You don’t have to trek across the island to walk in the footsteps of your favorite movie scenes. From romantic comedies and action blockbusters to iconic TV moments, some of Oahu’s most memorable filming locations are closer than you think—and many are just minutes from your condo at Marina Hawaii Vacations!
Don’t worry, though. We don’t expect you to spend your whole trip chasing down every filming site on the island. That’s why we’ve created this curated guide to cinematic spots that will naturally fit into your Waikiki-based itinerary.
Whether you’re planning a couples’ getaway, family vacation, or solo stay, these locations are easy to reach, visually stunning, and a fun way to experience a different side of the island—no special effects required.
Put Yourself in the Shot: Ala Wai Harbor & Ilikai Tower
Featured in: Hawaii Five-0, 50 First Dates
If you're staying at the Ilikai Tower or Ilikai Marina, you don’t have to go far, just step onto your lanai and you’re in the middle of the magic! The Ala Wai Harbor has made countless appearances in Hawaii Five-0, with sweeping drone shots of the marina and nearby hotels anchoring the show’s opening credits. You can even see the exact view featured in the series right from your own balcony.
In 50 First Dates, Adam Sandler’s character lives on a boat docked at He‘eia Kea Harbor, about 16 miles north of Waikiki on the windward side of the island. If you don’t feel like making the drive, you can still soak up a similar atmosphere just outside your condo. Grab a coffee downstairs and take a morning stroll along the docks, and you’ll quickly realize why Oahu’s coastlines keep showing up on screen.
Halona Cove: Classic Movie Romance
Featured in: From Here to Eternity (1953), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
About a 30-minute drive from Waikiki, Halona Cove is the small, rugged beach immortalized in one of the most famous kisses in movie history: Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in From Here to Eternity.
The spot’s cinematic legacy doesn’t end there. It also doubled as Whitecap Bay in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, thanks to its lava rock cliffs and hidden cove feel.
Parking is limited, and the trail down is steep, so it’s best for early morning visitors or confident hikers. The blowhole lookout nearby is an easier alternative if you’re short on time.
Sea Life Park: A Real-Life Set from 50 First Dates
Featured in: 50 First Dates
Just up the coast from Halona Cove, Sea Life Park is the real marine center where Henry (Adam Sandler) works in 50 First Dates. It’s not just a filming location; it’s still a fully operational attraction with dolphin shows, sea lion feedings, and a small aquarium!
Families with kids or fans of the movie will enjoy spotting familiar backdrops, including the tank where Henry trains a walrus. The park is under an hour from your Marina Hawaii condo, making it an easy half-day outing.
Manoa Falls: Lush Jungle You’ve Definitely Seen on Screen
Featured in: Jurassic World, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Tucked into the Manoa Valley about 20 minutes from Waikiki, this rainforest trail leads to a 150-foot waterfall that’s been featured in multiple blockbusters. The dense greenery is instantly recognizable from the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World films. It also doubled as part of the arena in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
The hike is short but can be muddy, so be sure to wear shoes with good tread. While the falls themselves are impressive, it’s the journey through the valley that really brings those iconic scenes to life.
Pearl Harbor: A Cinematic Story Rooted in Real History
Featured in: Pearl Harbor, Battleship
History meets Hollywood at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Battleship Missouri. Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor recreated scenes at the actual sites of the 1941 attack, using the harbor and surviving ships as authentic backdrops. If you’ve seen the movie, trust us, walking the decks of the actual USS Missouri or visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is a truly transformative experience.
Pearl Harbor is an easy Uber or drive from Waikiki, and something we always recommend to guests who want a deeper connection to the island beyond beaches and restaurants.
Kualoa Ranch: Hollywood’s Favorite Backlot
Featured in: Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Jumanji, Pearl Harbor
Known as “Jurassic Valley,” Kualoa Ranch is about an hour from your Marina Hawaii condo and is absolutely worth a visit if you have the time. Multiple tours are available—from movie set shuttles to ATV rides through filming zones—and nearly every corner of the property has appeared in a blockbuster. The fallen tree from Jurassic Park, the cliffside roads from Jumanji, and the pineapple field date scene from 50 First Dates were all filmed here.
It’s one of the few Oahu locations that balances production value with guest experience. Plan ahead as tickets can sell out, especially in peak seasons.
More Movies to Watch Before You Visit
Looking to build your vacation watchlist? Here are a few more films and shows with scenes shot on Oahu or nearby:
- Blue Crush (Kate Bosworth, filmed on the North Shore and Waikiki)
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall (Jason Segel, filmed at Turtle Bay Resort)
- The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Jungle scenes filmed in Manoa and Waimea Valley)
- Jurassic World and Jurassic Park (Scenes filmed across Oahu, especially Kualoa)
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (Opening scenes filmed on Oahu)
- The Descendants (Filmed partially in Honolulu)
Many of these locations are either in Honolulu or within an hour’s drive, so they’re easy to add into a flexible itinerary without going out of your way.
Book a Stay with a Hollywood View
Featured Property: Ilikai Tower 1843
When you stay with Marina Hawaii Vacations, you’re not just near the action, you’re in it. Our condos at the Ilikai Tower, Ilikai Marina, and Discovery Bay offer the same views captured in shows like Hawaii Five-0, with front-row access to Ala Moana Beach, Waikiki’s shopping district, and top film locations around Oahu.
Skip the long drives and stay close to the story when you book your stay directly with Marina Hawaii Vacations.
Browse our vacation rentals and book your screen-worthy escape today.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Movies Filmed in Oahu
Where was 50 First Dates filmed in Oahu?
Key scenes were shot at Sea Life Park, He’eia Kea Harbor, Makapuʻu Lighthouse, and Kualoa Ranch.
Is the beach in From Here to Eternity real?
Yes. The famous kiss scene was filmed at Halona Cove, just a short drive from Waikiki.
Can I visit the waterfall from Jurassic Park?
The waterfall from Jurassic Park is on Kauai, but Jurassic World and other sequels were filmed at Manoa Falls and Kualoa Ranch—both on Oahu and accessible to the public.
What movies were filmed at Kualoa Ranch?
Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Jumanji, Pearl Harbor, Godzilla, and Kong: Skull Island, among others are all movies filmed on Oahu at Kualoa Ranch.
Can I tour the filming locations of Hawaii Five-0?
There’s no formal tour, but many scenes were filmed in and around the Ala Wai Harbor, which you can see directly from Marina Hawaii condos at the Ilikai.