Top 20 Movies Filmed in Hawaii

Previously afraid of commitment, Henry (Sandler) finally meets the girl of his dreams, Lucy (Barrymore), in a Hawaii diner. The thing is, Henry soon discovers that Lucy suffers from short term memory loss and she can’t remember meeting him at all, day after day. 50 First Dates was the second romantic comedy collaboration between Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. It is definitely not a film to be missed.

This Hawaii film was shot across several scenic locations on Oahu. They used Waimanalo Beach, Dillingham Estate, Ka’a’awa Valley, Kualoa Ranch, Waimea Bay, Sea Life Park, Kaneohe Bay and Waikane Pier.

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Released in 2008, Tropic Thunder became the largest film production in Kauai’s history, contributing more than $60 million to the local economy. While certainly high on the scale of silliness, this action comedy film took home several awards. Robert Downey Jr. was even nominated for the Oscar for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role” for his character, Kirk Lazarus, “a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude.”

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The film is based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings, a long-time Hawaii resident. It not only has historical relevance, but also a commonality that is experienced by many in Hawaii today. The film’s director, Alexander Payne, moved out to Oahu for eight months to understand more about Hawaii’s culture and way of life. This is evident in the film’s depiction of the modern development mindset versus the local interest of keeping the untouched Hawaiian lands preserved and intact.

Locations used for filming include Oahu’s Nu’uanu neighborhood, Elk’s Club Honolulu Lodge, Queen’s Medical Center, Kauai’s Kipu Ranch, Hanalei Bay, the Tahiti Nui Bar and more. The film took home the 2012 Academy Award for “Best Writing,” and it was highly praised by both local and national audiences. The cast includes George Clooney, Patricia Hastie, Beau Bridges, a cameo by Laird Hamilton, and some wonderful young actors like Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller and Nick Krause.

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The movie provides an entertaining look at Hawaii resort life. If nothing else, it has taught thousands of people how to correctly pronounce Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, the State Fish of Hawaii. It was filmed in 2007 in California and Hawaii and released the next year. This movie is as feel-good as it gets with its hysterical too-real dialogue, and a great cast of fun characters.

The incredible cast of this film set in Hawaii includes Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand and Bill Hader. Specific Hawaii-based film locations include La’ie Point and the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu, and more areas in Honolulu.

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Soul Surfer is a sort of fusion of drama, sports and biographical films. It successfully portrays the strength, spirituality and humility of one of the most recognizable and talented female surfers known to date. Bethany Hamilton is a star here in Hawaii. Her community outreach programs, and “by-invite only” girls surf camps speak volumes to her vested interest in Hawaii’s female surf culture.

The stars who elevate this Hawaii family film include Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood and more. This film was shot throughout the Hawaiian Islands. It also has a special presentation of Bethany Hamilton’s home, the Island of Kauai.

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You just can’t help but love a film that brought dinosaurs back to life and created such classic lines as “hold onto your butts,” “clever girl” and “must go faster!” It was filmed across locations in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, California and Hawaii. Kauai’s Manawaiopuna Falls (now often referred to as “Jurassic Park Falls”) and Oahu’s Kualoa Ranch are two of the most iconic places used in this Hawaii movie. The Jurassic Park franchise now spans over thirty years with six films, several series, novels, video-games and so much more.

Jurassic World was an instant box office hit in 2015, grossing $204,600,000 in just the opening weekend. In Jurassic World, set 22 years after the original Jurassic Park had failed, a new and improved park is opened on the original site. After years of research, scientists have found a way to genetically engineer an all-new breed of dinosaur. It of course goes terribly wrong, and the adventure unfolds! The first five of the Jurassic Park movies have been filmed in several locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. That almost-perfect streak was ended by 2022’s Jurassic World: Dominion.

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Pearl Harbor grossed a little over $75 million in domestic box office sales during its opening weekend alone. The premiere was held at Pearl Harbor aboard the carrier USS John Stennis. Although the love story in the movie was not well-received by critics or viewers, the depiction of the attacks on Pearl Harbor have been praised. Many survivors and witnesses agree that the movie is reflective of the true situation that they experienced.

The cast is quite star-studded and includes Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, Cuba Gooding Jr., William Lee Scott, Ewen Bremner, Alec Baldwin, Jaime King, Catherine Kellner, Jennifer Garner, Jon Voight, and more. This adaptation of the events at Pearl Harbor won an Oscar in 2002 for “Best Sound Editing,” and had eleven other various wins among 48 nominations.

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Directed and written by Paul Thomas Anderson, here is yet another funny flick starring Adam Sandler as the main character. Note that it is rated R for strong language and sexual dialogue. You will find that although this is a comedy, it leans towards a more mature audience as the film focuses on some grounded and at times gritty subjects and themes.

The cast is full of fun characters played by Adam Sandler, Jason Andrews, Don McManus, Emily Watson, Luis Guzman, Rico Bueno, Julie Hermelin and more. Punch-Drunk Love was filmed in various locations around Southern California and Oahu, Hawaii. Even the photo for the film’s poster was shot at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki.

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North Shore was filmed across several famous North Shore surfing locales. It also includes stunts and appearances by several of Hawaii’s most famed professional surfers! Laird Hamilton is the film’s awesome antagonist and is joined by Lance Burkhart, Gerry Lopez, Alex Rogers, Robbie Page, Mark Occhilupo, Shaun Tomson, Derek Ho and more.

While North Shore certainly didn’t take home any Oscars, it did produce some memorable lines such as “he’s so haole he doesn’t even know he’s haole,” and “you’ve got a single fin mentality.” It’s definitely worth a watch!

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The real fun begins when the two get to know one another while in survival mode. They end up on the run from pirates and enduring through all sorts of mishaps.

The cast includes many fan favorites like Harrison Ford, Anne Heche, David Schwimmer, Allison Janney, Amy Sedaris and Danny Trejo. It was filmed mostly in Kauai, specifically on Honopu Beach, which was also used as a location for 1976’s King Kong!

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The story is centered on the life of a hardworking surf girl named Anne Marie who takes on the role of mom to her kid sister. She works in a hotel as a housekeeper with her friends, and spends her free time surfing Oahu’s North Shore. Anne Marie has the chance to showcase her skills at an upcoming Pipe Masters surf contest, so throughout the movie we see her balancing life’s challenges while still waking up at dawn to train for a pro surf event.

During her day to day life, Anne Marie ends up falling in love with an NFL football player who is visiting Hawaii from the mainland. Romantic drama unfolds as the two strive to make a relationship work in the midst of Anne Marie’s personal discoveries.

The movie has a cameo by famous surfer Keala Kennelly, who plays one of the other surfers in competition with Anne Marie. The cast includes both Hollywood actors and local Hawaii celebrities. You’ll see Kate Bosworth, Matthew Davis, Michelle Rodriquez, Sanoe Lake, Mika Boorem, Chris Taloa, Kala Alexander, Kaupena Miranda, Asa Aquino, Fiji and more. The filming locations used on Oahu are the Hawaii Film Studio in Honolulu, and a ton of popular North Shore areas.

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Jack soon meets a tempting new friend and a pack of big-time bandits as the movie unfolds. The Big Bounce is a fun film that revolves around organized crime, theft, wealthy living, disguise and seduction. This film was originally rated R due to sexual content, nudity and language, but squeaked by with a PG-13 rating after they cut out some of the more mature scenes.

Throughout this movie, you’ll see scenes filmed at beautiful North Shore Oahu locations like Historic Haleiwa Town and Waimea Valley. They also used the Ke Iki Bungalows near the Banzai Pipeline surf break in Pupukea. Directed by George Armitage, The film features a funny screenplay and a cast full of fan favorites. See Morgan Freeman, Owen Wilson, Charlie Sheen, Willie Nelson, Sarah Foster and Gregory Sporleder in The Big Bounce.

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Eleven years before he would return to film Jurassic Park, director Steven Spielberg would use Hawaii for Raiders of the Lost Ark. He chose Kauai’s Kipu Ranch and Anahola Mountains to play the booby-trapped Peruvian temple and Amazonian jungle in the hit film. In the first of four (soon to be five!) Indiana Jones movies, Harrison Ford stars as the legendary titular professor in this 1981 gem.

Winner of 4 Academy Awards, Raiders of the Lost Ark was actually dreamed up while George Lucas and Steven Spielberg were on a trip in Hawaii in 1977, just after the release of Star Wars. Another interesting fact is that Tom Selleck was the first choice to play Indiana Jones. As fate would have it, he was barred by CBS due to his commitment to star in the Hawaii TV hit, Magnum, P.I. Along with Harrison Ford, this classic movie stars actors like Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Denholm Elliott, William Hootkins and more.

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The soundtrack became the #1 album of 1961, and the film includes scenes at several Hawaii locations. There is the former Coco Palms Resort on Kauai, Kaiser Hawaiian Village Hotel in Waikiki (now the Hilton Hawaiian Village), and Oahu’s Hanauma Bay Beach Park.

Whether it’s hearing a young Elvis sing “Ke Kali Nei Au” (the Hawaiian Wedding song) or “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You”, Blue Hawaii remains a nostalgic look at 1960’s Hawaii. It inspired much more than tiki culture and a Hawaii born tropical cocktail!

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This film adaptation of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical by the same name debuted in 1958. It was just one year before Hawaii was granted statehood. The story is focused on an American nurse who is stationed on a Pacific island during WWII. She falls in love with a French expat who owns a plantation, and who undergoes much personal discovery while learning to accept his children. While watching the film, viewers will gain a new perspective on the complications of loving relationships, various pre-civil-rights attitudes on racial equality, and more.

This film helped put Kauai on the map as a filming site thanks to its sweeping beauty and picturesque landscapes. South Pacific even won the Oscar for “Best Sound” in 1959. Movie lovers have watched and fallen in love with it time, and time again.

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As Prewitt was once an avid boxer, his new captain tries to encourage him to get back in the ring. While he’s at first unwilling, challenges begin to unfold in his new Hawaii military life. All set before the bombings of Pearl Harbor, a romance unfolds between Prewitt and a social club server named Lorene, played by Donna Reed. One of the most famous love scenes ever filmed was between Clift and Reed on a beach in Hawaii. Today, that Oahu beach is still known as “From Here to Eternity Beach.”

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Written and directed by Cameron Crowe, Aloha tells the story of a decorated military contractor played by Bradley Cooper. He returns to Hawaii on a new mission, while dealing with his past with his ex, and falling in love with the cute and fierce Air Force watch-dog played by Rachel McAdams. This Hawaii-based drama and romantic comedy was shot throughout Oahu. Crowe made sure to pay special attention to Honolulu areas and Hickam Air Force Base. There is also a nice cameo by Hawaiian activist Dennis “Bumpy” Kanahele who has defended the film by stating “This big screen thing is really going to be helpful for us,” in regards to the current state of affairs for Hawaiian Sovereignty. (buzzfeed.com, 2015)

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This film shows the struggle that Margaret Keane went through to create a name for herself in the modern art world of the 1950s and 60s. While she toiled in backroom art studios as a painter, her husband claimed her work as his own and reveled in his ill-gotten glory. You will have to watch to the end to see if justice is served.

Lovers of both art and drama will enjoy watching this film with its wonderful vintage costume and set designs. The movie was filmed in popular San Francisco neighborhoods including North Beach, and in more locations all over the UK, Canada, and the US. Of course we’re here to talk about the parts shot in Waikiki, Hawaii. The scenes filmed in Hawaii showcase a classic era when Waikiki was the most popular destination here. Hawaii is where Keane begins to heal from her trauma, and she rediscovers her inner strength both as a woman and as an artist.

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The culprits of this film earned their name because they wear the masks of Presidents Reagan, Carter, Nixon and Johnson when they rob banks. The bulk of the film was shot in several locations throughout California, but some of the surf scenes were filmed at Oahu’s famed Waimea Bay. Two months prior to filming in 1990, Swayze and Reeves received surf coaching from big wave surfer and stunt double, Darrick “Double D” Doerner. Keanu Reeves actually learned how to surf for this role, and still surfs to this day. The late Patrick Swayze was an avid skydiver in real life and performed his own skydiving stunts in this film. Fun Fact: the Malibu, CA beach where the football game is played at the start of the film is called Leo Carillo Beach. It’s the same beach that was used for the soccer game in the first Karate Kid movie from 1984.

The newest Point Break film from 2015 was filmed at a host of stunning locations around the world. Some parts were filmed at Maui’s biggest surf break, Jaws-Peahi. The story is based on the original, but lacking when compared to the first. This 2015 version also follows a young FBI agent whose mission is to infiltrate a group of corporate-heist radicals.

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If you’re searching for the best of movie ridiculousness, then look no further. The winner of zero Oscars, Hard Ticket to Hawaii was at least named the “Best B-Movie of All Time” by Paste Magazine in 2014.

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Classic Era (1950s-1970s)

Hawaii’s emergence as a premier filming location began with classics that showcased its natural beauty to worldwide audiences.

South Pacific (1958)

Filmed primarily on Kauai, this musical adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway hit helped establish Hawaii as a filming destination. The lush landscapes of Hanalei Bay stand in for the fictional island of Bali Ha’i.

Blue Hawaii (1961)

Elvis Presley’s musical-comedy was filmed across Oahu and Kauai, featuring iconic locations like Waikiki Beach and Coco Palms Resort. The film sparked a tourism boom and remains culturally significant.

Gidget Goes Hawaiian (1961)

This sequel to the original “Gidget” was filmed in Waikiki and helped cement Hawaii’s association with surf culture in the American imagination.

Hawaii (1966)

Based on James Michener’s epic novel, this historical drama was filmed on Kauai and Oahu. It starred Julie Andrews and Max von Sydow, telling the story of missionaries arriving in Hawaii in the 1820s.

The Hawaiians (1970)

The sequel to “Hawaii” starred Charlton Heston and continued the historical saga, filming across multiple Hawaiian islands.

Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)

This historical drama depicting the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was partially filmed on Oahu, using actual military installations and recreating historical events where they occurred.

From Here to Eternity (1953)

The famous beach scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr was filmed at Halona Cove on Oahu, now commonly known as “Eternity Beach.”

Modern Era (1980s-2000)

This period saw Hawaii transform from merely a beautiful backdrop to a versatile filming location capable of standing in for various global settings.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

The opening sequence was filmed on Kauai, with the lush Huleia Valley standing in for a South American jungle.

North Shore (1987)

This cult classic surfing film was shot entirely on Oahu’s famous North Shore, capturing the essence of Hawaii’s surfing culture.

Hard Ticket to Hawaii (1987)

This action B-movie has developed a cult following and showcases 1980s Hawaii, primarily filming on Molokai and Oahu.

Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)

Nicolas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker starred in this comedy that featured various Hawaii locations, particularly on Kauai.

Jurassic Park (1993)

Steven Spielberg utilized Kauai’s Manawaiopuna Falls (now nicknamed “Jurassic Falls”) and other locations to create the prehistoric wonderland of Isla Nublar.

Waterworld (1995)

This post-apocalyptic film starring Kevin Costner used locations on the Big Island and Kauai for many of its water-based scenes.

Outbreak (1995)

The Dustin Hoffman thriller used Hawaiian locations to depict an African village affected by a deadly virus.

George of the Jungle (1997)

Kauai’s lush rainforests doubled as African jungles in this comedy starring Brendan Fraser.

Six Days, Seven Nights (1998)

Harrison Ford and Anne Heche were stranded on Kauai in this romantic adventure, which showcased the island’s remote beaches and dramatic landscapes.

Mighty Joe Young (1998)

This remake used Hawaiian landscapes to represent African settings, particularly utilizing areas on Kauai.

Point Break (1991)

The original film starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze included iconic surfing scenes filmed on Oahu’s North Shore.

Recent Productions (2001-2010)

The early 2000s saw a surge in Hawaii-based productions, with filmmakers taking advantage of improved infrastructure and production incentives.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

While some scenes utilized the actual Pearl Harbor naval base on Oahu, many sequences were filmed across multiple Hawaiian islands.

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

This Adam Sandler drama directed by Paul Thomas Anderson featured scenes filmed in Hawaii, providing a striking visual contrast to the Los Angeles settings.

Blue Crush (2002)

This surfing drama starring Kate Bosworth was filmed extensively on Oahu’s North Shore, showcasing the island’s famous waves and surfing culture.

The Rundown (2003)

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson starred in this action adventure that used Kauai’s jungles to depict the Amazon rainforest.

The Hulk (2003)

Eric Bana starred in this Marvel adaptation which used Maui’s rainforests for several key sequences depicting the character’s wilderness isolation.

Tears of the Sun (2003)

Bruce Willis stars in this military action film that used Kauai’s dense jungles to stand in for Nigerian rainforests, showcasing Hawaii’s versatility as a filming location.

50 First Dates (2004)

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore’s romantic comedy showcased Oahu’s east side, with memorable scenes at Sea Life Park and rural Waimanalo.

The Big Bounce (2004)

Owen Wilson starred in this crime comedy filmed on the North Shore of Oahu, featuring beautiful beaches and local color.

Snakes on a Plane (2006)

Samuel L. Jackson’s cult favorite partially filmed in Hawaii, with Honolulu International Airport standing in for scenes set before and after the infamous flight.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)

Parts of the third film in the franchise were shot on Maui, with the island’s landscapes representing various exotic locations.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Filmed primarily at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore, this comedy helped showcase Hawaii as both a romantic and comedic setting.

Tropic Thunder (2008)

Ben Stiller’s comedy used Kauai’s stunning landscapes to stand in for Southeast Asian jungles.

Drillbit Taylor (2008)

This Owen Wilson comedy included scenes filmed in Hawaii, though most of the film is set in California.

Couples Retreat (2009)

Vince Vaughn and friends appeared in this comedy partially filmed at the St. Regis Princeville Resort on Kauai’s north shore.

Latest Films (2011-Present)

Recent years have seen Hawaii host some of Hollywood’s biggest productions, cementing its status as a world-class filming destination.

The Descendants (2011)

This George Clooney drama was shot entirely in Hawaii and offers an authentic look at modern Hawaiian life across multiple islands.

Soul Surfer (2011)

The true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton was filmed where the events actually took place – on Kauai’s North Shore.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

The arena scenes featuring the beach and jungle were filmed on Oahu’s North Shore, with Kawela Bay and Turtle Bay Resort serving as key locations.

Big Eyes (2014)

This Tim Burton film starring Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz was partially filmed in Hawaii, representing scenes set in Honolulu in the 1950s.

Godzilla (2014)

The monster blockbuster filmed several key sequences in Honolulu and Waikiki, featuring actual landmarks and locations.

Jurassic World (2015)

Returning to the islands where the original was filmed, this reboot continued to utilize Kauai and Oahu for its prehistoric settings.

Aloha (2015)

Directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone, this romantic comedy was filmed entirely on Oahu.

Point Break (2015)

The remake of the classic surfing film included scenes shot on the North Shore of Oahu, featuring some of the world’s most famous waves.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016)

This comedy starring Zac Efron and Anna Kendrick was filmed extensively across Oahu, including at the Turtle Bay Resort.

Kong: Skull Island (2017)

Major portions of this monster film were shot on Oahu and Kauai, with the islands’ dramatic landscapes providing the perfect setting for the fictional Skull Island.

Jungle Cruise (2021)

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt’s adventure film used Hawaiian locations to represent parts of the Amazon jungle.

Fantasy Island (2020)

This horror reimagining of the classic TV show was filmed across various Hawaiian locations.

The White Lotus (Season 1, 2021)

This acclaimed HBO series was filmed entirely at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, showcasing the luxury and beauty of high-end Hawaiian tourism.