Top Movie and Film Locations to Visit in Hawaiʻi

Hollywood and Hawaiʻi go way back.

From filming classic flicks like “From Here to Eternity” and “Blue Hawaii” to newer blockbusters such as “Jurassic World” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” the Islands—and its exceptionally verdant backdrops, are no strangers to the big screen. Fortunately for you, it’s easy to see some of these filming locations up-close-and-personal, as many scenes were shot in places that are accessible to the public—and not on some private Hollywood lot. Check out some of our favorite movie locations in Hawaiʻi.

Turtle Bay Resort, Oʻahu

Turtle Bay Resort’s poolside bar.
Photo: Courtesy of Turtle Bay

Turtle Bay Resort, although now heavily renovated and modernized, was the set for a number of scenes in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” which featured a heartbroken Jason Segel, a charming Mila Kunis—who “worked” front desk at the resort—and the ever hilarious Russell Brand.

In the same vein as “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” the raunchy R-rated comedy “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates,” which featured a new-school cast consisting of Adam Devine, Zach Efron, Aubrey Plaza and Anna Kendrick, was also filmed almost entirely at the Turtle Bay Resort.

Kawela Bay, Oʻahu

Kawela Bay.
Photo: Getty Images

Right down the road from Turtle Bay Resort—going towards Sunset Beach—Katniss Evergreen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) kissed on the sandy shores of Kawela Bay in “Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” If you end up visiting the bay, you can see why. Kawela Bay, tucked away from the rest of the hustle and bustle that is the North Shore, is the perfect romantic spot for such a scene.

Halona Blowhole, Oʻahu

Halona Blowhole.
Photo: Getty Images

While the romcom “50 First Dates” was filmed all over Hawaiʻi, Halona Blowhole made its appearance in multiple scenes throughout the flick and is a great place to check out if you’re a visitor. Just be sure to observe the blowhole from a distance, as the waters surrounding the blowhole can put visitors in life-threatening situations.

Kealakekua Bay, Hawaiʻi Island

Kealakekua Bay.
Photo: Getty Images

Fun fact, Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” takes place in Kealakekua Bay—kind of. Yes, we know that “Finding Nemo” wasn’t actually filmed at Kealakekua Bay, being an animated movie an all, but the bay did inspire the movie’s animators. Apparently, the studio sent a team to Kealakekua Bay to film the area’s thriving reefs and schools of fish to give animators a look at what they were envisioning for film’s initial setting.

Kualoa Ranch, Oʻahu

A prop set at Kualoa Ranch.
Photo: Thoma Obungen

This one’s a no-brainer. Kualoa Ranch has been featured in more movies and TV shows than most actors and actresses. From “Jurassic Park” to “Jurassic World,” “George of the Jungle (1997)” and “Escape From Atlantis” the list goes on and on—and on. It’s no wonder that Kualoa Ranch is sometimes called the “the backlot of Hawaiʻi.” And the best part is, Kualoa Ranch offers tours, from biking adventures to UTV experiences, that will take you through many of the filming locales—some still with props on set—found in the area.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve, Kauaʻi

The entrance to the Makauwahi Cave.
Photo: David Croxford

Not only famous for being one of the largest limestone caves found in Hawaiʻi, the Makauwahi Cave Reserve on Kauaʻi’s south coast was also featured in the “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” where Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) leaps into the exposed cave off of one of its surrounding cliffs. Being a living museum and historical site, we recommend that you view the cave the normal way, by setting up a tour with the organization that cares for the area—and not by just leaping into it.

Pearl Harbor, Oʻahu

An aerial view of Pearl Harbor.
Photo: Getty Images

It’s a given that Pearl Harbor was featured in “Pearl Harbor,” however the naval base has also seen screen time in a number of other movies as well. The action-packed “Godzilla (2014), features scenes at Pearl Harbor—and at other locations around the state—and a number of maritime-based action flicks, such as “Under Siege,” “Midway,” and “Battleship (2012).”