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!
Considering a visit to Waimea Canyon? Be sure to check out our Waimea Canyon guide 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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).
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Waimea Canyon’s lush, surreal beauty inspired some of the natural landscapes on Pandora, including the floating Hallelujah Mountains.