Travel

Discover the lush landscapes of Hawaii where Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson filmed Jumanji: The Next Level


JUMANJI! Shout that at the top of your voice in Hawaii’s stunning Kualoa Ranch and you won’t get sucked into a video game.

But if you’re lucky enough, you might get a glimpse of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, star of the latest film reboot, Jumanji: The Next Level, out on Friday.

 The Rock stars in Jumanji: The Next Level which was filmed in Hawaii

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The Rock stars in Jumanji: The Next Level which was filmed in HawaiiCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Hawaii boasts spectacular landscapes

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Hawaii boasts spectacular landscapesCredit: Alamy

Kualoa Ranch is not likely to be the first place that pops into your head when you think about Hawaii, but there’s no doubt you will have seen it on the big screen or your TV.

This hidden gem in the heart of the island of Oahu has been the home of dinosaurs, monsters and even King Kong himself.

Don’t worry, if you visit, you’re not going to get eaten or chased off the island, but you could have the chance to be part of movie magic.

If you’ve ever watched Jurassic Park, Jumanji or the TV show Lost, then the lush, green hills of Kualoa Ranch will be strikingly familiar.

 Mokoli's Island, Hawaii

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Mokoli’s Island, HawaiiCredit: Alamy

The 4,000 acres has played host to dozens of films, TV shows and music videos, and can be seen in the latest Jumanji adventure.

If you’re a film nerd, which I confess I am, then the Premier Hollywood Movie Sites Tour will be the best three hours you’ll spend.

Jumping into a Jeep with our guide Caleb, we set off through the sprawling forest to find some of the most celebrated movie history sites.
And just like in a cinema, we had a supply of kettle corn and M&Ms, thanks to Caleb.

 This hidden gem in the heart of the island of Oahu has been the home of dinosaurs, monsters and even King Kong himself

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This hidden gem in the heart of the island of Oahu has been the home of dinosaurs, monsters and even King Kong himself

There’s time to pose for selfies galore at the Jurassic Park fallen tree, find Godzilla’s footprints and check out the claw marks of the frightening Indominus Rex from Jurassic World.

Kualoa Ranch is a working film location site, so always keep your eyes peeled for celebs popping up among the vast hills and greenery of Hawaii.

We spotted sound and cameramen setting up and as Caleb drove closer, we discovered they were filming the latest Jumanji adventure. Sadly, no sight of The Rock.

Trips to Kualoa Ranch are made easy, with a shuttle from many downtown Oahu hotels for an additional £12pp.

Not a movie buff?

The Hawaiian shores can roll enough credits to keep everyone entertained.

There are exciting quad bike adventures, horseback rides, kayak tours and hikes through the wonderful landscape.

Hawaii remains a popular destination for honeymooners, and with the stunning Waikiki beach it is easy to see why.

 You can try paddle boarding to spot turtles

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You can try paddle boarding to spot turtlesCredit: Getty – Contributor

The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort provides the perfect opportunity to have the getaway you have always dreamed of.

With the golden beach on your doorstep, you can dip your toes into the glorious Pacific Ocean, or even try paddleboarding in the quest of spotting turtles.

It is also memorable to take in two vital parts of the island’s history.

The first is Pearl Harbor, learning about the tragic events that led to 2,403 servicemen and women losing their lives in the Japanese attack.

After spending some time with the exhibits of the naval base, you then head to the Memorial Theater to watch a moving documentary film based on the 1941 attack.

From there you are taken on a Navy-operated boat to the USS Arizona Memorial where you can still see the famous warship submerged.

The second is a night at Chief’s Luau, a celebration of Polynesian culture and a chance to take a deep dive into the history of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.

The night combines a sumptuous Hawaiian feast, world champion fire-knife dancing (yes, that is a thing) and traditional music.

 Honolulu's famous Waikiki beach

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Honolulu’s famous Waikiki beachCredit: Getty – Contributor

The entertainment is perfect for the kids as well, with Chief Sielu Avea inviting all ages to get involved on stage (not with the knives, of course!), take part in the making of Polynesian leis or learn how to make a camp fire from sticks.

There’s no direct flight to Hawaii from the UK just yet. We flew from the UK to San Fransisco with Virgin Atlantic, before hopping across to Hawaii.

With the long flight times, a stop-over is always a good idea.

Hotel Zoe, in view of the world famous piers in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, provides the perfect boutique experience to be a stone’s throw from the Bay.

The hotel is the ideal destination to venture over to the sea lions of Pier 39 or grab the ferry to Alcatraz and follow in the footsteps of gangster Al Capone.

The hotel also provides free bike hire — the best way to take in the city.

Cycle along the waterfront to the Golden Gate Bridge, crossing the 2,737 metres of orange steelwork and through the mist.

You can then take in the full scope of the city’s skyline from across the Bay and catch the odd porpoise swimming by.

Another ideal way to experience San Francisco is by getting yourself a CityPass.

This allows you to hop on and off the famous trams, cruise the Bay on a Blue & Gold Fleet boat or check out the underwater creatures of the Aquarium.

However, there was one last “role” for us — a visit to Mrs Doubtfire’s house on Steiner Street was the perfect way to call “wrap” on our time in the US.

GO: HAWAII

GETTING THERE: Virgin Atlantic flies daily from Heathrow to San Francisco with return fares from £566pp. See virginatlantic.com or call 0844 2092 770. Flights to Hawaii from San Fran with United Airlines from £211pp. See united.com.

STAYING THERE: Standard double rooms at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort are from £192per night. See outriggerreef-onthebeach.com. Rooms at Hotel Zoe in San Francisco from £170 per night. See hotelzoesf.com.

OUT & ABOUT: The Premier Movie Sites Tour of Kualoa Ranch is from £100 per adult. See kualoa.com. San Fransisco CityPass from £44 per adult and £34 per child. See citypass.com.

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