Kualoa Ranch

[chimommy]

Hi-

Wondering if anyone can provide advice on Kualoa Ranch. Is there a preferred day of week or time? I know traffic can be busy driving there in week day mornings, so I want to take that into account when booking. Any advice of other things to see in the area? I was thinking about booking dinner at Haleiwa Joe’s in Kaneohe. Would it be good to go same day as Kualoa or better a different day? Appreciate any advice and tips!

 

[IandGsmom]

I dont really have any answers to your questions but to say my family loved going there during the most recent Aulani trip. We did the ATV Raptor Tour. We got super dirty but so much fun! Traffic was heavy leaving since it was closing time when we left and therefore close to commute time.

 

[WinterSolider]

Eat here. You're going to be absolutely grimy and filthy after the raptor tour, you're not going to feel like a nicer sit-down dinner.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/yummy-huli-huli-chicken-kaneohe

 

[bbn1122]

Like previous poster, my 2 adult sons and me did the ATV tour this past September. Traffic was fine going out, we went out on a Monday morning, around 9am. The windward side of the island is stunning.

I want to do go Haleiwa Joe's in Kaneohe, but we never made it. I watched a couple of videos of dining there. No reservations. It was recommended to get there a good half before they open at 5pm and line up, so you could be there before the sunset for the beautiful views.

After Kualoa Ranch we stopped at local place just down the road for lunch. I think its the Coral Restaurant, they have delicious chicken and garlic shrimp, authentic island food. We were too dirty and sweaty after the ranch to go for dinner at Joe's.

I would go to Joe's from Aulani and get there early.

Good Luck! Aloha!

 

[bbn1122]

I have a trip report under DVC Trip Reports on my recent Aulani/Oahu Trip.

 

[Bucketfoot]

Would have considered one of their tours on our upcoming trip, but we don't like that they have changed from individual rider ATVs to multi-person UTVs.

So we'll plan on doing a true ATV activity either on Maui or when we get to Aulani.

 

[bbn1122]

Yes, it was a UTV, we had fun. My sons switched off as drivers. The Tour was long and very informative.

We only had time to visit Oahu this trip.

 

[WinterSolider]

Would have considered one of their tours on our upcoming trip, but we don't like that they have changed from individual rider ATVs to multi-person UTVs.

Those are two different tours.

 

[abdgeek]

Hi-

Wondering if anyone can provide advice on Kualoa Ranch. Is there a preferred day of week or time? I know traffic can be busy driving there in week day mornings, so I want to take that into account when booking. Any advice of other things to see in the area? I was thinking about booking dinner at Haleiwa Joe’s in Kaneohe. Would it be good to go same day as Kualoa or better a different day? Appreciate any advice and tips!

There’s a park across from Kualoa Ranch from which you can see Chinaman’s Hat. You’re supposed to be able to walk over to the island during low tide. The park is a good place to wait if you’re running early for the ranch. If you’re really early for your tour, there really isn’t anything to do at Kualoa Ranch while you wait for your tour. If you’re coming from Waikiki, you can stop at Byodo-In Temple. It does get busier mid day with all the tour buses, but is a quick stop when you have time.

 

[Tigger's ally]

We have an appointment at Kualoa next month @ 10:00 A.M. What time should we leave Aulani?

 

[WinterSolider]

We have an appointment at Kualoa next month @ 10:00 A.M. What time should we leave Aulani?

8:00. There are a handful of spots where traffic can back up. You'll probably get there an hour earlier than you need to but it's better to be safe. There's plenty to do around the property if it's not time for your tour when you arrive.

 

[PlutoNotPlanet]

I think it might depend on the season you go.
The first thing I would do is to check the availability of all kinds of tours. If it's peak season, you can tell how busy it is based on how many tours are booked out. Also, certain tours are only available on certain days of the week.
If everything is wide open, then you can take the weather into consideration. You might be able to check the forecast and book relatively last-minute if feasible.

 

[Skywalker3]

We have an appointment at Kualoa next month @ 10:00 A.M. What time should we leave Aulani?

We had a 10:00 Jungle Expedition tour on a Wednesday. We left Aulani around 8AM, I think a little after, looking at pictures, we were inside, taking pictures by 9:15. so had parked, walked in, etc. Had time to take pictures, checkin for tour (that line was actually kinda long/busy,) bathroom, etc. then gather for tour. I think you're put in order too when you check in at the actual tour starting place. So we did that as soon as we could.
We enjoyed the Jungle Expedition tour, especially the kids. (it was VERY bumpy, and had a hike, not sure MIL loved all of the bumpiness>) We then had a boat tour later in the day. I think 2:00 PM, and had way too much time to kill at the ranch. I wish we'd left, and found a place to eat offsite, although the food from the cafe there was very good. Just had a long time waiting around.
Did stop at the macadamia nut place after we left Kualoa. Left at rush hours, a little after 5, hit rush hour, crawled along. not sure how long it took, but was definitely over an hour to get back.

 

[jujubiee4]

We had a 10:00 Jungle Expedition tour on a Wednesday. We left Aulani around 8AM, I think a little after, looking at pictures, we were inside, taking pictures by 9:15. so had parked, walked in, etc. Had time to take pictures, checkin for tour (that line was actually kinda long/busy,) bathroom, etc. then gather for tour. I think you're put in order too when you check in at the actual tour starting place. So we did that as soon as we could.
We enjoyed the Jungle Expedition tour, especially the kids. (it was VERY bumpy, and had a hike, not sure MIL loved all of the bumpiness>) We then had a boat tour later in the day. I think 2:00 PM, and had way too much time to kill at the ranch. I wish we'd left, and found a place to eat offsite, although the food from the cafe there was very good. Just had a long time waiting around.
Did stop at the macadamia nut place after we left Kualoa. Left at rush hours, a little after 5, hit rush hour, crawled along. not sure how long it took, but was definitely over an hour to get back.

Hi what month did you go?

 

[Skywalker3]

Hi what month did you go?

Early March, 2025, just a few weeks ago