Family Adventures in Oʻahu: Kualoa Ranch, Huli Huli Chicken & Byodo-In Temple Fun 🛕
🌴✨ One Perfect Hawaiian Day: Dinosaurs, Delicious Eats, and Family Fun 🦖🍗🐟
If you’re looking for a day in Oʻahu that’s packed with adventure, laughs, and unforgettable memories, let me take you along for the ride! From movie magic to mouthwatering eats, peaceful temples, and playful gardens, here’s how our whirlwind day unfolded…
We kicked off our adventure at Kualoa Ranch 🌴, the legendary filming spot for Jurassic Park, Jumanji, 50 First Dates, Lost, Hawaii Five-O, and more. Nestled on Oʻahu’s windward coast, it’s 4,000+ acres of sacred land 🌿, dense rainforest 🌳, open valleys 🏞️, ancient fishponds 🐟, and jaw-dropping views — just 24 miles from Waikiki 🌺.
Kualoa isn’t just a movie set. The Judd/Morgan family has stewarded this land for generations. It started in 1850 when Dr. Gerrit P. Judd bought the first stretch from King Kamehameha III 👑. Over time, the ranch grew into the massive paradise it is today — a place once sacred to Hawaiian royalty, later a sugar plantation 🍬, and even a WWII military site ✈️. Today, it’s a hub for ranching, conservation 🌱, and unforgettable adventures 🚤.
Here’s what you can do at Kualoa:
🌿 Ride through the iconic Jurassic Valley by bus, ATV, e-bike, or horseback 🐎
🎥 Walk in the footsteps of Hollywood on a Movie Sites Tour — secret paths 🌺, hidden valleys 🌳, and even some caves you can explore 🕳️
🏖️ Discover secluded beaches 🏝️, lush tropical gardens 🌸, and centuries of Hawaiian history 📜
We took the bus tour 🚌 to see the famous film spots. Leave it to my child (of course!) — halfway through, he somehow launched his shoe right out the window 👟💨.
So there I was, sprinting down the gravel road after it🏃♀️💦… while a busload of tourists watched👀. That very same gravel road that Drew Barrymore’s character “walked every day” in 50 First Dates.💔❤️ Let me tell you, chasing a rogue sneaker under the Hawaiian sun 🌞 is way less romantic than it looks on the big screen 😂.
Embarrassing? 100% 🤦♀️
Unforgettable? Absolutely ✨
🍗 Yummy Huli Huli Chicken: A Flavor Explosion 🌺😋
Next, we refueled at Yummy Huli Huli Chicken in Kaneohe 🍗🔥. This local favorite has been delighting taste buds for over 40 years! As we approached, the tantalizing aroma of chicken sizzling over kiawe wood greeted us. We had the pleasure of watching the chefs expertly rotate the chicken over the open flame, basting it with their signature huli huli sauce—a delightful blend of sweet and savory that has become their hallmark.The food? Absolutely delicious. I couldn't resist trying the huli huli chicken, and it did not disappoint.🍗💛, and my oldest ordered garlic shrimp 🦐💥—so good, we joked we could eat it every day! Paired with rice 🍚 and macaroni salad 🥗, it was the perfect fuel for more adventures 🌞.
If you're ever on Oahu's Windward side, this spot is a must-visit for an authentic taste of local cuisine.
🛕✨ Byodo-In Temple: Tranquility… and Totally Fun! 🐟🔔
Next, we visited the serene Byodo-In Temple 🌸🕊️ This Buddhist temple is a full-scale replica of the 11th-century Byodoin Temple in Japan. Built in 1968 to honor 100 years of Japanese immigration 🎉, it’s a peaceful oasis with lush gardens 🌿🌺 and tranquil koi ponds 🐠.
The kids went wild feeding the colorful koi 🌈🐟, some over 100 years old! And of course, they had to ring the massive 3-ton peace bell 🔔💥—the sound echoed through the valley, and everyone took turns trying.
Inside, we marveled at the 18-foot-tall golden Amida Buddha ✨🧘♂️, seated gracefully on a lotus 🌸. The serene atmosphere mixed with kid-friendly fun made it a perfect balance of calm and adventure 😄. Peaceful? Absolutely. Fun for the kids? Definitely 😄.
🌿 Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden: Nature's Playground 🌸🐟
On our way back to my friend's house, we made a spontaneous stop at the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe—a true hidden gem! Nestled at the foot of the majestic Ko'olau Mountains, this 400-acre rainforest garden is a peaceful oasis filled with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a diverse array of plant life from around the world.
As we strolled through the garden, the kids were immediately captivated by the shimmering koi fish 🐠 Their colorful scales glistened under the Hawaiian sun, providing a mesmerizing spectacle.
The adventure continued as the kids discovered towering trees with thick trunks and sprawling branches—perfect for climbing! 🌳 They scrambled up the sturdy limbs, giggling with excitement as they reached new heights and surveyed the world from above.
One of the highlights was encountering the Lehua tree, a native Hawaiian species known for its vibrant red flowers and cultural significance. 🌺 The kids marveled at its beauty and learned about its role in Hawaiian mythology.
Throughout our walk, we encountered a variety of unique plants, each more fascinating than the last. From the striking lipstick plant with its tubular red flowers to the towering bamboo groves swaying gently in the breeze, every corner of the garden offered something new and exciting to explore.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden offers a serene escape with something for everyone. 🌿📸
🍗 Soon's Kal Bi: A Flavorful Finale to Our Oʻahu Adventure
After our serene stroll through Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, we made our way to Soon's Kal Bi BBQ in Honolulu, a local favorite known for its authentic Korean barbecue dishes. Nestled in the Salt Lake Shopping Center, this unassuming spot has been serving up delicious meals since 1984. Their menu features generous portions of kalbi (Korean short ribs), meat jun (beef cutlets), and crispy mandoo (dumplings), all at reasonable prices.
We opted for takeout, bringing our feast back to my friend's house to enjoy together. The kalbi was tender and flavorful, the meat jun perfectly crispy, and the mandoo a delightful treat. It was the perfect comfort food to end our adventurous day.
🏡 Ending the Day with Good Friends and Great Memories
As the sun began to set, we gathered with my friend and her kiddos, sharing stories and laughter over our delicious meal. The kids recounted their favorite moments from the day—the lost shoe at Kualoa Ranch, the koi fish at Byodo-In Temple, and the joy of climbing trees at the botanical garden. We all agreed it had been a day filled with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
As the evening wore on, we relaxed in the cozy comfort of home, savoring the warmth of friendship and the joy of shared experiences. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day in Oʻahu.
