7 Well-Known Movies Filmed In Kauai - Endless Popcorn
Scene from Avatar for movies filmed in Kauai post.

7 Well-Known Movies Filmed In Kauai

Scene from Avatar for movies filmed in Kauai post.

Movies Filmed In Kauai

Have you ever wondered what movies have been filmed in Kauai!? Well, it turns out that some pretty big box office movies were shot there! We’ve put together a list of 7 movies filmed in Kauai that you have most likely heard of! We honestly did not expect some of these films to make an appearance here! In hind site, though, it makes sense that these movies filmed many scenes on the island due to its incredible beauty. So please, read this post to satisfy your curiosities about movies filmed in Kauai!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosure here.

1. The Jurassic Park Series

Jurassic Park Film Locations In Kauai

I know you’ve heard of the Jurassic Park movies. Well, guess what! They were all shot in Kauai! One of the more iconic scenes in the first Jurassic Park is an early scene depicting a beautiful waterfall as a helicopter lands at its base. The waterfall in that scene is Manawaiopuna Falls, Kauai. That’s not all though! Most of the beaches in the movies are also located in Kauai! The beaches used were, Na Pali Coast, Kipu Kai, and Pilaa Beach, Kauai. The best part: all these locations are open for visitation!

2. Avatar

Avatar Film Locations In Kauai

Without a doubt, Avatar has to be the most visually stunning movie ever made. The scenery in this movie is nothing short of superb beauty. The reason for this too is its filming locations. One of those locations is the Kauai, Rainforest! The film also had multiple scenes shot at the Keahua Arboretum in Wailua on the east side of Kauai. With all these crazy beautiful locations, its no wonder that this is the highest grossing film ever!

3. The Descendants

The Descendants Film Locations In Kauai

George Clooney’s The Descendants was shot at many locations on the island of Kauai. One of the more popular ones is Hanalei Bay, Kauai. In the movie, there is also a well-known local bar. Located in Hanalei, Tahiti Nui, the movie actually features regulars of the bar as extras! Finally, one of the last locations used is Kipu Ranch in one of the film’s more memorable and heartfelt scenes.

4. Tropic Thunder

Tropic Thunder Film Locations In Kauai

The movie Tropic Thunder was a proud moment for Kauai. The movie was actually the most significant film production the island had ever done. Most of the movie was shot in a section of very dense forest near the back of Wailua Falls. Another of the central locations used for filming is located on the east side of Kauai, called, Kauai Ranch. The Ranch is actually private and not open to the public.

5. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Film Locations In Kauai

Much of the filming for Pirates of the Caribbean was done in Kauai! One of the more well-known locations used was Kauai’s Honopu Arch. This is where Jack Sparrow had found the Santiago! Another location used is Coconut Groves located in Coco Palms Resort in Kapaa, Kauai.

6. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Film Locations In Kauai

Filmed all over the world, Raiders of the Lost Ark features a few locations in Kauai. The opening scene and other scenes early in the movie used Kauai as a location. The filmmakers used Kauai’s Huleia National Wildlife Refuge for the famous rolling boulder scene. Also, the producers filmed in Huleia River, near the Menehune Fishpond, for the movie’s opening scene.

7. King Kong (1976)

King Kong (1976) Film Locations In Kauai

The movie King Kong was filmed in Kalalau Valley and Honopu Beach on the Na Pali Coast. The filmmakers chose the valley as the location for the iconic Skull Island due to its emptiness and remoteness.

Scroll to Top
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap