Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park Waimea Canyon
While the island of Kauai was formed relatively recently in geological terms, about 5 million years ago, Kauai’s lush rainforest scenery served as inspiration for the Jurassic Park movie series, set in the Jurassic period of Earth’s history, roughly 150-200 million years ago!
And the stunning Waimea Canyon landscape and surroundings were a backdrop for some of the most legendary cinematic moments!
Best Things to Do in Kauai at a Glance
Group Type Activities & Best Tours
(Reserve now, before they sell out)Everyone / Casual Tourists Napali dinner & sunset cruise, scenic flight, luau, botanical garden & chocolate tasting, local food tour, Waimea Canyon Families (with smaller kids) Napali snorkel, helicopter ride, kayak & hike to Secret Falls, guided shore snorkel, learn to surf Adventure Tourists / Teenagers Napali raft & snorkel, doors-off helicopter, zipline, Waimea Canyon downhill bike, waterfall rappel
Considering a visit to Waimea Canyon? Bookmark our Waimea Canyon website for all the details you need to plan!
Planning your Kauai itinerary? Also consider:
a sunset cruise of the Na Pali Coast ⛴️ 🌄
a guided kayaking + hiking trip to Secret Falls on the east side, 🛶 🥾 🛶
or an airplane tour over Kauai! ✈️ ✈️
Jurassic Park Movies
Steven Spielberg struck cinematic gold in Kauai!
The dramatic cliffs, plunging chasms and contrasting colors of Waimea Canyon were the perfect stand-in for Isla Nublar, offering a pristine and untamed vibe.
Is a doors-off helicopter tour on your bucket list for Kauai? This highly rated tour comes with no dreaded rear middle seats and offers breathtaking views over Kauai! 🚁 🚁
Jurassic Park Filming Locations
Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Falls)
The iconic helicopter landing scene, in which Dr. Grant and the investigation team first set foot on Isla Nublar was filmed here.
Though not officially in the Waimea Canyon State Park, Jurassic Falls is super close, and best viewed from a helicopter tour or an all-window seats air tour!
🌅 Witness Kauai’s Breathtaking Sunsets! Experience the majestic Na Pali Coast as the sun dips below the horizon on the Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady. Stunning views, delicious appetizers, and refreshing beverages!
Kalepa Ridge Trail
Just above Waimea Canyon, Kalepa Ridge offers sweeping, jaw-dropping views that formed some of the famous wide-angle shots of Isla Nublar.
🐠 Snorkel in Pristine Waters! Dive into the clear blue waters of the Na Pali Coast with the Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady. This 5.5-hour adventure includes snorkeling among vibrant marine life and exploring sea caves.
Waimea Canyon Lookout
The main Waimea Canyon Lookout, with its epic, otherworldly landscapes, formed the background for many of the flyover shots used in depicting Isla Nublar’s endless, prehistoric jungle.
🌊 Adventure Awaits on the Na Pali Coast! Join the Na Pali Coast Super Raft Adventure with Snorkel for a 4.5-hour thrill ride. Explore sea caves, snorkel with marine life, and experience the rugged beauty of the coastline.
Other Hollywood Movies Filmed in Waimea Canyon
While most movie buffs associate the Jurassic Park movie series with Kauai and Waimea Canyon, many other famous movies were filmed here as well:
King Kong
Waimea Canyon and the surroundings were used to depict Skull Island in the famous King Kong (1976) film.
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Spielberg came back to Waimea Canyon to film scenes for the Indiana Jones movies.
🛶 Paddle and Hike to Secret Falls! Embark on the Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Hike with Lunch. This 5-hour guided tour combines kayaking and a hike to a secluded waterfall, complete with a picnic lunch.
Six Days, Seven Nights
Parts of the adventure flick, Six Days, Seven Nights were filmed in Kauai, including Harrison Ford and Anne Heche’s jaw-dropping jump of the cliff (Shipwreck Beach).
Avatar
Waimea Canyon’s lush, surreal beauty inspired some of the natural landscapes on Pandora, including the floating Hallelujah Mountains.
🌺 Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Luau! Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture at the Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner and Show. Enjoy a captivating performance and feast on local delicacies during this 4-6 hour event.