Oahu's Famous Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit

Oahu has appeared in over 150 Hollywood productions — and once you drive through the North Shore, you understand why. The coastline, the valleys, the light. It all looks like a movie set because, in many cases, it literally was one.

If you are visiting the island and want to see where some of your favorite films and shows were shot, most of the major locations are accessible and clustered within a reasonable driving distance of each other — especially along the North Shore.

Kualoa Ranch — The Jurassic Park Valley

This is the one most people come for. Kualoa Ranch’s Ka’a’awa Valley is where Steven Spielberg filmed the iconic scenes from Jurassic Park — the T-Rex chase, the Gallimimus stampede, and the helicopter approach over the mountains. The franchise kept coming back for Jurassic World and Fallen Kingdom.

Beyond dinosaurs, the ranch has appeared in 50 First Dates, Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, and six seasons of Lost.

The ranch offers a 90-minute Hollywood Movie Sites Tour that drives through the actual filming locations. It is one of the most popular tours on the island, so book ahead — especially during peak season.

Location: Windward side, about 30 minutes from the North Shore via Kamehameha Highway.

Turtle Bay Resort — Forgetting Sarah Marshall

The North Shore’s Turtle Bay Resort served as the main setting for Forgetting Sarah Marshall. The resort’s oceanfront property, pools, and surrounding beaches are all recognizable in the film. The 1,300-acre property has also been used in episodes of Lost and Hawaii Five-0.

Location: Right on the North Shore, between Sunset Beach and Kahuku.

Pipeline and North Shore Beaches — Surf Films and More

The Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay have appeared in countless productions. Blue Crush filmed its surfing sequences on the North Shore. Soul Surfer — the Bethany Hamilton story — used Pipeline and surrounding breaks. The Triple Crown of Surfing draws film crews every winter for documentaries and broadcasts.

These are all public beaches you can visit any time. Just check the surf conditions before getting in the water during winter months — these waves are no joke.

Halona Beach Cove — Pirates of the Caribbean

This small cove on the southeast coast appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and is also known as “Eternity Beach” from the classic 1953 film From Here to Eternity. It is a short walk down from the Halona Blowhole lookout — one of the most photographed spots on the island.

Location: Southeast Oahu, about an hour from the North Shore.

Pearl Harbor — War Films

The Pearl Harbor historic sites have appeared in Pearl Harbor (2001), Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970), and Midway (2019). The USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri are both open to visitors. Book the Pearl Harbor tour early — it fills up fast, especially during summer.

Tips for Visiting

Best time to go: Fall (September through November) brings fewer crowds, lower prices, and warm weather. The trails are less muddy and tour availability is better.

Guided vs. self-guided: Some locations like Kualoa Ranch require a guided tour. Others — beaches, public parks, highway viewpoints — are free and open. A mix of both works best.

Respect private property. Not every location is public. Stick to marked paths, follow posted signs, and do not trespass on residential land.

Plan your route. Most North Shore filming locations are along Kamehameha Highway. Combine a Kualoa Ranch tour with a drive up the coast through Sunset Beach and Pipeline for a full day.

Refuel on the Way

If you are driving the North Shore filming location route, both of our spots are right on Kamehameha Highway.

The Sharks Cove food truck sits between Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay — a natural stop on any North Shore tour. The Hau’ula restaurant is farther north toward Kahuku, with indoor seating, a drive-through, and a full bar.

Explore more things to do on the North Shore to round out your day.