HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiʻi’s otherworldly gorgeousness of Kauaʻi, also known as the Garden Isle, is legendary. From its Nā Pali Coast and State Park to Wailua Falls and lush jungles, Kauaʻi has been featured in many movies and series over the years due to its breathtaking beauty.
Here are some places you’ve probably seen it before:
Fantasy Island (1977–1984): Nā Pali Coast and Wailua Falls appear in the show’s iconic opening sequence that sets the scene for the mysterious island where guests live out their wildest dreams and fantasies.
Jurassic Park (1993) and Jurassic World (2015): The opening helicopter flyover in Jurassic Park was filmed along the Nā Pali Coast to establish the fictional Isla Nublar. Jurassic World also revisits these dramatic cliffs and other Kauaʻi landscapes.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011): Jack Sparrow’s journey features the breathtaking Honopu Arch and caves on the Nā Pali Coast. These scenes were filmed by helicopter and boat.
King Kong (1976): The remote, jungle-like Nā Pali shoreline doubled for Skull Island that captured the rugged wildness of Kong’s terrain.
Tropic Thunder (2008): The film’s “Vietnam war” jungle scenes were shot deep in Kauaʻi’s forests near the Nā Pali Coast.
The Descendants (2011): George Clooney’s poignant family drama includes sweeping aerials of the Nā Pali coastline and Hanalei Bay, showing Kauaʻi’s real beauty. It’s not a made-up island.
South Pacific (1958): This classic musical’s opening leveraged Nā Pali’s majestic cliffs and Mount Makana (Bali Hai), making them symbols of romance and mystery.
Six Days, Seven Nights (1998): The adventure featuring Harrison Ford and Anne Heche includes dramatic sequences at Papaʻa Bay and along the Nā Pali cliffs.
Mighty Joe Young (1998): Scenes filmed on Kauaʻi, including lush jungle backdrops.
Donovan’s Reef (1963): Shot on location in Kauaʻi, including Hanalei Bay.
Lord of the Flies (1963): Filmed in Hanalei and other parts of Kauaʻi’s coastline.
Hook (1991): Used Manawaiopuna Falls (inland Kauaʻi) for Neverland sequences.
Avatar (2009): Reference footage and aerials taken from Nā Pali and Kalalau areas inspired Pandora’s landscapes (main filming was motion capture).
Soul Surfer (2011): Based on Bethany Hamilton’s story; filmed on location in Kauaʻi, including Tunnels Beach and Kalalea Mountain.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) The film’s opening jungle temple scene was filmed near Huleia Stream and Kipu Ranch in Kauaʻi to create the illusion of being in South America.
Kauaʻi island is one of the most beautiful places on our tiny, blue planet. So, the next time you’re up for one of the most gorgeous adventures you’ll ever have, then Kauaʻi is your place.