Covering an area of more than 4,000 acres, Kualoa Ranch located on Oahu's windward coast in close proximity to the town of Ka'a'awa. The area offers very scenic views. The majestic cliffs and spires of the Kualoa Mountains, an ancient fishponds on the south side of the ranch, lush greenery, fantastic views of Chinaman's Hat, all set the backdrop of the ranch. The beautiful scenery is also the reason why the ranch has been the location where many movies have been filmed in the past including Jurassic Park, Godzilla an 50 First Dates.
Many activities and educational programs are also undertaken at the ranch. Horseback rides, ATV (all-terrain vehicle tours), movie tours, Jungle expedition, Hawaiian Fishpond and Garden tour, hula lessons and snorkeling excursion are just some of the many activities and programs undertaken at the ranch. It is possible to find different packages depending on the activity.
Kualoa Ranch is located in the Kualoa Valley. The history of the valley is very interesting. The land sold in 1850 by King Kamehameha III to Dr Gerrit P Judd and his brother-in-law who started a sugar mill. The area was taken by the military in 1941 and built the Kualoa Airfield. The area is today under the Morgan family name who are Dr Judd's descendants. The name of the ranch was given in 1927. In Hawaiian, the name means "long back" which describes the ranch beautiful valley and mountain peaks.
There are also lots of legends and myths that surround the Kualoa Valley. For example, it is believed that the ranch's Moli'i fishpond had been built by Menehune, a legendary little people of Hawaii in just one night. You can also embark on a legend and legacy tour. The tour takes visitors through the foothills of the majestic Kualoa cliffs while the guide explains the legends and stories of the area. The Kualoa Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.