Lights, Camera, Hawaii! Famous Film & TV Locations You Can Visit
Hawaii isn't just a paradise for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts—it's also a top destination for filmmakers. As professionals working in Hawaii's vibrant film and television industry, we at Hot List Hawaii take pride in contributing to a community that has produced numerous iconic TV shows and films!
Whether you're a fan of action-packed adventures, romantic dramas, or classic comedies, you can step into the scenes of your favorite films and TV shows right here.
Hawaii 5-0 Behind the Scenes in Kaka’ako
Jaquemus Runway Show - Secret Beach @ Kualoa Ranch.
Jaquemus Runway Show - Secret Beach @ Kualoa Ranch. Watch the full show on Youtube.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters - Sherwood Forest. Watch on AppleTV!
NCIS Hawaii @ Kualoa Ranch
1. Kualoa Ranch – Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Lost
Location: 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI 96744
Parking: Ample parking available on-site
Kualoa Ranch is a must-visit for any film buff, as it has appeared in some of the most iconic scenes in Hollywood history. The lush valley was the backdrop for Jurassic Park, where you can see the towering cliffs and sprawling fields that made this location so famous. It’s also featured in 50 First Dates and Lost. Be sure to take a guided tour to explore the movie locations up close!
2. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – The White Lotus (2021)
Location: 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Parking: Available at the resort
The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea was the main filming location for the first season of The White Lotus TV series. With its luxurious setting and breathtaking ocean views, it became the perfect backdrop for the show's drama and intrigue.
3. Waikiki Beach – Aloha, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Hawaii Five-0
Location: Waikiki, Oahu, HI
Parking: Available at nearby parking garages
Waikiki Beach is famous for its sparkling waters and lively atmosphere, making it a go-to filming location for movies like Aloha, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, and Hawaii Five-0. Whether you're looking to relax or catch a glimpse of a movie scene, this spot is always full of action.
4. Na Pali Coast – Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Location: Kauai, HI
Parking: Available at trailheads and various access points
Na Pali Coast is one of the most dramatic locations on the island of Kauai and served as the filming backdrop for Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Hike or boat to get stunning views of its rugged cliffs and lush valleys.
5. Allerton Garden – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Location: 4425 Lawai Valley Rd, Lawai Valley, HI 96756
Parking: Available on-site
Allerton Garden, located in Lawai Valley on Kauai, is known for its exotic tropical plants and beautiful landscape. It was featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and offers guided tours showcasing its natural beauty.
6. Kualoa Ranch – Jurassic World: Dominion, Aloha, 50 First Dates (Oahu)
Location: 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI 96744
Parking: Ample parking available on-site
Kualoa Ranch is featured in many iconic films, including Jurassic World: Dominion, Aloha, and 50 First Dates. The breathtaking views of the valley are perfect for a tour, giving visitors a chance to see the famous movie locations up close.
7. Haleakalā National Park – The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Maui)
Location: Haleakalā National Park, Maui, HI
Parking: Available at the park entrance
Haleakalā’s dramatic landscape served as a stand-in for the dystopian world of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The sweeping views from the crater rim and the surreal, volcanic landscape make it a must-see for visitors.
8. Waimea Canyon – Jurassic Park, Aloha
Location: Waimea Canyon Drive, Kauai, HI
Parking: Available at designated pull-offs
Known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon was featured in Jurassic Park and Aloha. The colorful canyon walls and dramatic scenery are perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
9. Kualoa Ranch – Magnum P.I., NCIS: Hawaii - and pretty much everything else filmed in Hawaii!
Location: 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI 96744
Parking: Ample parking available on-site
Kualoa Ranch’s iconic landscape is often featured in many TV shows, including Magnum P.I. and NCIS: Hawaii. Its varied terrain has been the setting for many action-packed scenes, so it’s a great stop for fans of both shows.
10. Makapu'u Point – Hawaii Five-0, Magnum P.I. (Oahu)
Location: Makapu'u Point, Oahu, HI
Parking: Available at Makapu'u Lookout
Makapu'u Point offers spectacular views and is featured in both Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I.. It's the perfect place to stop for a scenic view of Oahu's coastline, and it's often featured in dramatic TV show scenes.
11. Diamond Head – Hawaii Five-0, Jurassic Park (Oahu)
Location: Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu, HI
Parking: Available at the entrance
Diamond Head is a world-famous landmark and was featured in Hawaii Five-0 and Jurassic Park. The panoramic views from the summit make it a popular hiking destination and a must-see for movie buffs.
12. Waikiki – Aloha, Blue Crush, From Here to Eternity (Oahu)
Location: Waikiki Beach, Oahu, HI
Parking: Available at nearby parking garages
Waikiki Beach has appeared in multiple films, including Aloha, Blue Crush, and From Here to Eternity. This lively and iconic beach is perfect for catching some rays or reliving movie moments.
13. Lanai Lookout – Aloha (Oahu)
Location: Lanai Lookout, Oahu, HI
Parking: Available on-site
Lanai Lookout offers stunning ocean views and was featured in the movie Aloha. The dramatic cliffside and tropical landscape create a perfect setting for movie scenes.
14. Pineapple Plantation – Blue Crush (Oahu)
Location: 64-464 Kamehameha Hwy, Oahu, HI
Parking: Available on-site
The Pineapple Plantation was used for scenes in Blue Crush, showcasing the lush beauty of the Hawaiian islands and the surfing culture.
15. Sunset Beach – Blue Crush, Hawaii Five-0 (Oahu)
Location: Sunset Beach, Oahu, HI
Parking: Available at the beach park
Sunset Beach has been featured in Blue Crush and Hawaii Five-0, capturing the power of the ocean and offering breathtaking views, especially at sunset.
16. Kaimuki High School – From Here to Eternity (Oahu)
Location: 2705 Kaimuki Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Parking: Available at the school
Kaimuki High School was featured in From Here to Eternity in the 1950s. The iconic film shot on this campus gave viewers a glimpse of school life in Hawaii during that time.
17. Halona Beach Cove – From Here to Eternity (Oahu)
Location: Halona Beach Cove, Oahu, HI
Parking: Available at the Halona Blowhole parking area
Halona Beach Cove is famous for its appearance in the iconic beach scene from From Here to Eternity. The secluded beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying Hawaii’s natural beauty.
18. Blue Hawaii – Blue Hawaii (Oahu)
Location: Various locations on Oahu, including Waikiki Beach and Hanauma Bay
Parking: Available at designated parking areas
Blue Hawaii, starring Elvis Presley, was filmed at some of Oahu's most beautiful locations, including Waikiki Beach and Hanauma Bay. The film showcases stunning views and is a must-see for Elvis fans.
19. Diamond Head – Hawaii Five-0, Jurassic Park (Oahu)
Location: Diamond Head, Oahu, HI
Parking: Available at the summit
Diamond Head's iconic craters and views have served as a backdrop in films like Hawaii Five-0 and Jurassic Park, making it one of the most recognizable locations in Oahu.
