Want to walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs? These Jurassic Park filming locations prove that movie magic is real—and in some cases, visitable.
Jurassic Park might be set on a fictional island, but the jaw-dropping scenery? That’s 100% real—and mostly filmed in Hawaii. From iconic waterfalls to dense jungle paths, the islands doubled as Isla Nublar in Spielberg’s original Jurassic Park and returned in several sequels.
But the dinosaur magic didn’t stop there. A few surprising mainland locations also made their way into the Jurassic cinematic universe—and you can visit some of those too.
Here’s your guide to Jurassic Park filming locations in Hawaii and beyond:
Kauai: The Original Jurassic Park
This is where it all began. Much of the original Jurassic Park (1993) was filmed on Kauai, thanks to its dramatic terrain and remote feel. In fact, filming was famously interrupted by Hurricane Iniki, which stranded the crew on the island—but Spielberg kept the cameras rolling as long as possible.
Manawaiopuna Falls – “Jurassic Falls”
This waterfall, nicknamed “Jurassic Falls,” is where the iconic helicopter landing scene takes place. It is on private land and primarily accessible via helicopter tours, some of which do land at the base. It is a true bucket list moment for any Jurassic fan.
Allerton Garden
The scene where Grant and the kids find the dinosaur eggs behind a fallen log (specifically, the massive buttress roots of a Moreton Bay fig tree) was filmed here. It is part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, and guided tours are available. It was also used in The Lost World: Jurassic Park for some background shots.
Nā Pali Coast
The breathtaking, sweeping aerial shots of Isla Nublar’s coastline, particularly in the opening sequence and establishing shots, are indeed the Nā Pali Coast. It’s a spectacular natural wonder best seen by boat or helicopter.
Pro tip: queue the John Williams score for full effect.
Limahuli Garden
Limahuli Garden, also part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, was used for some lush jungle background scenes. Some sources even mention that the raptor pen exterior was a set built here.
Oahu: Jurassic World Expansion Pack
As the franchise grew, filming moved to Oahu, where even more prehistoric drama unfolded.
Kualoa Ranch
This is perhaps the most famous and accessible Jurassic filming location in Hawaii. It served as the setting for numerous iconic scenes across the Jurassic World films, including the Gallimimus stampede, the gyrosphere valley, the Indominus Rex paddock, and other jungle chase sequences. Kualoa Ranch actively embraces its cinematic history with various tours (movie sites, ATV, horseback) that highlight these spots.
Bonus: Dozens of other movies were also filmed here.
He’eia Kea Harbor & Kaneohe Bay
Used in Fallen Kingdom for boat scenes and aerial shots related to the island’s evacuation and the departure of the Arcadia. Paddleboard or kayak through waters that look straight out of prehistory.
Ka’a’awa Valley
This specific valley within Kualoa Ranch has been used extensively for various jungle chases, raptor paddocks, and other background scenes throughout the Jurassic films. It’s often highlighted on the Kualoa Ranch tours.
Travel Tip: Some of these spots require reservations, and others are only accessible by tour or helicopter. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment!
Mainland Filming Locations You Might Not Expect
Though Hawaii gets the spotlight, several U.S. locations helped bring Jurassic Park to life:
Red Rock Canyon State Park – Cantil, CA
This distinct desert landscape served as a stand-in for the Montana dig site where Dr. Grant and Dr. Sattler are first introduced at the start of Jurassic Park. Its stark beauty made it a convincing “Badlands” setting.
NASA Michoud Assembly Facility – New Orleans, LA
This massive facility was indeed used to construct and film interior sets for Jurassic World, including portions of the Visitor Center and other large-scale sequences, capitalizing on its vast spaces and Louisiana’s film incentives.
Audubon Zoo – New Orleans, LA
The Audubon Zoo was used for some exterior shots in Jurassic World, particularly early chaotic scenes as dinosaurs break loose in the park. It provided a lush, established park setting.
Fern Canyon – Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, CA
Fern Canyon, known for its incredibly lush, fern-covered walls, was famously used in Jurassic Park III. It’s a visually stunning and unique location that perfectly fits the prehistoric jungle aesthetic.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just chasing the next great adventure, these Jurassic Park filming locations offer a chance to step inside the story.
From Hawaii’s waterfalls to California deserts and even a NASA facility in Louisiana, the dinosaurs may be CGI—but the landscapes are very real.
Planning your own Jurassic adventure? Bookmark this post and check back for more filming locations, quirky travel finds, and pop culture travel inspiration.
If you love dinosaurs, you may want to check out other dinosaur roadside attractions throughout the United States.
