robotics. The only way to visit this set from Jurassic Park on Kauai is through booking an ATV tour with Kipu Ranch Adventures. For more information on the tour and some of the other sites you’ll see along the way click here.
Helicopter Arrival at Manawaiopuna Falls
The scenery in the Jurrasic Park movies seems surreal. Lush forests mashed up against seaside cliffs and towering waterfalls. The most famous waterfall from the movie can be seen in the early scenes when Dr. Grant and crew arrive by helicopter. The only way to see this waterfall in real life is by helicopter. So if you want to see Manawaiopuna Falls from Jurassic Park on Kauai you need to book a tour. Before you book your helicopter tour read these helpful hints so you know what you are getting into.
Insider Tip: There are plenty of other spots where they shot scenes from Jurassic Park on Kauai. The entrance gates of Jurassic Park that the jeep drives through is something everyone always asks about. You can hike to the spot the gate once stood but it is not worth the trouble. There is nothing there but a patch of dirt. People will try to tell you a set of poles that stand on either side of the trail is the gate but the poles being there is just a coincidence. If you truly match up the landscape with the movie, the actual gate would be about 300 yards further down the trail. Sorry to disappoint you.
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.
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