Released in 2017, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle transported audiences into a vibrant world filled with dangerous jungles, towering mountains, hidden temples, and thrilling action sequences. While the movie’s story takes place inside the magical world of Jumanji, many fans are surprised to learn that the breathtaking landscapes seen throughout the film are real locations that can be visited today. The production team chose several stunning spots across Hawaii to create the game’s lush environment, while additional scenes were filmed in Georgia for school and residential settings. Principal photography began in Hawaii before moving to Atlanta for studio and real-world sequences.
For travelers and movie enthusiasts, visiting these filming locations offers a chance to step into the story Spencer, Martha, Fridge, and Bethany. From the iconic valleys of Oahu to the waterfalls of Hawaii’s Big Island, these locations played a major role in bringing the adventure to life. Here’s a closer look at where Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was filmed and how each location contributed to the movie’s unforgettable visuals.
Kualoa Ranch: The Heart of Jumanji
The most recognizable filming location in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is the famous Kualoa Ranch on the island of Oahu. Located on Hawaii’s windward coast, this sprawling nature reserve provided many of the movie’s jungle landscapes, including scenes featuring the Jaguar Shrine, motorcycle chases, and several exploration sequences. The dramatic green mountains and open valleys became the visual centerpiece of the fictional game world.
Kualoa Ranch is no stranger to Hollywood productions. The location has also appeared in major films such as Jurassic Park, Kong: Skull Island, and Godzilla. Visitors can explore many of the filming areas through guided movie tours, making it one of the most popular movie-location attractions in Hawaii.
Other Oahu Locations Used in the Film
Beyond Kualoa Ranch, several other locations across Oahu helped create the immersive jungle environment seen throughout the movie. Kawela Bay on Oahu’s North Shore appears in the opening scenes where Alex discovers the Jumanji game buried in the sand. The area’s famous banyan tree was also featured during scenes involving Alan Parrish’s jungle hideout, connecting the sequel to the original 1995 film.
Waimea Valley served as another important filming location. The lush tropical terrain and dense vegetation provided the perfect setting for various jungle sequences. Nearby trails and forests were used to capture the feeling of a dangerous, unexplored wilderness. Additional scenes were filmed in He’eia Kea and other jungle areas around Oahu to expand the world of Jumanji.
Hawaii’s Waterfalls and Adventure Scenes
Some of the movie’s most memorable action moments were filmed on Hawaii’s Big Island. Areas around Hilo were used for waterfall and escape sequences that showcased the dangerous side of the game world. The dramatic cliffs, dense rainforest, and powerful waterfalls provided natural backdrops that required little enhancement to appear cinematic.
The filmmakers selected Hawaii because of its ability to represent an exotic jungle environment while still offering modern production infrastructure. The islands’ diverse landscapes allowed the crew to film everything from temple adventures to high-speed chase scenes without leaving the state. This helped create the visually rich world that became one of the film’s biggest strengths.
Atlanta, Georgia’s Role in Production
While Hawaii provided the jungle setting, much of the movie’s real-world content was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. Westlake High School was used for exterior scenes depicting the teenagers’ school before they enter the game. Additional production took place at Atlanta Metro Studios, where indoor sets and controlled filming environments were created.
Atlanta also provided residential locations, including the exterior of Alex’s house. These Georgia locations helped establish the ordinary world before the characters were transported into Jumanji’s fantastical jungle. By combining Hawaii’s natural beauty with Atlanta’s production facilities, the filmmakers successfully balanced adventure and realism throughout the movie.