For almost as long as the islands have been a destination hotspot, Hawaii has been a sought after film location for movies and television. Offering a beautiful backdrop, Hawaii just has what is needed to create paradise, and it has served as the setting for countless movies and many favorite shows over the years. In fact, Hawaii is used for more than just the setting of Hawaii, and has served as other locations around the world, including Australia and South Korea.
Hawaii got its big break in the early Elvis Presley films and many of his all-time classics have been set in Hawaii. Elvis loved the islands, that is no secret, and he visited as often as he could, so making movies here was a natural fit. Some of the most popular movies in recent years have brought the islands to life, and it is always exciting to see familiar landmarks on the big screen.
Jurassic Park
Kauai was used for its rainforests and waterfalls, providing the perfect setting for the dinosaur inhabited island, with aerial shots of Kauai providing the island’s interior. Oahu’s Kualoa Ranch was also used, and is the site of one of the most famous scenes in the movie, the stampeding dinosaurs running across an open field with the Alan Grant and the kids hiding under the log to avoid being run over. You can visit that exact location during a Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites Tour!
Jumanji
The remake on the 90’s classic movie filmed at Kualoa Ranch, and the valley of the ranch was used to create the lush setting. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart, the movie has been a box office smash, and updates the board game version that starred Robin Williams.
Battleship
A big budget action thriller, Battleship brought the classic game to life, and though it isn’t the most well received movie, Hawaii was the primary film location. Both Oahu and Maui were used prominently throughout the film, and the USS Missouri Battleship played an integral role in the plot, returning to action to save the world!
50 First Dates
Elvis isn’t the only big name who loves Hawaii. Adam Sandler is known to frequent the islands, and films here whenever he can. 50 First Dates was filmed entirely on Oahu, and two attractions were featured heavily throughout the movie. Kualoa Ranch served as the setting, and Sea Life Park is where Adam Sandler’s character worked. Some of the marine life that calls the park home were even featured in the movie that has turned into a bit of a romantic classic.
There are many other notable sites all around the island that has been seen in movies. La’ie Point was made famous in the cliff diving scene in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Halona Cove is still famous to this day for the scene in From Here to Eternity. Find your favorite move film locations during your visit, and see the places that have been made famous.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Hawaii tours and activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
back to trip planner