From Hawaii Five-O to Lost and Jurassic Park, there’s no shortage of movies and TV shows that have and continue to be filmed in Hawai’i. As such, there are plenty of familiar locations and landscapes that can be found around the islands that are certain to inspire film buffs, while adding a unique touch of Hollywood to the Polynesian paradise. Here’s a guide.
O‘ahu
O‘ahu has long been a favourite among filmmakers’ thanks in part to the island’s versatility and stunning natural beauty. Visitors looking to set jet on O’ahu should check into Turtle Bay Resort, which has appeared in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Along Came Polly, and The North Shore.
Nearby Kawela Bay offers another slice of movie magic, having featured in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
The Movie Sites & Ranch Tour at Kualoa Ranch is a must for all film fans. The ranch has hosted more than 200 productions, from Jurassic World and Lost to Kong: Skull Island. Visitors can also explore locations tied to 50 First Dates and Blue Crush, which spotlight the island’s surf culture.
Maui
Maui’s breathtaking views and luxe resorts have long attracted Hollywood’s attention. Most recently, the island was showcased in The White Lotus, filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, making the resort a bucket-list stop for fans of the Emmy-winning series. The Grand Wailea has also enjoyed its share of screen time, appearing in Just Go with It and A Perfect Getaway. With each new project, Maui reinforces its reputation as one of Hawai‘i’s most film-friendly islands.
Kaua‘i
Nicknamed the “Garden Isle,” Kaua’I has served as the stunning backdrop for movies for decades, with the breathtaking Nāpali Coast and Manawaiopuna Falls famously appearing in Jurassic Park.
At Allerton Garden, movie fans will recognize the massive fig trees that appeared in Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. For a touch of Disney magic, the charming town of Hanapēpē inspired the setting of Lilo & Stitch, while South Pacific and The Amazing Race have also showcased Kaua‘i’s lush landscapes. With its mix of classic and contemporary titles, the island remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved filming locations.
Hawai‘i Island
The island’s volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and lush valleys have made it a natural fit for adventurous and sci-fi productions. Parts of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Hobbs & Shaw (from the Fast & Furious franchise) were filmed here, using the island’s rugged terrain as stand-ins for everything from remote jungles to high-octane hideouts. The Volcanoes National Park area has also appeared in Predators and Avatar: The Way of Water (for environmental reference shots).