We did the 1 hour horseback riding, movie sites and catamaran tour package. We liked all of them, it was my first time riding a horse and so if you are a regular rider it will likely not be exciting for you. They walk single file through some nice terrain and the horses basically just know what to do for the most part. The movie sites tour was excellent as well. The catamaran ride first takes you to the fish pond where you take a power boat to get across, then you walk down a path to the secret beach area where you board your catamaran and go for a ride. It was also wonderful. The problem with the Go Oahu card is that you can only do 1 tour per day with the card and its a long drive from Aulani. I believe I heard with the card if you do multiple tours in one day you can get 20% off the ones that you pay for but I can't remember where I read that. If I had the Go Oahu card I likely wouldn't do the Kualoa Catamaran (if it is even an option for the card holders) because the Makani Catamaran which is included with the card (which I have never done) is a much shorter drive from Aulani
We did the VIP Movie Tour - some details and photos are in my trip report in my signature.
We loved the tour, but will admit it may be less exciting for people who are not movie buffs or kids who may not be familiar with many of the movies. Many of the sites are plots of land or areas that have been digitally enhanced after filming to look like something else.
The good parts about this tour are that you are limited to a group of 12 which makes it much easier and more comfortable in the van and also for taking as long or as little time at each site as the group wants. Lots of time for photos and questions. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. They also play clips from the movie as you pull up to the site to give you context if you aren't familiar with the movie. The tour was 2.5 hours long and there was a bathroom stop, and they provided drinks and snacks in the van. The van had AC. The tour also was the only one that allowed you to go in the observation deck at the Indominous Rex pen from Jurassic World, which was very cool. It hadn't been disturbed or changed since they filmed. They probably have even more unique things now with the recent filming of the Jurassic World sequel.
The ranch is incredible with views that will definitely leave you speechless. I just did the basic bus tour but we were a group of about 10 so the guide gave us plenty of time. The highlight was definitely being in the valley where they’ve filmed so many movies. I had a small geek out session at the tree from Jurassic Park. We also found the food to be very good. I believe a lot of the beef is from the ranch so it was all fresh and delicious.
I look forward to going back and seeing the Jurassic World props.
I had a full kitchen and totally didn't think of that.My daughter and I bought some filet steak at the ranch and took it back to Aulani to grill out for our dinner. It was very good steak.