When Universal decided to relaunch the Jurassic Park franchise, they decided not to reboot the series, but to continue the story. Jurassic World opened in 2015, which imagined Isla Nublar developed into the theme park that Dr. Hammond was planning.
Much like the original film, Jurassic World was filmed primarily in Hawaii. This time, much of the filming was done on Oahu as opposed to Kauai.
The Helicopter Landing Pad
Early in the film, we see Zach and Gray meeting their Aunt Claire at the helicopter landing pad. This landing pad was constructed on a clearing on the side of a large mountain at Kualoa Ranch.
When I visited, my guide explained how the entire landing pad had been removed. The only thing remaining was one small wooden plank that had been part of the frame.
The view of the Theme Park
From the same clearing as the helicopter pad above, shots were filmed looking down towards the shore and the ocean. Then CGI was used to add the Jurassic World theme park.
The Park backdrop
While the actual Jurassic World theme park set was built in an abandoned parking lot in New Orleans, the scene needed a mountainous backdrop. They again used Kualoa Ranch for this, as they went to the fish pond and used that view. The mountain chain you see here is actually the same one seen behind the Hukilau Cafe in 50 First Dates.
Kualoa Ranch
Owen’s Trailer
Owen is shown living in a trailer along the water. This was set up next to the fish pond at Kualoa Ranch.
The Indominus Rex Paddock
Also at Kualoa Ranch is the Indominus Rex Paddock. This Pen was a multi-sided enclosure to keep the Rex contained. In reality, only two sides of the Paddock were built, one side including the viewing station. Once filming wrapped, this was left standing and is still at the Ranch now.
The scratch marks left by the Dinosaurs is still on the walls. As you can see, from wear over the years, some of the paint is coming off, showing the styrofoam underneath. Sometimes special effects can be basic but effective.
The viewing station was constructed on one wall of the Paddock. This is where Claire and Owen could monitor the Indominus Rex.
Gyrosphere Station
In the middle of Kualoa Ranch is the Gyrosphere Station. This station had the loading area as well as the queue to the attraction. Kualoa Ranch has kept the station and it is one of the best views on the island. The Gyrosphere sign and map are on display in the WW2 bunker.
The Jurassic World Tour Vehicle
In the film, this tour vehicle takes visitors through the valley to see the Gallimimus. The vehicle is a modified Steyr-Daimler-Puch Pinzgauer 712 M. The vehicle is on display at the exit to the WW2 bunker located in the mountainside at the Ranch.
Much like the original Gallimimus stampede scene in Jurassic Park, Jurassic World returned to the same location. This time, the vehicle is filled with tourists, and seen driving through the same area, surrounded by the dinosaurs.
Hawaii Convention Center
One location in Honolulu that was used is the Hawaii Convention Center. The lobby was used as the entrance to the Hilton Isla Nublar Resort. This same lobby can be seen many times as the Sydney Airport in Lost.
Please leave comments below if you have any questions about Jurassic World’s filming locations. Please also check out my pages about Kualoa Ranch and the Jurassic Park filming locations.
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