AThe dinosaur pack will invade the Hawai’i Convention Center this weekend, September 10-11, when Jurassic Empire returns to Honolulu. It’s a similar experience to the exhibit that was introduced in 2018, but we’re told the dinosaurs are all new and bigger than ever. Here’s our guide to the next show:
Photo: Jurassic Empire Hawaii
the experience
Stroll through the jungle-like screen at your own pace, where production lighting and fog machines make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the age of the dinosaurs. You’ll find over 50 life-sized herbivores and carnivores, including babies, of different species that move, breathe and even “roar”. Expect your tour to take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.
At the end, you’ll enter the activity area where the keiki can play dinosaur-themed rides, including a walking T-Rex ride, a fossil dig, bounce houses, a remote-control race track, and a off-road vehicle area. Most rides are keiki-only, with varying height and weight restrictions, but the VR experience is open to all ages, even dinosaur-loving adults!
admission
Reserve your two-hour tickets online in advance. All children aged 2 and over will need a ticket. General admission is $45, which includes a guided tour of the dinosaur exhibit. Or you can purchase the Kid’s VIP ticket for $59, which also includes unlimited access to the bounce houses, fossil dig, dinosaur basketball and dinosaur band. Tickets for additional activities can be purchased a la carte and range from $5 to $20 per attraction.
What you need to know
Strollers are welcome, and they even have an adorable dinosaur stroller for rent. Snacks and beverages may be purchased at the Convention Center concessions, but outside food and beverages are not permitted. Get ready for the gift shop full of dinosaur loot!
Our advice
Follow him on your phone. Scan the QR code at the entrance to find species names, how to pronounce them and interesting facts as you walk through the exhibit.
Have an escape plan. The realistic and sound replicas of the dinosaurs may frighten the younger ones, but they are more likely to be mesmerized. Also note that the tour is one-way, so you cannot turn back.
Take pictures. The exhibit is an Instagram dreamland, so take plenty of photos for your feed. We hear a favorite photo moment is the keiki with the dinosaur band!
wear socks Notice: Socks are required for children in the bounce houses.
Save on souvenirs. If you plan to shop at the retail store, consider purchasing a surprise pack, where you’ll receive three ($30) or six ($50) gifts.
Jurassic Empire is open Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, September 11 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hawai’i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī. jurassiempire.com
