10 Great Movies Filmed in Hawaii

There’s a reason why so many productions film movies in the gorgeous tropical locations of the Hawaiian islands. The scenery is some of the most beautiful in the world, which makes a compelling and hypnotic backdrop for films of all sorts. Ahead, we share a list of movies filmed in Hawaii that are 100% worth a watch (or a rewatch if you’ve already seen them).

By the way — if you’re looking to film a movie yourself, you can find numerous locations to do so on Peerspace. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, Peerspace makes it easy to find and rent hidden gem spaces that can bring your production to life.

Now, keep reading to find out which of your favorite movies were filmed in Hawaii!

1. Jurassic Park (1993)

We’re starting off this list with what has to be among the most famous movies filmed in Hawaii. It is a popular film that has won a total of three well-deserved Academy Awards. They primarily filmed the movie on the island of Kaua’i, the smallest of the Hawaiian Islands, and on Oahu, the most populous. An honorable mention goes to another much more recent movie in the franchise, Jurassic World, which they also filmed in Hawaii.

2. The Descendants (2011)

George Clooney stars as Matt King, a resident of Hawaii who owns 25,000 acres of land on Kaua’i, in this 2011 drama set in Hawaii. It’s worth a watch, having won Golden Globe awards for both best actor and best picture! Like Jurrasic Park before, it The Descendents also primarily filmed in Kaua’i.

3. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Among noteworthy movies filmed in Hawaii and stars the charming and lovable Jason Segel is Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Segel plays Peter Brenner, who visits the Hawaiian island of Oahu’s Turtle Bay Resort in an attempt to forget his girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (who also happens to be a famous actress played by Kristen Bell).

However, hijinks ensue when he realizes that his ex-girlfriend Sarah is also vacationing at Turtle Bay with her new boyfriend, played by the also-hilarious Russell Brand. Peter just can’t escape her!

Our luau party ideas for adults will have you feeling like you’re in Hawaii (even when you’re not!)

4. 50 First Dates (2004)

Starring the magnetic pair of Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, whose romantic and comedic chemistry really makes the movie, the duo filmed 50 First Dates primarily on the island of Oahu.

Barrymore’s character forgets who Sandler’s character is every morning due to short-term memory loss, so he has to reintroduce himself all over again—hence the “50 first dates” referred to in the title. As unusual as the concept for the movie is, it truly works, and it’ll make you laugh even as it tugs on your heartstrings.

5. Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

This is one of the most prominent movies filmed in Hawaii, released in 1981 to massive popularity. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Hollywood heartthrob Harrison Ford as archaeologist Indiana Jones, it’s a must-see. Although the movie is officially set in the Amazon jungles of Peru, it was filmed on Kaua’i at Kipu Ranch and in the Anahola Mountains. 

6. Waterworld (1995)

Here’s a post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie with a really interesting and dramatic premise. Far in the future, the ice caps have melted, and the entire world is underwater. Waterworld was also filmed primarily in Hawaii, including in Waipi’o Valley, Kawaihae Harbor, and Kona. It also happens to be the costliest film ever made in its time. 

7. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Filming for this 2013 blockbuster hit based on the dystopian Hunger Games trilogy began in Atlanta, Georgia. The production moved to Hawaii, where they filmed many arena scenes in Oahu.

Jennifer Lawrence stars as the brave and skillful archer Katniss Everdeen along with numerous other big Hollywood stars. They filmed the scenes of the Quarter Quell games on the pristine beaches of the island of Oahu. This is one of four Hunger Games movies, a series that is one of the most popular sci-fi movie series ever and set records at the box office. 

8. Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) & Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2019)

These two hilarious and action-packed movies filmed in Hawaii are the newest in the series that began with the 1995 Jumanji movie starring Robin Williams. These newer films star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan.

There are also appearances from Nick Jonas and Awkwafina, so it’s a truly star-studded cast. Filming took place at numerous locations across the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. 

Speaking of Jumanji, learn more about its history and filming locations here!

9. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

The lead role of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies might be Johnny Depp’s most famous and iconic role, and certainly one of his funniest.

It makes sense that this pirate-themed movie, the fourth in the series, would film on the Hawaiian islands of Kaua’i and Oahu. In fact, there are numerous scenes on both land and sea that depend on the stunning backdrop of Hawaii to really take them to the next level. 

10. Blue Crush (2002)

This sports movie provides a view into Hawaii’s significant surf culture, with Kate Bosworth playing competitive surfer Anne Marie. However, she gets distracted from her training for a big and very challenging surfing competition. Anne Marie battles to overcome her fears, all while meeting a potential new love.

They mainly filmed this 2002 film on the stunning Oahu, featuring scenes on the North Shore, Waikiki, and Makaha. These locations make the film an incredibly beautiful watch in addition to being dramatic and extremely fun.

Bonus: From Here to Eternity (1953)

From Here to Eternity is the classic romance-drama directed by Fred Zinnemann. It chronicles the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the start of World War II.

While there is a lot of drama and star power in the film, we can also consider Hawaii itself to have one of the film’s starring roles, thanks to the film’s beautiful scenery. They filmed the movie primarily in Oahu, with the famous ocean-swept beach scene taking place at Halona Beach cove.

Movies filmed in Hawaii: conclusion

If you’re looking for a temporary escape, whether into a world of sci-fi, comedy, or drama, any of these phenomenal movies filmed in Hawaii is sure to do the trick. We recommend any of these on the list!

And if you’re looking to do a film or photo shoot of your own in Hawaii or elsewhere, definitely explore Peerspace. While Peerspace offers you access to thousands of venues in cities across the globe, the intuitive search tool makes it easy to find exactly what you need. Check us out today and start your next creative project in a dream location.

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