Discover Hawaii 5-0 Filming Sites: Tours and Local Stories

From Screen to Reality: Hawaii 5-0 Filming Spots and Exclusive Tours in Oahu

Hawaii 5-0, whether in its original run from 1968 or the reboot that aired from 2010 to 2020, has been much more than a TV show. It’s a cultural touchstone that has showcased the beauty, complexity, and unique identity of Hawaii to millions around the world. This article delves into the show’s profound impact on the island of Oahu, exploring notable filming locations, insider anecdotes, and how you can step into the world of Hawaii 5-0 with guided tours of the iconic sites.

The Cultural Footprint of Hawaii 5-0

The portrayal of Hawaii in Hawaii 5-0 has significantly influenced the tourism industry, attracting fans and travelers eager to see the island’s stunning landscapes, from beaches and lush mountains to urban settings like Honolulu. The series skillfully integrated local culture into its storylines, highlighting traditions, language, and community issues, creating a rich and authentic portrayal of island life.

The reboot further solidified Oahu’s status as a prime filming destination, boosting the local economy by creating jobs and supporting businesses that provided services to the production. Tourism surged as fans sought to visit the iconic spots featured on the show, demonstrating the powerful role media can play in shaping a destination’s appeal.

Iconic Filming Locations of Hawaii 5-0

Oahu served as the main backdrop for both versions of Hawaii 5-0, featuring a mix of well-known landmarks and hidden gems. Here are some of the most iconic locations, along with notable scenes and episodes:

1. Aloha Tower

This historic landmark in Honolulu Harbor has been featured in both the original and renewed series. Built in 1926, the Aloha Tower symbolizes Hawaii’s maritime history and offers breathtaking views of the city.

Notable Scenes:

• Renewed Series, Season 1, Episode 6 ("Ko'olauloa"): A tense showdown takes place near the harbor, with the Aloha Tower visible as McGarrett and his team pursue a suspect.
• Renewed Series, Season 2, Episode 12 ("Alaheo Pau'ole"): A dramatic chase sequence ends at the base of the tower, highlighting its striking architecture.
• Original Series, Season 4, Episode 18 ("Nine Dragons"): The tower serves as a backdrop during an intense negotiation scene involving Steve McGarrett and a notorious criminal mastermind.

2. Iolani Palace

Depicted as the headquarters of the Hawaii 5-0 task force, Iolani Palace has been a key location in both series. This national historic landmark, once the residence of Hawaiian royalty, adds grandeur and historical depth to the show.

Notable Scenes:

• Renewed Series, Season 1, Episode 1 ("Pilot"): The team is established here, with McGarrett and Danny discussing their new partnership in the Palace’s main hallway.
• Renewed Series, Season 3, Episode 1 ("La O Na Makuahine"): The team faces off against Wo Fat in a tense standoff in front of the Palace.
• Original Series, Season 6, Episode 19 ("One Born Every Minute"): The Palace is featured during a critical operation involving an undercover sting set up by McGarrett.

3. Kualoa Ranch

A versatile filming location, Kualoa Ranch has been used extensively in both series. The ranch, which offers stunning views of the Ko’olau Mountains, has also been a backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Jumanji.

Notable Scenes:

• Renewed Series, Season 4, Episode 10 ("Ho'onani Makuakane"): The team investigates a WWII-era mystery at the ranch, with sweeping shots of the valley.
• Renewed Series, Season 6, Episode 4 ("Ka Papahana Holo Pono"): McGarrett and Danny chase a fugitive through dense jungle terrain.
• Original Series, Season 8, Episode 13 ("Honor is an Unmarked Grave"): McGarrett and his team search the ranch’s secluded areas for a hidden crime scene.

4. Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach has been the setting for many scenes in both the original and rebooted series. Its vibrant atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and surf culture capture the essence of Hawaii.

Notable Scenes:

• Renewed Series, Season 1, Episode 8 ("Mana’o"): Danny and McGarrett interview a witness while enjoying the view at a beachside café.
• Renewed Series, Season 3, Episode 16 ("Kekoa"): A high-stakes confrontation takes place on the beach as the team apprehends a dangerous criminal.
• Original Series, Season 1, Episode 5 ("...And They Painted Daisies on His Coffin"): Waikiki Beach serves as the setting for a crucial scene where McGarrett questions a key witness.

5. Tantalus Lookout

Located in the Pu’u Ualaka’a State Park, Tantalus Lookout provides sweeping views of Honolulu and has been featured in several episodes of both series.

Notable Scenes:

• Renewed Series, Season 2, Episode 23 ("Ua Hala"): McGarrett reflects on his father’s legacy while overlooking the city.
• Renewed Series, Season 4, Episode 22 ("O ka Pili’Ohana ka ’Oi"): The team meets at the lookout to strategize against a dangerous enemy.
• Original Series, Season 3, Episode 9 ("The Late John Louisiana"): McGarrett and his team use the lookout to monitor a suspect, taking advantage of the panoramic views to set up a surveillance operation.

The New Era: Hawaii 5-0 Reboot

The 2010 reboot brought Hawaii 5-0 into the modern era with updated storylines, dynamic action sequences, and new characters like Alex O’Loughlin as Steve McGarrett and Scott Caan as Danny “Danno” Williams. The show continued to explore complex themes and real-world issues affecting Hawaii, such as drug trafficking and native rights. Its commitment to authenticity was evident in the use of the Hawaiian language and cultural references, resonating deeply with local viewers.

From a Local Perspective

The series not only brought excitement but also opportunities for locals to be part of the action. Leilani Kamealoha, a lifelong Honolulu resident, shared her experience:

“I remember one day, they were filming a car chase scene down by the Aloha Tower. The whole area was blocked off, and there were helicopters flying overhead. It was a surreal experience to see a part of my everyday life transformed into a high-octane action set. I even got to meet Alex O’Loughlin—he was so friendly and down-to-earth! The show definitely brought a lot of excitement to the island.”

Leilani noted the economic benefits as well:

“A lot of my friends worked as extras or helped with the logistics. It was great for the community, especially for small businesses that got to cater for the crew or provide equipment.”

Filming Anecdotes: Behind-the-Scenes Fun and Drama

• Unexpected Dolphin Guests: During a water-based scene near the North Shore, a pod of dolphins unexpectedly swam through the set, causing filming to pause. The cast and crew enjoyed watching the playful animals, a reminder of Hawaii’s vibrant marine life.
• Local Hero on Set: A local firefighter visiting the set was asked to step in as an extra for an emergency scene. His real-life experience added authenticity to the episode, and he became a local celebrity after it aired.
• Scott Caan’s Surfing Adventures: Scott Caan, an avid surfer, often surfed during breaks at Waikiki Beach. Once, he returned to set soaking wet, much to the chagrin of the wardrobe department. His love for surfing made him a familiar face at local surf spots.
• Prop Explosion Mishap: A controlled explosion at Kualoa Ranch went slightly awry, causing minor damage to the set. The crew worked overtime to repair it, ensuring safety and continuity for the next day’s shoot.
• Local Extras in Key Scenes: Many locals were cast as extras, often in significant roles like police officers or bystanders. One local teacher, cast as a courtroom witness, impressed the crew and returned for multiple episodes.
• Weather Woes: Hawaii’s unpredictable weather posed challenges. During a shoot at Tantalus Lookout, a sudden downpour turned a sunny scene into a dramatic storm, prompting the writers to incorporate it into the episode.
• Danno’s Fear of Heights: Scott Caan, who plays Danny, has a fear of heights. For a building-scaling scene, the crew built a special set to keep him safe, blending practical effects and green screen technology to create the final shot.
• Ghost Stories at Iolani Palace: Some crew members reported strange occurrences during late-night shoots at the Palace, believed to be haunted by the spirits of Hawaii’s last monarchs. Flickering lights and cold drafts added a spooky element to the filming experience.
• The Great Poi Debate: During a scene featuring the traditional Hawaiian dish poi, the cast debated the best way to eat it. The scene was cut, but it sparked lively discussion about Hawaiian cuisine on set.
• Magnum P.I. Crossover: During Season 10, the cast of the new Magnum P.I. series surprised the Hawaii 5-0 crew with a visit, sharing stories and celebrating Hawaii-based TV shows together.

Tours That Take You to Hawaii 5-0 Filming Locations

For fans wanting to experience Hawaii 5-0 in real life, several tour operators offer guided experiences to the show’s filming sites:

1. Hawaii Five-0 Tour by Hoku Hawaii Tours: This tour covers several iconic locations, including the Kamehameha Statue, McGarrett’s house, and the North Shore. Bookings can be made through their website: Hoku Hawaii Tours.
2. Kualoa Ranch Hawaii Five-0 Movie Sites Tour: Explore the ranch where many jungle scenes were shot. Visit Kualoa Ranch for more information.
3. Hawaii Jeep Tours: Hawaii Five-0 Adventure: This private tour offers a personalized experience, including stops at the Diamond Head Crater and McGarrett’s house. Visit Hawaii Jeep Tours.
4. Roberts Hawaii: Hawaii Five-0 and Lost Tour: For fans of both Hawaii 5-0 and Lost, this tour provides a comprehensive look at filming locations. Check out Roberts Hawaii.

The Legacy of Hawaii 5-0

The series may have ended, but its impact on Hawaii endures. Hawaii 5-0 boosted tourism and provided a platform to showcase Hawaiian culture to a global audience. The show’s legacy lives on through tours, fan gatherings, and continued fascination with Oahu’s landscapes and people.

Hawaii 5-0 has been more than just a TV show—it has been a cultural icon that showcased the beauty and resilience of Hawaii. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious, exploring the filming locations and engaging with the community that made the show possible offers a unique perspective on the magic of Oahu.