Hawaii Film & Photography Production Services & Camera Crews

Are you a media company, brand, ad agency or production company looking for film / photography production support or shooting crew in Hawaii? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.

Filming in Hawaii

For an introduction to shooting in Hawaii see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.

Hawaii Film Locations

The Hawaiian archipelago consists of 137 volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is best known for its stunning beaches, surf breaks, volcanic landscapes, lush tropical jungle valleys, canyons, rivers, waterfalls, ancient banyan trees, spectacular coastal cliffs, holiday resorts, golf courses, underwater photography options, and rich Polynesian heritage.

Agricultural film locations include sugarcane, coffee, taro, macadamia nuts, pineapples, avocados, bananas, guavas, and papayas. Tourism is the economic mainstay. Energy locations include petroleum and coal-fired power plants.

Hawaii has hosted a long list of productions including The White Lotus (2021), Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), Jungle Cruise (2021), Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), Jurassic World (2015), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), Oblivion (2013), Soul Surfer (2011), Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), Lost (2004-2010), Avatar (2009), Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007), Punch Drunk Love (2002), Pearl Harbor (2001), Jurassic Park (1993), Hook (1991), Point Break (1991), Magnum P.I (1980-1988), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), and Hawaii Five-0 (1968-1980).

Film locations can be divided into the following islands:

Oahu

The centrally located island of Oahu is Hawaii’s most populous island.

Honolulu is the state capital, largest city, and main entry point by air. Film locations of note include the state capitol building, Aliʻiōlani Hale, Honolulu Hale, ʻIolani Palace, Aloha Tower, Bishop Museum, Queen Emma Summer Palace, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Foster Botanical Garden, Diamond Head, Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design, and the abandoned Queen Theater. Waikiki Beach has a city skyline backdrop. Honolulu Zoo featured in Jurassic World (2015). Royal Hawaiian Hotel featured in Punch Drunk Love (2002). The Hawaii Convention Center featured in Jurassic World (2015), and Lost (2004-2010).

Pearl Harbor includes the The USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, Battleship Missouri Memorial, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Pearl Harbor (2001) filmed the USS Arizona Memorial. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is available for filming.

Kualoa Ranch featured in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), Jurassic World (2015), Jurassic Park (1993), and Lost (2004-2010).

Oahu beaches of note include Kailua Beach, Lanikai Beach, Makapuu Beach, Waimanalo Beach, Hanauma Beach, Yokohama Bay, Sandy Beach, Mokuleia Beach, Haleiwa Beach, Halona Beach Cove, Kawela Beach, and Makaha Beach. The famed Banzai Pipeline is located off Ehukai Beach. Haleiwa Beach was filmed for Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008). Halona Beach Cove featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). Kawela Beach featured in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013). 

Waimea Bay featured in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), Lost (2004-2010), and Point Break (1991). 

Turtle Bay Resort was filmed for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), and Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008).

La’ie Point was filmed for Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008).

Haleiwa featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011).

Kalaeloa featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011).

Manoa Falls featured in Jurassic World (2015).

Byodo-In Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is located in Kāne’ohe.

Pineapple Garden Maze is located in Wahiawa.

Mokoliʻi is a hat-shaped islet in Kāneʻohe Bay.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s Ulupau Crater Weapons Training Range is available for filming.

The H-3 Highway is an impressive car commercial film location running through tunnels and along viaducts over green valleys.

Kauai

Located in the west, the island of Kauai is known for the rainforest covering much of its surface.

Beaches of note include Lumahai Beach, Tunnels Beach, Makua Beach, Ke’e Beach, Haena Beach, Pu’u Poa Beach, Honopu Beach, Kipu Kai Beach, Polihale Beach, Anini Beach, Poipu Beach, Kalapaki Beach, Kauapea Beach, Hanakapiai Beach, Kalihiwai Beach, Lydgate Beach, Shipwreck Beach, Keālia Beach, Kekaha Beach, Hanalei Bay, and Glass Beach. Honopu Beach featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). Kipu Kai Beach featured as Neverland in Hook (1991). 

Waterfalls of note include Wailua Falls, Manawaiopuna Falls, Hoopii Falls, Hanakapiai Falls, ‘Opaeka’a Falls, and Kilauea Falls. Manawaiopuna Falls was filmed for Jurassic World (2015), and Jurassic Park (1993). Hoopii Falls filmed for Jurassic Park (1993). Kilauea Falls featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). 

Waiahuakua Sea Cave is a beautiful location.

Kilauea Lighthouse is located on Kilauea Point.

Coco Palms Resort is an abandoned hotel.

Kokee State Park is a lush jungle location.

Makana Ridge is known for its jagged jungle peaks.

Waimea Canyon State Park has a majestic canyon.

Russian Fort Elizabeth ruins are located in Waimea.

Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands is a US naval facility and airport used as a multi-dimensional testing and training missile range.

Olokele Valley was filmed for Jurassic World (2015), and Jurassic Park (1993). 

Blue Hole was filmed for Jurassic World (2015), and Jurassic Park (1993). 

Jurassic Kahili Ranch was filmed for Jurassic World (2015), and Jurassic Park (1993). 

Lawai was filmed for Jurassic World (2015), and Jurassic Park (1993).

Allerton Garden was filmed for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), and Jurassic Park (1993).

Valley House Plantation Estate filmed for Jurassic Park (1993).

Avatar (2009) filmed in Keahua Arboretum.

Kipu Ranch was filmed for Hook (1991), and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

Jurassic World (2015) filmed Nā Pali Coast State Park.

Hanalei Plantation Resort featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007).

Waikapala’e Wet Cave featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). 

Kalalau Valley featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). The Kalalau Trail is one of the world’s most beautiful hiking trails.

Hawaii (Big Island)

The largest and most eastern island, Hawaii, also known as Big Island, is known for its black sand beaches, white sand beaches, green sand beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, verdant green grass ranches, scenic highways, and volcanoes.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park includes Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive shield volcano. Nahuku Thurston Lava Tube, and the Kau Desert lunar landscape are located in the park.

Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano and the highest point in Hawaii. The summit experiences snowfall. A road to the summit provides access to winter skiing and the thirteen telescopes of Mauna Loa Solar Observatory.

Beaches of note include Papakōlea Green Sand Beach, Hāpuna Beach, Punalu’u Beach, Mahana Beach, Manini’owali Beach, Kaunaoa Beach, Kealakekua Bay, Sunset Beach, Kahalu’u Beach, Makalawena Beach, Kehena Beach, Beach 69, Spencer Beach, Mahai’ula Beach, Isaac Hale Beach, Kikaua Point Beach, and Kiholo Bay. Punalu’u Beach is home to the endangered Hawksbill Turtle and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. Kamilo Beach is covered in plastic marine debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Waterfalls of note include Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Hiilawe Falls.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park was a sacred place of refuge for breakers of kapu laws.

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is an archaeological site.

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is located in Pāpa’ikou.

Waipiʻo Valley is a beautiful coastal film location with steep cliffs and black sand beaches.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is an impressive resort location.

The town of Hilo is known for Imiloa Astronomy Center, Pacific Tsunami Museum, Kaumana Lava Tubes, and Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens.

Parker Ranch is one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States.

Algae Growing Ponds, located in Kailua-Kona, offer spectacular colourful aerial shots.

Maui

Haleakala National Park is known for Haleakala Crater, Haleakala Observatory, a bamboo forest and waterfalls. Haleakala National Park was filmed for Oblivion (2013).

Beaches of note include Kapalua Bay Beach, Kaanapali Beach, Koki Beach, Kaihalulu Beach, Makena Beach, Ho’okipa Beach, Honolua Bay, Mākena Beach, Kamaole Beach, Keawakapu Beach, Wailea Beach, Baldwin Beach, Kahekili Beach, Kanaha Beach, Black Rock Beach, Palauea Beach, Maluaka Beach, and Hamoa Beach.

Waterfalls of note include Wailua Falls, Upper Waikani Falls, Waimoku Falls, and Twin Falls.

The Ohe’o Gulch Pools are a picturesque location.

Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina has a beautiful old banyan tree.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park is known for its black sand beaches and freshwater caves.

The White Lotus (2021) filmed the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.

Molokini is a crescent-shaped uninhabited islet.

Lanai

Lanai is the smallest publicly accessible inhabited island of the main islands.

Film locations include the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Hulopoe Beach, Polihua Beach, Shipwreck Beach, Maunalei Gulch, and the otherworldly lunar landscape of Garden of the Gods.

Molokai

Molokai is one of the least developed islands of the main islands.

Film locations include the sea cliffs in Molokai, Papohaku Beach, Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Kamakou Preserve, Hipuapua Falls, and Mo’aula Falls. Pu’uka’oku Falls are one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Pohaku Mauliuli Beach was filmed for Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007).

Niihau

Niihau is the westernmost of the main volcanic islands. The island is privately owned by the Robinson family. Travel to the island is restricted.

Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe is the smallest of the main volcanic islands. The island is uninhabited. A former military base and testing ground, access to the island is restricted.

Other Islands islands, atolls, and reefs

Other islands, atolls, and reefs of note include Nihoa, Necker, French Frigate Shoals, Gardner Pinnacles, Maro Reef, Laysan, Lisianski Island, Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Midway Atoll, and Kure Atoll.

Hawaii Film Location Permits

Location permits are required for filming and still photography on public property such as city streets, parks, beaches, highways, and other state facilities. Hawaiians are serious about persevering their environment and culture, so special rules may apply depending on the location. Permitting generally takes about five days to process. Please contact us for location specific information.

When To Shoot?

Hawaii has 11 of the world’s 13 climatic zones. The winters are warm and the summers are hot. The tops of the volcanoes often have snow in the winter months. It rains somewhere in Hawaii almost every day of the year, but typically only for very short intervals. The western side of all islands tends to be warmer and drier.

Albatross chicks are hunted by tiger sharks in the north western Hawaiian islands for a couple of weeks as they learn to fly around July / August.

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in the United States.

Unique Local Stories

Brands are looking for local stories that match their brand narrative. Our local teams are a great lead for sourcing those unique stories and characters.

If you are looking for stories for your next shoot, send us your brief and we will pitch you ideas.

If you have a unique story you would like to pitch to a brand anywhere in the world, pitch us your idea. We have well-established processes to ensure that your ideas are properly seen and protected.

Hawaii Tax Incentives For Filming

Hawaii offers a refundable tax credit. This includes 20% of qualified production costs incurred on Oahu, and 25% on the neighbouring islands (Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai). The incentive is available for film, television, commercial, and digital media projects. Contact the Hawaii Film Office for more information.

Hawaii Film Crew & Talent

Crew. Hawaii is home to a good depth of internationally experienced crews.

Contact us if you are looking for a Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Lanai, or Molokai based director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew in Hawaii.

Talent. Hawaii’s population is predominately Asian, Caucasian, and Native Hawaiian. Asian Americans are the largest group with most being of a Filipino, Japanese, or Chinese background. Movie character stereotypes include surfers, and an assortment of other laid back characters.

Hawaii Film Equipment

Equipment. Hawaii has some standard grip, lighting and camera gear for hire locally. More specialised gear needs to be brought in.

Communications. Communication is key. Our agility and global experience allows us to customise the right communications systems for every shoot.

Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.

For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple timezones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set. Separate systems can be set up for the discrete conversations that are required to make a job run right. Working remotely with our local teams reduces your content production costs, turnaround times, carbon footprint, and risks associated with unpredictable global events.

Hawaii Studios & Post Production

Studios. Hawaii has a studio just outside of Honolulu which includes a large soundstage, props, production offices, and other facilities.

Hawaii Film-Friendly Accommodation

Please contact us for recommended film friendly hotels in Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai.

Final Notes

Safety. Hawaii is a very safe and reliable place for foreign productions to shoot. See here for up to date travel advice.

Down Time. Beach time. Hawaiian luau.

Projects. For an example of TV commercials, stills campaigns, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in Hawaii, please see below:

Hire Hawaii Production Support & Shooting Crew

If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Hawaii, please contact us.

If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Hawaii, such as a director, DoP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, please contact us.

We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.