Hundreds of films and television shows have been made in Hawaii beginning with the 1923 Paramount Pictures release "The White Flower." The last forty years have seen Hawaii become a major locale for many major motion pictures set in Hawaii, the South Pacific and elsewhere in the world. These are our favorite films, not only made in Hawaii, but also set in the Hawaiian Islands.
1. Hawaii - 1966
George Roy Hill's stunning adaptation of the James Michener novel of the same name is faithful to the book and features amazing island scenery and fine acting by Julie Andrews, Max von Sydow and Richard Harris. It is a great introduction to the early history of Hawaii.
2. Picture Bride - 1995
apanese director Kayo Hatta presents this story of a Japanese woman who travels to Hawaii to marry a man that she has never met, but only seen through photos and letters. She soon discovers that he is twice her age and that much turmoil awaits her in her new home. Beautifully filmed on the North Shore of Oahu and the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island. Special appearance by Toshiro Mifune.3. Molokai: The Story of Father Damien - 1999
The film tells the story of Belgian priest Damien DeVeuster from 1872, the year before his arrival in Kalaupapa, through his years ministering to the Hansen's Disease patients at Kalaupapa, until his death at the Molokai settlement in 1889. This is not an easy film to watch. The suffering of those afflicted with what was then called leprosy is graphically documented in the film.4. From Here to Eternity - 1953
Fred Zinnermann's multiple Oscar winner is set in pre-World War II Hawaii. It tells the story of several army soldiers stationed on Oahu on the eve of Pearl Harbor. The film won Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Frank Sinatra), Best Supporting Actress (Donna Reed) and five other awards.5. Tora! Tora! Tora! - 1970
The story of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor as seen from both the American and Japanese perspectives is told in a straightforward manner and does not hesitate to point out the mistakes which were made on both sides. The film features the best filming of the actual attack seen on film prior to the 2001 release, "Pearl Harbor."6. 50 First Dates
A sleeper hit of 2003, the film re-pairs Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler in a romantic comedy about a young girl named Lucy (Barrymore) who has lost her short-term memory in a car accident and who now relives each day as if it is October 13th. She follows the same routine every day, until she meets Henry Roth (Sandler) who falls in love with her and who seeks a way to forge a long-term relationship.7. Blue Hawaii - 1961
Chad Gates (Presley), upon discharge from the Army, returns to Hawaii to enjoy life with his buddies and girlfriend, against the wishes of his parents, who want him to work for the family business. Some may call it a guilty pleasure, but "Blue Hawaii," starring Elvis Presley, Joan Blackman and Angela Lansbury, is plain fun and features great music and beautiful Hawaiian scenery from the early 60's.8. Pearl Harbor - 2001
Michael Bay's blockbuster set immediately before, during and after the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack tells the story of two best friends and the woman they both love. Heavily criticized for its script and acting, the movie, nevertheless, features the best re-creation of the Pearl Harbor attack ever put on film.9. In Harms Way - 1965
Otto Preminger's classic drama of the war in the Pacific focuses on several navy officers, and the women in their lives, who are suddenly catapulted into the war following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The film is finely acted, with John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Patricia Neal, Tom Tyron and Paula Prentiss in the leading roles.10. Honeymoon in Vegas - 1992
Andrew Bergman's comedy starring James Caan, Nicolas Cage, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Pat Morita is primarily set in Las Vegas, but has a wonderful segment shot on Kauai at the fictional home of millionaire Tommy Korman (Caan).