The magic of Hawaii's islands extends far past its exotic, volcano-filled landscape and crystalline waters. It's a popular destination for honeymoons and winter getaways, but it's also a destination that has been highly sought after by film producers and directors, as well. The film industry has found much fame in this collection of islands and while everyone seems to know at least one TV show that was filmed there, many movies have been filmed there, as well.
TV shows such as LOST have brought attention to the island but going as far back as the early 1950s, Hawaii has been quite the locale. Thanks to Hawaii's many facets and varying terrains, anything from dramatic volcanic backdrops to tremendous, intimidating pipeline waves can serve as the setting for nearly any scene. Its seemingly remote beaches and national parks that make travelers feel as though they're in another country are all part of its intrigue and mystery. When it comes to the most famous movies filmed there, these are at the top of everyone's lists.
Jurassic Park
Filmed in 1993, Jurassic Park is one movie that everyone remembers due to all of the cinematic, aerial views of the series. The island of Kauai is where much of the filming took place for the original movie, which is where Isla Nublar, the fictional island home to dinosaurs, was to be set.
However, part of Maui was also filmed for the introduction sequence of the movie, in which a large rock can be seen as a helicopter is flying over the island - this rock is located near the road just outside of Hana.
Point Break
Interestingly enough, Point Break's 0riginal and remake movies were both set in the same location. The film features Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze as surfers who both set out to conquer major waves throughout the movie, which is where much of the cinematic filming comes into play.
The massive waves that are shown in the film, known as Pipeline, are actually off the north shore of Oahu although, in the movie, they're meant to be found in Australia. Additionally, there were some surfing sequences that took place off the coast of Oregon, with much of the film taking place not far from that on Hawaii's coast.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
The one thing that Forgetting Sarah Marshall has in common with LOST is that the former was filmed entirely at the Turtle Bay Resort while the latter was partially filmed in its forested backyard.
The Turtle Bay Resort is one of the most popular and well-known resorts in Hawaii and its atmosphere is true to what's seen in the movie, making sure to place an emphasis on the resort's top of the line rooms, services, and amenities, while also showing off the north shore of Oahu.
50 First Dates
Oahu, in particular, seems to be a hot spot for movie filming and 50 First Dates is no exception. This film, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, was filmed there almost in its entirety.
Even the Sea Life park that's seen in the movie is located in Waimanalo, and if that wasn't authentic enough, the movie used many Oahu locals rather than practiced actors in the film. Many of the film's set locations are lesser-visited areas of Oahu and are places where tourists don't frequent, making the whole thing feel even more realistic.
Blue Crush
Similar to the surf scenes in Point Break, Blue Crush made excellent use of Oahu's Pipeline in this thrilling cinematic experience. Focusing on the life of four women as they struggle to make ends meet, one of them, Anne Marie, manages to overcome her own fears to make it big in the Pipeline competition.
While the movie subbed in professionals for many of the scenes with expert waves, the scenery around their town, the beaches, and even the resort, which was Ko Olina, all show off avid surf life.
Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle
Surprisingly, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was also filmed mostly in Hawaii with Oahu, once again, being its center stage. The Kualoa Ranch, in particular, was used in this movie which many people might recognize from LOST and Hurley's homemade golf course.
The ranch is so well-known that it even offers a movie lot tour for visitors who want to get up close and personal with the movies and TV shows that were filmed there. There was one other location filmed just outside of Oahu on the Big Island but the majority of it took place in one location.