1. North Shore of O’ahu – The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Fans of this blockbuster franchise will love escaping into the North Shore of Oahu to discover Kawela Bay, where Panem’s annual battle-to-the-death match was filmed. Visit the North Shore’s famous Waimea Valley and listen out for jabberjays while you pretend you are racing through the jungles just like Katniss and Peeta did here!
2. Turtle Bay Resort, O’ahu – Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Most of the action takes place in and around Peter’s (Jason Segel) resort accommodation, filmed at the real Turtle Bay Resort at Kahuku.
3. Multiple locations on O’ahu – 50 First Dates
The Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler rom-com was filmed on the island of O’ahu across several locations, including Waimanalo Beach, Dillingham Estate, Ka’a’awa Valley, Kualoa Ranch (Hukilau Café), Waimea Bay, Sea Life Park, Kaneohe Bay, and Waikane Pier.
4. Kaua’i – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
The stunning island of Kauai has been used for more film locations than anywhere else in Hawaii, including Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Enter the world of Jack Sparrow and Co on location at Kilauea Falls, Waikapala’e Wet Cave, Ha’ena and Honopu Beach.
5. Kualoa Ranch, O’ahu – Over 79 movies and TV shows
Take a fabulous 90-minute tour of Hollywood’s ‘Hawaii Backlot’, Kualoa Ranch and Private Nature Reserve in Ka’a’awa Valley, where scores of Tinsel Town’s biggest blockbuster movies and tv series were filmed. Hop aboard a vintage school bus and take a photo of yourself at the iconic Jurassic Park fallen tree, find Godzilla’s footprints, see the road site from You Me & Dupree, the house structure from Mighty Joe Young, and scenes from Hawaii Five-0 and LOST! Full of movie posters, props and memorabilia from movies filmed at Kualoa through the years.
6. Coco Palms Resort, Kaua’i – Blue Hawaii
One of the classic Elvis Presley films, adored by generations for its Hawaiian-flavoured storyline and real Hawaiian locations. The famous wedding scene was shot on Kauai at the then-premier Kauai hotel, Coco Palms Resort Hotel.
Forced to closed after Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai in September 1992, the resort is under redevelopment as of 2024 and will reopen as Coco Palms, A Kimpton Resort. You can still see the original coconut grove that the hotel was built on, originally planted in 1896!
7. Multiple Kaua’i locations – Lilo & Stitch
The much-loved Disney classic Lilo & Stitch first hit screens in 2002, inspired by the lush landscapes of Kaua’i. The production team spent weeks in Hawaii studying the geography, buildings, vegetation, and even the way the light falls from the sky at different times of the day. They incorporated real Kaua’i locations including the bridge to Hanalei, the Kilauea Lighthouse, the Princeville Hotel, and the Na Pali Coast to produce a beautiful family movie that truly captures the spirit of Hawaii.
The new live-action remake brings the story of the mischievous blue alien and his Hawaiian ‘ohana to life once more, this time filmed on Oʻahu, with several local sites standing in for Lilo’s hometown. Both versions celebrate Hawaii’s breathtaking scenery and warm island spirit.
Explore movie locations on Oahu from Embassy Suites Waikiki
Base yourselves at Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk, an all-suite family-friendly hotel right in the heart of the action. Two-bedroom suites are equipped with king and queen-sized bed options, two bathrooms, spacious living room, microwave, refrigerator, wireless internet and more. It’s easy to explore movie locations on Oahu from here and, with complimentary made-to-order breakfast daily, the whole family will be full of energy for a day of exciting sightseeing, and ready for a refreshing swim in the pool at the end of the day! Family-friendly Honolulu attractions, dining and shopping are all at your doorstep – including Waikiki Beach.
