🎬 Hawaii on the Big Screen – Famous Movie & TV Filming Locations
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 has what filmmakers need to create paradise, and it has served as the setting for countless movies and many favorite shows over the years. In fact, Hawaii is often used to portray 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 were set here. Elvis loved the islands, so filming in Hawaii was a natural fit. More recent productions have continued to bring the islands to life, and it’s always exciting to see familiar landmarks on the big screen.
🦖 Jurassic Park
Kauai’s rainforests and waterfalls provided the perfect setting for the dinosaur-inhabited island, with dramatic aerial shots showcasing the lush interior. Oahu’s famous ranch valley was also used, and it is the site of one of the movie’s most iconic scenes—the stampede of dinosaurs across an open field with the characters hiding under a fallen tree.
🌴 Jumanji
The remake of the 90s classic was filmed prominently in one of Oahu’s lush valleys, creating the rich jungle environment needed for the story. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart, the movie has been a major box-office success.
âš“ Battleship
This big-budget action thriller used Hawaii extensively as its primary film location. Both Oahu and Maui appear throughout the movie, and the USS Missouri Battleship played a key role in the plot, returning to action to help save the world.
💗 50 First Dates
Adam Sandler films in Hawaii whenever possible, and 50 First Dates is one of his most well-known island movies. Shot entirely on Oahu, it features coastal scenery, lush valleys, and one of the island’s popular marine parks.
🎥 More Iconic Hawaii Film Locations
- A coastal cliff overlook made famous in a cliff-jumping scene from a romantic comedy
- A tucked-away cove featured in a legendary classic film
- Lush valleys and mountain backdrops used in multiple adventure and action films
- Beachfront settings that appear in both dramas and romantic movies
There are many other notable sites across the islands that have appeared in movies. Visitors often recognize places instantly once they arrive and love exploring locations made famous on screen.
📞 Book Popular Hawaii Activities Early
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year-round, our Hawaii tours and activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours fill up weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots, we recommend reserving early. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee.
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