Hawaii's Film Industry: From The 1950s To The Present

Hawaii’s film industry has been a magnet for filmmakers since the 1950s, offering a picturesque and diverse backdrop for cinematic storytelling. Its natural beauty, ranging from volcanic landscapes to lush rainforests and pristine beaches, has provided the ideal setting for both Hollywood blockbusters and independent films alike.

Early Beginnings (1950s – 1970s)

The modern era of Hawaii's film industry began in the 1950s with classics like From Here to Eternity (1953), which famously featured Halona Beach Cove in its romantic beach scene. The success of such films highlighted Hawaii’s potential as a versatile filming location. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, films like Blue Hawaii (1961) starring Elvis Presley, further cemented the state’s reputation as a go-to location for tropical-themed movies.

Growth and Evolution (1980s – 2000s)

During the 1980s and 1990s, the industry continued to expand, with movies such as Jurassic Park (1993) choosing Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes to enhance their storytelling. The establishment of Hawaii Film Studio in 1976, located in Honolulu, played a critical role in supporting local productions and boosting the industry’s infrastructure.

Television also contributed to Hawaii’s growing film industry, with shows like Hawaii Five-O (1968–1980) and its reboot (2010–2020) showcasing the islands’ beauty to audiences worldwide.

Modern Industry (2010s – Present)

The 2000s and beyond have seen Hawaii solidify its status as a popular filming location for major productions. The Jurassic World franchise, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) all utilized Hawaii’s diverse terrain. Additionally, television series such as Lost (2004–2010) were shot almost entirely on Oahu, further boosting Hawaii’s appeal in the entertainment world.

The Hawaii State Film Office has actively promoted the state as a filming destination through tax incentives, improved facilities, and streamlined permitting processes, making it an attractive option for filmmakers worldwide. As of today, the film industry continues to thrive, contributing significantly to the local economy while showcasing Hawaii's stunning natural beauty to the world.

Hawaii’s film industry has come a long way since its early days in the 1950s. From iconic beach scenes to high-budget action blockbusters, the state's landscape continues to enchant filmmakers and audiences alike. With continued support from the state government and a growing infrastructure, Hawaii’s place in the global film industry appears brighter than ever.

Here are twenty notable films that were partially or entirely filmed in Hawaii:

1. Jurassic Park (1993) – Steven Spielberg's iconic dinosaur adventure was primarily filmed on Kauai, showcasing the island's lush scenery as the fictional Isla Nublar.

2. Jurassic World (2015) – This sequel returned to Hawaii, with filming locations including Oahu's Kualoa Ranch, to depict the revamped dinosaur theme park.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) – Scenes featuring Captain Jack Sparrow were filmed on Kauai and Oahu, utilizing Hawaii's tropical landscapes to represent various Caribbean locales.

4. Pearl Harbor (2001) – This World War II epic was shot on Oahu, with significant scenes filmed at the actual Pearl Harbor naval base. 

5. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) – Hawaii's jungles and mountains, particularly Oahu's Kualoa Ranch, served as the backdrop for this adventure comedy.

6. Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) – The sequel also utilized various Hawaiian locations to depict the game's adventurous settings.

7. Tropic Thunder (2008) – This satirical war film was shot on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, providing a stand-in for the Southeast Asian jungle.

8. Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – The iconic opening scene was filmed on Kauai, representing the Peruvian jungle. 

9. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) – Arena scenes were filmed on Oahu, utilizing locations like Kawela Bay and Waimea Valley. 

10. Godzilla (2014) – Hawaii's landscapes were used to depict various locations in this monster reboot.

11. Kong: Skull Island (2017) – Oahu and other Hawaiian islands stood in for the mysterious Skull Island in this monster film.

12. 50 First Dates (2004) – This romantic comedy was shot entirely on Oahu, showcasing various local spots.

13. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) – Filmed almost entirely at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore, this comedy highlights the island's beauty.

14. Blue Crush (2002) – Set and filmed on Oahu's North Shore, this film captures the island's surfing culture.

15. Point Break (1991) – Surfing scenes were filmed at famous Oahu locations like Waimea Bay and Pipeline.

16. From Here to Eternity (1953) – The famous beach scene was filmed at Halona Beach Cove on Oahu.

17. The Descendants (2011) – Starring George Clooney, this film was shot on Oahu and Kauai, highlighting various local spots.

18. Battleship (2012) – Filmed in Hawaii, this action film utilized the state's naval bases and waters. 

19. Snatched (2017) – Parts of this comedy were filmed in Hawaii, utilizing the state's diverse landscapes.

20. Midway (2019) – This World War II film was partially shot in Hawaii, depicting the historical battle's events. Hawaii.com

These films showcase Hawaii's versatility as a filming location, providing diverse backdrops that enhance various cinematic narratives.