Ultimate Guide To Hawaii Five-0 Filming Locations In 2023: From Oahu To Hollywood Incentives
Have you ever watched an episode of Hawaii Five-0 and wondered, "Is that stunning beach or historic building real?" The allure of visiting the actual spots where your favorite scenes unfold is a powerful draw for fans and travelers alike. In 2023, the fascination with authentic filming locations has never been greater, blending television fandom with real-world adventure. This comprehensive guide will transport you from the sun-drenched shores of Oʻahu to the iconic backlots of Los Angeles, revealing how modern production economics shape where your favorite stories are told. Whether you're a devoted fan planning a pilgrimage or a curious explorer seeking unique destinations, understanding the landscape of film tourism is key to an unforgettable journey.
Why Oʻahu Remains the Heartbeat of Hawaii Five-0
When CBS's Hawaii Five-0 reboot launched in 2010, it made a decisive commitment: to film the vast majority of its series on location in Hawaii. This wasn't just a creative choice; it was a foundational promise to authenticity that continues to define the show's visual identity. The principal filming location remains Oʻahu island, the most populous and versatile of the Hawaiian islands. This single location serves as a stand-in for the entire state, and often, for the world, thanks to its incredible range of scenery.
The production's dedication to on-location shooting is staggering. Probably more than 50% of each episode is filmed at various locations around the island. This means that the bustling streets of Honolulu, the serene North Shore beaches, the lush valleys of the Koʻolau Mountains, and the dramatic sea cliffs of the Windward Coast all become characters in the narrative. You're not watching a soundstage with painted backdrops; you're watching the real, breathing Hawaii. This approach provides an unmatched sense of place and realism that studio replication could never achieve, making every chase scene, contemplative moment, and dramatic reveal feel grounded and tangible.
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Iconic Spots You Can Visit: McGarrett's House and Beyond
For fans, the pilgrimage is about seeing the tangible touchpoints of the series. See McGarrett's house, the studio, and more, ideal for fans and curious travelers alike. The iconic, modern residence perched on a hill is a private home in the upscale Hawaii Kai neighborhood, but its exterior is instantly recognizable. The Five-0 headquarters is a real building—the former Aloha Tower Marketplace, now part of the Hawaii Pacific University campus—which has been cleverly dressed to serve as the fictional "Hawaii State Police" headquarters. Other legendary spots include:
- The Duke Kahanamoku Statue at Waikiki Beach, a frequent meeting point.
- The Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples, used for serene, reflective scenes.
- Halona Blowhole and Eternity Beach (from From Here to Eternity), sites for dramatic ocean vistas.
- The historic Chinatown district, standing in for gritty urban settings.
From the old series and the new, we take you on an iconic trip across the film industry's most popular filming locations in South Oʻahu. The original 1968-1980 series also heavily used locations like the Iolani Palace (used as the "Governor's mansion") and Banyan Drive in Hilo (on the Big Island), but the reboot's visual map is centered on Oʻahu's southern and eastern shores, creating a concentrated trail for modern fans to follow.
The Ultimate Fan Experience: Guided Movie Tours
Simply visiting these spots independently is one thing, but to truly immerse yourself in the lore, a guided tour dedicated to movie scenes is invaluable. These tours, run by local experts and dedicated fans, do more than just point; they provide context, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and access to spots you might miss on your own. They explain why a particular alley was chosen for a shootout or how a beach was transformed for a specific episode's storyline.
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Perfect for fans and island explorers, these tours cater to all levels of fandom. Some focus exclusively on Hawaii Five-0, while others cover the island's broader cinematic history, which includes blockbusters like Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, Jumanji, and Avatar. If you’re interested in places where Hawaii Five-0 was filmed and where other movies were shot, this is a great place to visit. The guides often have connections and can tell you about recent shoots, making the experience dynamic and current. They also handle logistics, navigation on busy island roads, and share the best angles for that perfect, show-inspired photograph.
Practical Tips for Your Location Tour
To make the most of your filming location adventure, keep these actionable tips in mind:
- Book in Advance: Popular tours, especially those focused on specific shows, can sell out quickly, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
- Respect Privacy: Many locations, like McGarrett's house, are in residential areas. Always view from public areas, do not trespass, and be respectful of residents.
- Check Access: Some locations, like certain beach parks or temple grounds, may have specific hours, fees, or cultural protocols. Research ahead.
- Pack for the Elements: Oʻahu's weather is unpredictable. Bring sunscreen, a hat, reusable water, and a light rain jacket for those sudden tropical showers that often appear in the shows!
- See why Hollywood keeps using locations like these in movies and television, and be sure to take plenty of pictures for yourself! The contrast between the dramatic on-screen action and the peaceful reality is part of the fun.
Hawaii's Film Industry Boom: More Than Just Five-0
The success of Hawaii Five-0 helped catalyze a massive, sustained boom in Hawaii's film and television industry. The islands have become a go-to destination for major productions seeking a unique, "exotic" yet logistically feasible location within the United States. Hawaiʻi’s film industry having a big year with ‘Untamed,’ ‘Jumanji 3’ and ‘Protecting Jared’ is a testament to this enduring appeal. Productions benefit from Hawaii's established infrastructure, experienced local crew base, and, crucially, competitive state tax incentives.
This influx of projects means the locations you visit are often active sets. You might stumble upon a film crew setting up for a movie or another TV show during your tour. This living, breathing film community adds an extra layer of excitement. It also means the local economy deeply feels the impact of these productions, from hotels and catering to equipment rental and local extras. The visual legacy of decades of filming has permanently etched Hawaii into the global cinematic imagination.
The Hollywood Equation: How Location Economics Shape What You See
While Hawaii offers unparalleled natural beauty, the decision of where to film a project is increasingly driven by economics. This is where the landscape of American filming locations gets a major shake-up, directly impacting what ends up on your screen. GSA establishes the maximum CONUS (Continental United States) per diem rates for federal travel customers. While this seems administrative, it indirectly influences large-scale productions that work with government entities or have complex travel logistics, setting baseline costs for crew lodging and meals in different regions.
More directly, local governments and film offices aggressively compete by offering film tax incentives and fee reductions to attract productions. This creates a dynamic map of "hot" filming locations that shifts with policy changes. A prime example is happening right now in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Embraces a New Era of Affordability
In a landmark move to reclaim its throne as the world's premier production hub, Los Angeles has dramatically slashed fees for filming at its most iconic public landmarks. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass made the announcement at a press conference outside the Griffith Observatory, where the filming fee has been slashed from $100,000 to $30,000. This 70% reduction is a strategic effort to make LA competitive with other states and countries offering deeper incentives.
It is now cheaper to film at the famous Griffith Observatory, the site of countless movie and TV moments (from Rebel Without a Cause to La La Land). The goal is clear: remove financial barriers for productions to use these beloved, recognizable locations. And the Los Angeles Central Library has reopened for filming for the first time in more than 10 years, following similar fee restructuring. These two cultural landmarks symbolize a new, more accessible LA for filmmakers. The deck shakes underfoot, and the floating platforms tilt dangerously—this might describe a movie set at the Observatory's planetarium, but it also metaphorically describes the shifting, unstable economics of the film industry. Productions are constantly weighing the artistic value of a location against its bottom-line cost.
Is Hawaii Five-0 Actually Shot in Hawaii? Addressing Common Questions
A frequent question from new viewers is: Is it actually shot in Hawaii, or does the production utilize scenes shot in a studio and other locations? The answer is a resounding yes, with a caveat. The show is indeed filmed at Hawaii, USA. The commitment to Oʻahu is real and primary. However, like most major television productions, the crew has often traveled to multiple other parts of the Hawaiian state for specific scenes requiring different landscapes—the lava fields of the Big Island for a volcanic episode, or the lush gardens of Kauaʻi for a jungle sequence.
Additionally, some interior scenes—like the detailed Five-0 office interiors—are shot on soundstages in Honolulu. This is standard practice for controlled environments, special effects, or to accommodate complex lighting and camera rigs. The magic is in the seamless blend: you see the real, breathtaking exterior of a location, then cut to a detailed interior built on a stage. The vast majority of the show's iconic outdoor identity is undeniably, authentically Hawaiian.
Planning Your 2023 Film Location Adventure
With this knowledge, you can plan a smarter, more insightful trip. Start by identifying which shows or movies resonate with you most. Create a custom map using online resources and tour operator itineraries. Consider the time of year—the Hawaiian film industry has peak seasons, which might mean more active sets but also more crowded tourist spots.
Remember that the show is indeed filmed at Hawaii, USA, but the specific locations are often in public spaces. Always act as a respectful guest. Support local businesses that cater to film crews and tourists alike. Your visit contributes to the same ecosystem that supports the shows you love.
Conclusion: The Enduring Magic of Real Places
The world of film locations is a fascinating blend of art, tourism, and economics. From the steadfast, sun-soaked authenticity of Hawaii Five-0's Oʻahu to the newly accessible, iconic landmarks of Los Angeles, the places where stories are filmed are themselves stories of creative and financial decisions. See why Hollywood keeps using locations like these in movies and television—because they offer an irreplaceable character that no set can replicate. For the fan, visiting these sites is a pilgrimage that bridges the gap between fantasy and reality. For the traveler, it's a unique lens through which to experience a destination's culture and history.
So, pack your bags, bring your camera, and walk in the footsteps of Steve McGarrett and Danny "Danno" Williams. Whether you're tracing a chase scene along the North Shore or gazing up at the Griffith Observatory's dome, you're participating in a living film history. The locations are waiting, the stories are etched into the landscape, and your own adventure is ready to begin.
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