The 2001 film “Jurassic Park III” was filmed in Hawaii and Southern California. Early in the film, Dr. Alan Grant, played by Sam Neill, visits the home of Ellie, played by Laura Dern. Ellie’s house can be found in South Pasadena, California. The same house was featured in the film “Bringing Down The House,” as well as the TV shows “Family” and “Fatal Attraction.”
LOCATION: 1230 Milan Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Much like the original “Jurassic Park” and the sequel “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” this third installment also shot scenes at Jurassic Kahili Ranch in Kauaʻi, Hawaii. In Spring 2019, the ranch began offering tours to the public for the first time. However, it is unclear if they are still offering them, as most of their tour information has been removed from their website. It’s difficult to pinpoint specific scenes from the film, as the ranch is quite large and mostly credited for being featured in general outdoor and jungle scenes. The ranch’s movie tour focused primarily on the original film and the 2015 hit “Jurassic World,” with little mention of where scenes from the third film specifically shot. Here are some looks around the grounds of Jurassic Kahili Ranch. Please note that this land is private and unless you have express permission from the owners, it is trespassing to attempt to enter the grounds.
LOCATION: Jurassic Kahili Ranch, 5-1771D, Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea, HI 96754
One scene that can be matched up comes late in the film is when Dr. Grant and the survivors ride a barge along the water and pass herds of dinosaurs standing along the banks. This was filmed at the Pu’u Ka Ele Reservoir. After a breach of the nearby Ka Loko Reservoir in 2006, located about 2 miles east of the ranch, the owners decided to decommission the Pu’u Ka Ele Reservoir in 2009 and downsize it into a lake. This is how it appears now. This is the same area where Grant sees the dinosaur herds at the lake in the original film.
The famous beach from the movie “From Here to Eternity,” known as Halona Beach Cove, can be found on the Southeast shore on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The beach is located just off the Kalanianaʻole Hwy (HI-72), but nearby parking can be limited during peak tourist times. The beach itself is only accessible by hiking down the rocks.
LOCATION: Halona Beach Cove, HI 96825
Late in the film, the Aloha Tower is briefly seen the morning of the attack. It is also seen briefly again from the water in the closing scene, as Karen and Lorene leave the island. The tower also appears in the film “Goin’ Coconuts.”
LOCATION: Aloha Tower, 103 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is very briefly seen in the distance from the water, as Karen and Lorene leave the island at the end of the film. The hotel has been featured in numerous films, such as “Punch-Drunk Love,” “Big Eyes,” “Goin’ Coconuts,” “Gidget Goes Hawaiian,” “Big Jim McClain” and “The Black Camel,” as well as such TV shows as “Mad Men,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Blood and Orchids,” “Pearl” and more.
LOCATION: Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
The 2004 comedy “50 First Dates” was filmed primarily in Oahu, Hawaii, with some additional scenes filmed in Southern California.
The Hukilau Cafe, where Henry, played by Adam Sandler, first meets Lucy, played by Drew Barrymore, was a set built for the film. Contrary to some information online, it no longer exists. It was filmed near the Moli’i Fishpond, which is adjacent to Kualoa Ranch. The ranch in fact owns this land and it has been featured in many films, including “Jurassic World,” “Triple Frontier,” “Snatched,” “Tears of the Sun,” “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates,” “You, Me and Dupree” and the TV show “Lost.” There are some buildings there, but they were not used as the restaurant set, which was torn down after filming.
There are a couple ways to see this area. The local shops near the pond, which rent their buildings from Kualoa Ranch, offer tours of their own near the water for a small fee. However, the Premier Movie Site Tour offered by Kualoa Ranch itself stops at this area and covers it in detail, which is our recommended way to see it. Here is a view of the general area where the cafe set was built.
LOCATION: 49-243 Kuukama St, Kailua, HI 96734
Here is a small sign nearby marking it as the filming location.
It is a challenge to find the house of Lucy and even more of a challenge to photograph it. The easiest way to pinpoint the general area is to find the Waikane Store on Kamehameha Hwy, located at 48-377 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744. There is an unnamed road sitting right beside the store, which leads to Lucy’s house. However, where the road dead ends, you still can’t see the house very well. Here instead is an aerial view of the property.
The pier, known as Waikane Pier, also appeared in the TV show “Lost.” Only remnants of it exist now. Further out in the water, you can see a small island known as Mokolii, which can also be seen in the film. It is a popular photo spot for tourists.
The road where Henry keeps finding creative ways to stop Lucy can be found on Kualoa Ranch. Countless other films have shot in this area, ranging from “Jurassic Park” to “Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle” to “Windtalkers.” If we have one complaint about the Kualoa Ranch tours (which are otherwise great), even on their Premier Movie Site Tour, they drive through this area rather quickly and do not stop. This makes getting decent photographs a challenge.
LOCATION: Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Later in the film, Lucy is admitted to the Callahan Institute for Brain Injuries. This was filmed at the Cabrillo Beach Bath House in San Pedro, California. The same location was famously featured in the film “Face/Off.”
LOCATION: 3800 Stephen M White Dr, San Pedro, CA 90731
The Cabrillo Beach Bath House interiors were also used in the film. The staff is very friendly there and welcoming to the public, so don’t hesitate to visit.
Henry and Lucy have a series of “first” kisses, including one at Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse. To reach the lighthouse, you must take a hike from the Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail. Parking is free there, but the lot often fills up. However, there is parking available on the shoulder of the road leading up to the parking lot as well. This is a popular spot and can get crowded. The trail itself is paved and most of the path to reach the scenic overlook is at an incline. The trail round trip runs about two miles and can take a couple hours depending on your pace. There are several scene viewpoints along the way.
LOCATION: Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse, Waimanalo, HI 96795
The 2017 film “Kong: Skull Island” filmed at a variety of locations around the world, including Australia, Vietnam and Hawaii. Over at Kualoa Ranch in Oahu, there are a couple interesting set pieces from the film.
First up is the bone graveyard. These props made by the production were unfortunately not built to last. As they remain exposed to the elements year round, they are slowly deteriorating. The props will not likely be displayed in this manor long term, but for now they can be seen on the ranch’s movie tours.
LOCATION: Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
In the Jungle area of the ranch, there is one more location from the film; the site of the helicopter crash.
A few more bone props are stored in the prop building at the ranch.
If you’re a fan of filming locations and make it to Hawaii, Kuloa Ranch is an oasis, hosting dozens of memorable films. There are a wide variety of tours available at the ranch, more than one of which are film related. We recommend the Premier Movie Site Tour, as it takes you to many locations that are only seen on that particular tour. The Hollywood tour, while cheaper, skips many locations around the ranch.
While much of J.C. Chandor’s 2019 heist film “Triple Frontier” is set in South America, it was mostly filmed in O’ahu, Hawaii, with a few scenes filmed in Colombia and the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
Ben Affleck’s character is introduced unsuccessfully trying to sell a property to prospective buyers at Pae Ko Gardens in Kapolei. As he exits, Oscar Isacc is outside waiting to speak with him.
LOCATION: 91-1040 Kaiau Ave, Kapolei, HI 96707
The two stand in the parking lot and talk.
Just a few blocks away is Ben Affleck’s house in the film, where he is only allowed in the garage.
LOCATION: 91-228 Pilipiliula Pl, Kapolei, HI 96707
The camera is mostly positioned inside the garage, looking out towards the neighboring houses across the street.
LOCATION: 91-229 / 91-225 Pilipiliula Pl, Kapolei, HI 96707
As Affleck drives his daughter to school, he stops by a convenience store. The real building is currently a restaurant.
LOCATION: 91-775 Papipi Rd, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
He then drops his daughter off at school, which was filmed at Samuel Wilder King Intermediate School in Kaneohe.
LOCATION: 46-155 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
The freeway establishing shot in South America is actually the iconic Interstate H-3 in O’ahu, also known as the John A. Burns Freeway, which crosses east and west over the Southeast side of the island. The freeway is known for it’s viaducts running alongside the lush Hawaiian landscape. We could not replicate the aerial view seen in the film, but here is a view of the freeway from one of the nearby neighborhoods.
LOCATION: Interstate H-3, Kaneohe, HI 96744
This is the view actually driving the H-3. Some visual effects were used in the film to add a small village near the road.
The house where the heist takes place was a composite of a couple different locations. The main building is part of the historic Clarence H. Cooke Residence, which can be found on Old Pali Road in Honolulu. It’s actually almost directly across the street from George Clooney’s house in “The Descendants.” Unfortunately, the building seen in the film is not visible from the road.
The gate and surrounding jungle seen in the film were actually filmed at Kualoa Ranch (49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744). Unfortunately, the area where the gate set was built was not identified on their movie tour. Here is a view of the real gate to the Clarence H. Cooke Residence, which of course was never seen from this residential view in the film.
LOCATION: Clarence H. Cooke Residence, 3860 Old Pali Rd, Honolulu, HI 96817
The crew can be seen having drinks at this cottage, which sits near the the Moli’i Fishpond in Kailua. The property is actually owned by Kualoa Ranch. This cottage building can also be seen in the Bruce Willis film “Tears of the Sun.” The surrounding buildings and pond have also been featured in many movies, such as “Jurassic World,” “50 First Dates,” “Snatched,” “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates,” “You, Me and Dupree” and TV show “Lost.”
This area, while private, can be seen as part of the Premier Movie Site Tour of Kualoa Ranch. It’s worth mentioning that parts can also by seen by visiting the local shops near the pond, which rent their buildings from Kualoa Ranch. They offer tours of their own near the water for a small fee, but the Premier Movie Site Tour offered by the ranch is our recommended way to see it.
LOCATION: 49-243 Kuukama St, Kailua, HI 96734
The helicopter crash site was filmed on the main property of Kualoa Ranch. Their tours do not go up close to the exact site, but they do pass nearby and offer a view in the distance. A couple buildings from the film, seen on the left side, are still standing. Countless productions have also filmed in this area, including the 1998 remake of “Mighty Joe Young,” “Windtalkers” and dozens more.
LOCATION: Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
In 2015’s “Jurassic World,” the story takes us back to Isla Nublar, the same fictional island from the original “Jurassic Park,” supposedly located off the coast of Costa Rica. The locations are a composite of multiple places, including Louisiana and Hawaii. Filming largely took place at Kualoa Ranch in O’ahu, where as the original film also shot, albeit to a lesser extent.
As the ferry takes the boys to the island, the establishing shot shows the majestic Nā Pali Coast on the North Shore of Kauaʻi. There are a variety of ways to see the coast, including boat and helicopter tours. Some areas can also be hiked.
LOCATION: Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
The escalators where the boys head to their room is on the island of O’ahu at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. The same escalators were featured in the TV series “Lost.”
LOCATION: 1801 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
The helicopter pad where Claire, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, is picked up is at Kualoa Ranch in Oahu, where the original “Jurassic Park” also filmed scenes. The pad set was initially kept after filming was completed, but eventually the ranch decided to remove it, as many helicopters travel the nearby air space and they had concerns one of them might confuse it for an actual landing pad. Many of the locations around Kualoa Ranch have signs such as this posted, identifying which films shot where.
LOCATION: Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
The helicopter pad is featured in a number of scenes throughout the film. Quite a bit of CGI was added, to include the buildings and train rail featured in the park. In the distance is the Moli’i Fishpond, also part of the Kualoa Ranch property, which is featured in several other scenes in the film.
The Indominus rex paddock set was also built on Kualoa Ranch, which does still stand. There are a wide variety of tours available at the ranch, more than one of which are film related. We recommend the Premier Movie Site Tour, as it takes you to many locations from this and other films that are only seen on that particular tour. The Hollywood tour, while cheaper, skips many locations on the ranch.
Here is the interior of the deck overlooking the Indominus Rex paddock.
A view of the deck from the exterior.
In a later scene, Claire brings Owen, played by Chris Pratt, to the paddock, where they initially believe the Indominus rex may have escaped. The claw marks Owen points out are still there.
The Moli’i Fishpond is where the giant mosasaurus emerges from the water and eats the shark. Quite a bit of CGI was added to the scene. The Moli’i Fishpond area has been featured in many movies, such as “Triple Frontier,” “50 First Dates,” “Snatched,” “Tears of the Sun,” “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates,” “You, Me and Dupree,” as well as the TV show “Lost.” Here is a sign identifying the mosasaurus scene.
LOCATION: 49-243 Kuukama St, Kailua, HI 96734
It’s also on the banks of the Moli’i Fishpond where Owen’s bungalow and trailer set was built, though it has since been removed. It’s worth mentioning that parts of this area can also by seen by visiting the local shops near the pond, which rent their buildings from Kualoa Ranch. They offer tours of their own near the water for a small fee, but the Premier Movie Site Tour offered by the ranch is still our recommended way to see it.
As the boys ride a train out to the Gyrosphere area, they pass a valley where gallimimus are running alongside a vehicle. This is a nod to the original film, where Dr. Grant and the two children run from a gallimimus stampede, which was filmed in the exact same location at Kualoa Ranch. The same valley pops on again in the sequel “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,” when a convoy travels on an expedition into the park.
The mountains seen here have a railway added via CGI.
In the Jungle area of Kualoa Ranch, there is a stream that runs through, which is where the scenes of the Indominus rex attacking park security took place. Unfortunately, their tours quickly drive past this location, so you have to be quick trying to get photos.
The set where the boys wait in line for the Gyrosphere ride also still stands at Kualoa Ranch, with a stunning backdrop looking out over the ocean.
The scenes of the boys wandering the park in the Gyroscope were filmed at Jurassic Kahili Ranch in Kauaʻi. This is the same ranch where the brachiosaurus is first seen in the original “Jurassic Park.” It also appeared in the sequels “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” and “Jurassic Park III.” For years, the ranch remained closed to the public, proving to be one of the most elusive and sought-after locations for fans of the franchise. That changed in 2019, when the ranch began offering public tours for the first time. The tours were unfortunately suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic, but they may resume in the future.
The scene of the boys riding around with the dinosaurs was actually a composite of a couple different areas. This is the field they initially traverse.
LOCATION: Jurassic Kahili Ranch, 5-1771D, Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea, HI 96754
The filmmakers also wanted these mountains in the distance of several shots, which are in fact located in the same general area, but not from all of the specific angles seen in the film. Visual effects were employed to place the mountains into the desired areas of the shots.
The boys then notice an area of the perimeter fence that has a gate open. This set piece was left standing at the completion of the film, at the request of the ranch. The gate really does open and it’s heavier than you might expect.
LOCATION: 22.173597, -159.398782
Here is a wider view of the full set piece.
This is the view of the other side of the gate, where the boys look down. There is also a reverse shot looking back up towards the open fence at the Gyrosphere. This trail was made specifically for the film, to allow in equipment and crew and achieve the desired shots. The tour itself does not go down this trail, but guests are allowed to walk up on foot and take a closer look, if they’re so inclined.
As Claire and Owen go searching for the boys, they encounter a dying apatosaurus, which had the misfortune of encountering the Indominus rex. This was also filmed at Jurassic Kahili Ranch.
They then discover more dead dinosaurs lying scattered across this hill, realizing the Indominus is killing for sport.
In the closing shot of the film, the T-rex emerges from this area onto the helicopter pad, back at Kualoa Ranch in O’ahu.
Here is one of the vehicles seen in the film. It was actually owned by Kualoa Ranch prior to production. When the filmmakers saw it, they asked to use it in the film.
If you get a chance to visit Hawaii, we highly recommend Jurassic Kahili Ranch in Kauaʻi and Kualoa Ranch in O’ahu. Both offer spectacular views and very recognizable locations from not only this film, but the original “Jurassic Park” as well. As a reminder, these are private ranches closed to the general public for unauthorized experiences. Please do not trespass. The only way to see them is by booking a tour.
Thanks to Sean Mello for providing the GPS coordinates of the fence.
Steven Spielberg’s classic 1993 film “Jurassic Park” takes place on the fictional island of Isla Nublar, supposedly near Costa Rica. The real locations were filmed mostly in Hawaii, on the islands of Kauaʻi, O’ahu and Maui, with some additional scenes filmed on studio lots near Hollywood, California.
The Velociraptor pen seen in the film was a set built at Limahuli Garden & Preserve in Northern Kauaʻi. It was removed after filming and a visitor’s center building now stands in it’s place. However, the mountains in the background can still be matched up. If you want to visit the garden itself, it has a very small parking lot that fills up quickly, so advanced reservations are recommended.
LOCATION: Limahuli Garden & Preserve, National Tropical Botanical Garden, 5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Grant and Ellie, played by Sam Neill and Laura Dern, are introduced discovering dinosaur fossils at a dig site supposedly located in the Badlands, near Snakewater, Montana. These scenes were actually filmed at Red Rock Canyon State Park in Cantil, California, a couple hours north of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert. To get to the area seen in the film, you can take the Red Cliffs Nature Trail from the Red Rock Cliffs Parking Area, which will lead you most of the way there. We’ve provided GPS coordinates below.
LOCATION: Red Rock Canyon State Park, Cantil, CA 93519 (GPS coordinates: 35°22’26.2″N, 117°58’18.2″W)
Here is the area where Grant talks to the young boy about the hunting techniques of the raptor.
Here is one of the angles from the area where the monitor canopy was set up. Closer to the rocks is also the area where the camper trailer is parked and Hammond, played by Richard Attenborough, opens the champagne.
This area is not seen in the film, but we’ve included it for reference to those who wish to visit. From the Red Rock Cliffs Parking Area, you start where this Red Cliffs Nature Trail sign is located. It is roughly a 20 minute hike from here, which we’d describe as moderate with some hills. Once you get over the hills from the parking lot, there is a trail most of the way. You can follow the cliffs to the left as a reference to keep your bearings most of the way. We highly recommend knowing your route before you go, as cellular service is spotty. We also recommend plenty of water and avoiding hiking during excessive heat.
Nedry, played by Wayne Knight, meets Dodgson at an outdoor dining area, supposedly located in San Jose, Costa Rica. The real location is just off the Kuhio Highway in Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi. There are numerous food trucks there where motorists can stop and enjoy local food. This is the spot where Dodgson first arrives by the side of the road.
LOCATION: 4-1620 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
This is the general area where Nedry and Dodgson sit and discuss plans to steal dinosaur DNA from InGen and sell it to a rival company. As you can see, the area has changed a little bit. While there are tables you can sit and eat, they are closer to the road at the food trucks. In the film, the two sit further back near the palm trees.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is of course the first dinosaur sighting. For years, it also remained one of the most elusive locations to fans. The brachiosaurus encounter was filmed at Jurassic Kahili Ranch in Kauaʻi. The land is a private ranch for horse, sheep and cattle. For decades, it did not offer tours of any kind and only a select few ever made it onto the property. That changed in 2019, when the ranch began offering public tours for the first time, including a tour dedicated to filming locations around the ranch. The tours were unfortunately suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic, but they may resume in the future. Besides the original film, “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” “Jurassic Park III” and “Jurassic World” also filmed at the ranch.
Here is where Hammond rides with Grant, Ellie and Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) in the Jeeps, as they first approach a hill towards the brachiosaurus.
LOCATION: Jurassic Kahili Ranch, 5-1771D, Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea, HI 96754
The vehicles continue driving past this row of trees.
Here is the exact spot where they first see the brachiosaurus. It is eating from the tree on the right. As iconic as this scene is, the ranch itself is so vast, it would be quite easy to miss if you didn’t know the general vicinity. However, once you’re there, if you know the film, it’s very identifiable.
LOCATION: Jurassic Kahili Ranch, 5-1771D, Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea, HI 96754, USA (GPS coordinates: 22°11’09.7″N, 159°23’19.4″W)
As Grant sits on the ground bewildered by what he’s just seen, he looks the opposite direction and sees a herd of dinosaurs at a lake. This is made to appear as if it’s right near the trees where the first brachiosaurus is seen, but in reality is a completely different part of the ranch. Visual effects were used to composite the actors into the shot, to appear to be overlooking the lake.
This was filmed at the Pu’u Ka Ele Reservoir, located on the ranch. After a breach of the nearby Ka Loko Reservoir in 2006, located about 2 miles east of the ranch, the owners decided to decommission the Pu’u Ka Ele Reservoir in 2009 and downsize it into a lake. This is how it appears now. This same lake was featured again in “Jurassic Park III,” when Dr. Grant and the survivors ride a barge along the water and pass herds of dinosaurs standing along the banks.
If you get a chance to visit Jurassic Kahili Ranch in Kauaʻi, we certainly encourage you to do so if you’re a fan of the film. There are other, very recognizable locations from the other “Jurassic Park” films to be seen there as well. The staff is very friendly and welcoming to photography and video and eager for fan input on how to improve the experience. With the ranch now open to tours, it will likely grow as a tourist hot spot in the years to come.
Later in the film, a storm arrives on the island, which was filmed at Nawiliwili Harbor in Kauaʻi. The very real Hurricane Iniki hit Kauaʻi during filming in 1992. Spielberg and the cast were safely holed up at the Marriott Resort in Lihue when the hurricane struck. The hurricane resulted in many scenes initially planned for filming in Kauaʻi to be shifted to O’ahu, as well as the studio lots in California. However, they managed to use footage of the actual hurricane in the film, taken at the hotel looking out over the harbor. If you don’t want to visit the hotel, there is a nearby park, from which the harbor can also be seen pretty well.
LOCATION: Nawiliwili Harbor, Lihue, HI 96766 (seen near 3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766)
The T-rex attack was filmed at Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank, California, on their tallest sound stage. The T-rex chasing Malcolm and Ellie was originally intended to be shot in Kauaʻi, however. Due to the hurricane, this scene was also shifted to the Warner lot and can sometimes be seen on their studio tours, depending on the production schedules around the lot (4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505).
Perhaps the most widely known location for this film is Kualoa Ranch in O’ahu. The Gallimimus stampede, with Grant and the two children, was not initially intended to be filmed at Kualoa Ranch. Instead it was meant to be another location in Kauaʻi. Kualoa was a replacement location, due to the hurricane. Here is the main valley at the ranch, where the stampede takes place.
LOCATION: Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
The original log they hide behind as the T-rex hunts and eats the Gallimimus was replaced by the ranch in 2012, due to deterioration. However, the ranch still has a small piece of the original log behind the replacement. They added a sign for the film and it has since become the most popular photo location on the ranch. It’s right next to the main tour trail, so it’s very easy to access.
These mountains were seen in the background as Grant and the kids hide and watch the T-rex.
While “Jurassic Park” was not the first movie to film at Kualoa, it certainly became the most famous. After this film, countless other films, TV shows, commercials and music videos began filming on the ranch, bringing with it quite a lot of tourism. The ranch has so many filming locations, it’s almost like a studio tour. There are a wide variety of tours available at the ranch, many of which are not film related. While the locations from this film can be seen on quite a few of the tours, we recommend the Premier Movie Site Tour, as it takes you to many locations from other films that are only seen on that particular tour.
If you get a chance to visit Hawaii, there are quite a few “Jurassic Park” locations to be seen. Some are quite a challenge to visit, however, involving hiking or private helicopter rides as the only way to reach them. For the casual fan, we recommend Jurassic Kahili Ranch in Kauaʻi and Kualoa Ranch in O’ahu. Both offer spectacular views and very recognizable locations from multiple different “Jurassic Park” films. As a reminder, these are private ranches closed to the general public for unauthorized experiences. Please do not trespass. The only way to see them is by booking a tour.
Thanks to Sean Mello for providing the GPS coordinates of the brachiosaurus tree.
To see our “Jurassic Park” location page, click here.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2012 film “The Master” was shot primarily around Northern California, with a few scenes also being filmed in Southern California, Hawaii and Nevada. Early in the film, Freddie Quell, played by Joaquin Phoenix, is seen serving in the military, stationed somewhere in Hawaii. These scenes were filmed at Papa‘Iloa Beach on the North Shore of Oahu, as identified by Reel News Hawaii.
LOCATION: Papa‘Iloa Beach, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Here is another photo of the same location, kindly provided to us by Christian Hernandez at Boogie Sights.
Freddie is seen working aboard a Navy vessel. These interior scenes were filmed aboard the USS Hornet in Alameda. Public tours are available for those interested. There is actually an exterior shot of the aircraft carrier, but only in the “Back Beyond” deleted scenes and outtakes feature. There is a shot of a couple men jumping off the vessel into the water.
LOCATION: USS Hornet – Sea, Air and Space Museum, 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda, CA 94501
These additional photos of the USS Hornet were provided to us by Christian Hernandez at Boogie Sights.
The department store where Freddie works as a photographer was filmed at the UCLA Downtown / UCLA Extension at The Trust Building in Downtown Los Angeles. While only seen from interior views in the film, in the behind the scenes featurette “Unguided Message,” offers additional views, including a shot from the street, continuing inside and up the stairs into the department store set. Here is what the exterior looks like.
LOCATION: 433 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Freddie meets Lancaster Dodd, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, as he sneaks aboard Dodd’s yacht as a stowaway. That yacht is the USS Potomac, which is docked in Oakland, California. The boat is most famous for having once belonged to former U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
LOCATION: 540 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607
A view of the back of the yacht. The production added a canopy to the upper deck, where guests were seen dancing when Freddie first approaches.
Another, wider view of the USS Potomac, where it regularly docks.
There are tours available inside the USS Potomac, where you can see additional interiors featured in the film. This area is where Lancaster delivers a speech after his daughter’s wedding. While the majority of the tour is focused on Franklin Roosevelt and the history of the yacht, they do mention this film.
This bar area, which is only seen briefly in the background of a couple shots, was added by the production. The association which owns the yacht liked it and decided to keep it after the production ended.
There is a shot of the yacht departing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge is one of the most often seen locations in film, having appeared in “Vertigo,” “The Rock,” “Pacific Rim,” “Zodiac,” “Big Eyes,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “A View To A Kill,” “Dirty Harry,” “Hulk,” “Lords Of Dogtown,” “The Bridge” and many more.
LOCATION: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA
Freddie is seen visiting his sweetheart, Doris, at this house in Crockett, California. The house has since received a paint job.
LOCATION: 619 Winslow St, Crockett, CA 94525
A full view of the home, though it is never seen from this angle in the film. It sits perched on a steep hilltop of a very narrow, one way road overlooking a lake.
Freddie and Doris sit on this park bench. This location was identified by Christian Hernandez at Boogie Sights. It can be found almost directly across the street from the Lancaster Dodd house, past the concrete structures and to the left. We’ve provided GPS coordinates below.
LOCATION: Alden Park, 8th St, Vallejo, CA 94592 (GPS coordinates: 38°05’51.6″N, 122°16’15.4″W)
Here are some additional photos of the same location, kindly provided to us by Christian Hernandez.
There is another scene of Freddie and Doris at the same park, but at a different bench, featured as a deleted scene in the “Back Beyond” featurette. If you’re facing the bench that appears in the film, this is just a short walk down to the left.
LOCATION: Alden Park, 8th St, Vallejo, CA 94592
Supposedly located in Philadelphia, the home of Helen Sullivan, played by Luara Dern, can found on Mare Island in Vallejo, California. The property, known as the Captain’s Mansion, is a former event space and can be a bit tricky to find. The first challenge is that many houses spanning several blocks on this street look almost identical and are used for similar purposes. There are subtle differences from house to house, however, be it minor architectural variations, trees and shrubs, views in the background, etc. To located this house, make sure you arrive at the intersection of Walnut Ave and 8th St on Mare Island and you’ll see the house, which has the number “822” on the front steps.
LOCATION: 1075 Walnut Ave, Vallejo, CA 94592 (near Walnut Ave and 8th St, GPS coordinates: 38°05’49.9″N, 122°16’18.2″W)
The theater where Freddie and Clark, played by Rami Malek, hand out flyers in front of the ticket booth is the Los Angeles Theatre in Downtown L.A.
LOCATION: 615 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
The Causes’s first congress, celebrating the release of Lancaster Dodd’s second book, was supposedly located in Phoenix, Arizona. The building is actually located in Norwalk, California. The same street has appeared in many films, such as “Another Day In Paradise” and “Frailty.” In some of the teaser trailers, alternate shots can be seen of some of the buildings across the street. At the time of our visit, the parking lot on the right was still open, but it has since been fenced off and filled with junk, making it no longer possible to match up many angles seen in the film.
LOCATION: 12124 Front St, Norwalk, CA 90650
In a deleted scene featured in the “Back Beyond” featurette, Freddie can be seen walking in a reverse view from the above shot, with this building seen in the background across the street, with a “Desert Hardware” sign.
In a deleted scene featured in the “Back Beyond” featurette, Freddie can be seen running along Torpedo Wharf, located near Golden Gate Bridge.
LOCATION: Torpedo Wharf, Long Ave, San Francisco, CA 94129
The area is a popular tourist destination and can get crowded.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2002 romantic drama, like many of his films, was shot largely around the Valley, north of Los Angeles, where the filmmaker grew up. However, some key sequences also took place in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The film begins at Eckhart Auto Body in Chatsworth, CA, where Barry, played by Adam Sandler, houses his offices. The owners are very friendly to fans of the film, so don’t hesitate to approach them if you visit.
LOCATION: 10101 Canoga Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311
The view when Lena, played by Emily Watson, approaches and introduces herself.
Standing at the driveway, looking to your left out onto Canoga Ave, you’ll see the spot where the car crashes at the beginning of the film.
At the driveway entrance is where the harpsichord is dropped off.
Barry and Lana have dinner at this table at Le Petit Chateau in North Hollywood, which has since permanently closed. However, we were able to visit while it was still open. The specific table could be found through the main entrance, on the opposite side of the wall. There was a painting and plaque on the wall above the center of the table.
LOCATION: Le Petit Chateau, 4615 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602
Barry excuses himself to the bathroom, where he quickly proceeds to destroy it, after Lana repeats an embarrassing story about him that his sister told her. The scene really was filmed inside the actual restaurant’s bathroom, which has changed only slightly since filming.
Barry is confronted by a staff member here and subsequently gets kicked out of the restaurant for destroying their bathroom.
Barry and Lana make their way out of the restaurant through this entrance way.
The couple then walks out of the restaurant, which is seen in a night shot.
Elsewhere in the the Valley, in Sherman Oaks, you’ll find Barry’s apartment.
LOCATION: 14926 Moorpark St, Sherman Oaks 91403
The reverse view out onto Moorpark St. is where Dean Trumbell’s men crash into Barry and Lana’s car.
Dean Trumbell’s men force Barry to withdraw money from this ATM machine in Woodland Hills. These ATM shots (day and night) are provided courtesy of Christian Hernandez at Boogie Sights.
LOCATION: 19858 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Here is the same location at night.
Barry is seen running from Dean Trumbell’s men past this building, which was a Fosters Freeze at the time. These shots of the building and street out front (day and night) are all also provided courtesy of Christian Hernandez.
LOCATION: 19762 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Here’s an image of the same building at night.
Barry continues running onto Ventura Blvd, in front of the same building.
Here is the same area at night.
Barry decides to travel to Hawaii to be with Lena. He is seen arriving at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
LOCATION: 300 Rodgers Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96819
The payphone where Barry calls his sister can be found in Waikiki. The area has since been remodeled some.
LOCATION: Kalākaua Ave / Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Barry meets Lena at the Royal Hawaiin Hotel in Waikiki. Barry enters from this area.
LOCATION: Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Lena enters from the opposite hall.
Barry and Lena embrace for their kiss in this spot, with the backdrop of Waikiki behind them, which was immortalized on the movie poster. The hotel has been featured in numerous films, such as “Big Eyes,” “From Here To Eternity,” “Goin’ Coconuts,” “Gidget Goes Hawaiian,” “Big Jim McClain” and “The Black Camel,” as well as such TV shows as “Mad Men,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Blood and Orchids,” “Pearl” and more.
The Mai Tai Bar, located on the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, is where Barry and Lena enjoy a meal together in the film, with the band singing and the Diamond Head peak in the background at sunset. The railing next to the tables is the same one seen in the film. This is very close to the above image where the pair kiss.
LOCATION: 2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Lena’s hotel scenes, where she walks the hallways with Barry, were filmed at the Kahala Hotel & Resort. These Kahala Hotel shots are provided courtesy of Christian Hernandez at Boogie Sights.
LOCATION: 5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Near the end of the film, Barry supposedly travels to Utah to confront Dean Trumbell at his mattress store. The real building can be found in Pamona.
LOCATION: 390 W Foothill Blvd, Pomona, CA 91767
Last, but not least, we leave you with a quick shot of Paul Thomas Anderson and Adam Sandler discussing the film.
A bit removed from the touristy beaches of Honolulu, on the outskirts of downtown, you could find the HQ of Dog The Bounty Hunter. The offices and front window remained nearly identical to how they appeared on the show until January 2019, when new owners purchased the building. It is sadly now set for demolition and redevelopment.
LOCATION: 1381 Queen Emma St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Literally right around the corner, just a few steps down on Vineyard St, you could find the Dog the Bounty Hunter gift shop, which housed more Dog apparel than you knew existed. This too closed in January 2019 and is set for demolition.
