Hawaii is one of the most popular filming locations in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Its stunning natural scenery, diverse culture, and year-round warm weather make it the perfect place to shoot a movie. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most famous movies from Hawaii.

Movies:

Here are some of the popular movies filmed in Hawaii:

1. Jurassic Park and Jurassic World:

Cast:

Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson.

Location:

Kaua’i, Oahu, Maui

Summary:

Who wouldn’t want to see where dinosaurs roamed the earth?

Here are some of the most popular filming locations for Jurassic Park and Jurassic World in Hawaii:

• Kaua’i: This is where most of the exterior shots for Jurassic Park were filmed.
• Manawaiopuna Falls is also there, which was featured in both movies.
• Oahu: Used for several scenes in both movies, including when the T-Rex attacks the car.
• Maui: Used for several exterior shots in Jurassic World. It’s also home to the film’s main character, Owen Grady.

Review:

While it often treads over familiar ground and reuses the same ideas, it is still wildly entertaining and offers something fresh and new. The special effects and CGI are very well done, making the creatures look real. It is exciting throughout, with engaging characters and plenty of action.

2. Jumanji: The Next Level and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle:

 Cast:

Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Nick Jonas.

Location:

Hawaii.

Summary:

The movie Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a sequel to the original 1995 movie. Alan Parrish has been trapped in a board game for 26 years, and now four teenagers – Spencer, Fridge, Bethany, and Martha – find the game and are transported into the Jungle of Jumanji. They must play as their chosen character in order to survive and find a way out of the Jungle by playing as their chosen characters on the board game, and they have to compete with each other too.

JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL comes after the events of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The four protagonists have all gone their separate ways. However, when Spencer comes home for the holidays, he finds that his Grandpa Eddie has moved in with him temporarily to recover from hip surgery. On the day the Jumanji survivors are supposed to meet up for breakfast, Spencer is missing, so the friends go to his house. They find the broken Jumanji video game in his basement and decide to follow him. But something goes wrong, and both Eddie and Milo are transported into the game.

Review:

This movie was a fresh and fun take on a beloved classic. The cast was perfectly chosen, and everyone was hilarious in their roles. However, there is no sense of wonder to be found in Jumanji, only a succession of scares. Van Pelt, the killer, is played by the same actor who embodied Alan’s snooty father, adding another dark note. Young viewers who are not prone to nightmares might be diverted a little by the computer-generated beasts.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides:

Cast:

Johnny Depp, Sam Claflin, Penélope Cruz.

Location:

Kaua’i.

Summary:

In this fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, the film was shot on the island of Kaua’i.

The movie tells the story of Captain Jack Sparrow’s search for the Fountain of Youth and features some of the most iconic scenes set in Hawaii. From the dramatic shipwreck on Kaua’i’s coastline to the breathtaking views of Waimea Canyon, the film is a visual feast for fans of Hawaii.

If you’re looking for a taste of movies of Hawaii on the big screen, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is a must-watch.

Reviews:

The actors’ clever and lovable portrayal of the rogue is one of the main reasons audiences keep coming back to see the Pirates films. Director Rob Marshall has managed to streamline the plot and reduce the reliance on CGI effects, which was a problem with the previous three films. The plot is straightforward, and Cruz and Depp have great on-screen chemistry.

4. Pearl Harbor: 

Cast:

Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, Josh Hartnett, Jennifer Garner, Alec Baldwin.

Location:

Pearl Harbor – Oahu.

Summary:

One of the most famous movies about Hawaii is Pearl Harbor. The movie, which came out in 2001, was directed by Michael Bay. The movie told the story of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor from the perspective of two friends who were caught up in the middle.

The movie was filmed in Hawaii, and many of the scenes were shot at the actual locations where the events took place. This gave the movie an added sense of realism that helped make it one of the most popular films. 

Reviews:

The film was well-made and intriguing. However, it had some inaccuracies but was enjoyable because of its excellent cinematography and fluid editing. Kate Beckinsale was good in portraying the nurse who helped the poor, even though she was in a love triangle and Alec Baldwin’s performance as Doolittle.

5. The Descendants:

Cast:

George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Nick Krause.

Location:

Oahu.

Summary:

The Descendants is a 2011 American drama film directed by Alexander Payne. The film stars George Clooney as Matt King, a Hawaiian-born lawyer, and trust-fund beneficiary who is forced to reevaluate his life after his wife is critically injured in a boating accident.

The movie was filmed entirely on the island of Oahu, and many of the locations used in the film are popular tourist destinations. Clooney and the cast and crew spent six weeks filming in Hawaii, and the experience left them all with a deep appreciation for the islands’ culture and people.

Reviews:

George looks amazing. He has a big dream and is trying to achieve it at any cost. The message is clear; we shouldn’t forget our roots – where we came from. We were given this land by our ancestors so that we could protect it. But now, things are changing, and many people want to sell their homes because they can’t afford to keep them up.

6. Soul Surfer:

Cast: 

Anna Sophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, and Lola Kirke.

Location:

Kauai

Summary:

Soul Surfer is a 2011 drama film directed by Sean McNamara, based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton. In this American biographical, the latter lost her arm in a shark attack and became a professional surfer. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but Robb’s performance as Hamilton was praised. Hamilton’s story is courageous and determined, and her example has inspired many people to pursue their dreams despite adversity. The film showcases the beautiful beaches of Kauai, and Bethany’s courageous story is sure to inspire and leave a lasting impression on viewers of all ages.

Reviews:

The movie took a while to get used to the character, but it’s worth it. When this moment happens, it feels like real life. They did an amazing job with CGI, especially in making her arm disappear under water. But if you look closely, though, the arm looks different from regular. 

7. Aloha:

Cast:

Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, and Rachel McAdams.

Location:

Honolulu.

Summary:

Aloha is a new movie directed by Cameron Crowe. The movie tells the story of a military contractor who returns to Hawaii to rekindle a romance with an old flame.

Aloha is a pleasant and entertaining movie that offers a glimpse of the Hawaiian culture and lifestyle. The movie’s focus on the importance of family and friends is heartwarming, and the story will surely leave viewers with a warm feeling.

Reviews:

This film has a surprising climax and brings all the storylines up to that point to a perfect finish. The setting was bright, relaxing, and comforting, making it easy to enjoy. The romance was sweet, fitting, and satisfying.

8. 50 First Dates:

 Cast:

Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore.

Location:

Oahu.

Summary:

50 First Dates is 2004, directed by Peter Segal. It is an American romantic comedy, and the film’s premise is that Henry Roth (Sandler) is a womanizing marine veterinarian who falls for an art teacher named Lucy Whitmore (Barrymore). Lucy has short-term memory loss and can only remember each day until she goes to sleep at night, so Henry has to woo her all over again every morning.

Critics generally praised the chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore and the film’s humor. If you’re looking for a light-hearted romantic comedy, 50 First Dates is a great choice.

Reviews:

It’s a tear-jerker for sure. The chemistry between the actors and the backdrop is gorgeous. It’s a feel-good light-hearted rom-com flick that is worth watching.

Final Words:

Hope you enjoyed reading about some of the famous movies of Hawaii. As you can see, Hawaii is a beautiful and versatile place perfect for filming all sorts of movies. If you have the chance to visit Hawaii, be sure to keep an eye out for some of these iconic film locations!