Ah, Hawaii—beautiful sunsets, lush green jungles, and awesome waves for surfing. But did you know it’s also home to some of the most popular TV shows of all time? From classic sitcoms to action-packed dramas, these shows deliver incredible stories while showcasing the beauty of Hawaii through stunning locations and breathtaking scenery.
Here are some of our most popular TV shows of all time filmed in Hawaii:
Lost (2004 – 2010)
Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Survival
Year: 2004 – 2010
Seasons: 6
When Oceanic Flight 815 crashed on a remote, lush island, the survivors found themselves 1,000 miles away from their intended destination. While each person on the island harbors a secret, they are not the only ones with something to hide. The island is home to a dangerous security system, underground bunkers, and a group of violent survivalists who operate in secret.
Main Cast and Characters
- Matthew Fox as Dr. Jack Shephard
- Jorge Garcia as Hugo ‘Hurley’ Reyes
- Yunjin Kim as Sun-Hwa Kwon
- Terry O’Quinn as John Locke
- Josh Holloway as James ‘Sawyer’ Ford
- Evangeline Lilly as Kate Austen
- Naveen Andrews as Sayid Jarrah
- Daniel Dae Kim as Jin-Soo Kwon
- Emilie de Ravin as Claire Littleton
- Michael Emerson as Ben Linus
- Dominic Monaghan as Charlie Pace
- Henry Ian Cusick as Desmond Hume
- Harold Perrineau as Michael Dawson
- Elizabeth Mitchell as Dr. Juliet Burke
- Ken Leung as Miles Straume
- Nestor Carbonell as Richard Alpert
- Maggie Grace as Shannon Rutherford
- Malcolm David Kelley as Walt Lloyd
See the full list of cast and crew here.
TV Show Film Locations
The show was mostly filmed on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, with the location taking on a character of its own. The stunning tropical scenery added to the show’s appeal and increased its overall intrigue.
- Honolulu
- Waimea Bay
- Hawaii Film Studio
- Hawaii Convention Center
- North Shore, Oahu
- Kualoa Ranch
- Ka’a’awa Valley
- Mokulē’ia Beach
- Papailoa Beach
- Byodo-In Buddhist Temple
The first episodes were filmed on Mokulē’ia Beach, while other beach scenes were shot at private locations on the island’s North Shore. Additionally, various scenes were filmed in stand-in locations across Honolulu, as well as in New York, Nigeria, South Korea, Iowa, Paris, Iraq, Thailand, Australia, Berlin, the United Kingdom, and the Maldives.
Where to Watch?
Lost (2004 – 2010) Trailer
Gilligan’s Island (1964-1967)
Genres: Comedy, Family, Sitcom
Year: 1964 – 1967
Seasons: 3
Two people and five passengers aboard the charter boat SS Minnow were on a “three-hour tour” from Honolulu. They encountered a storm and were shipwrecked on an unknown island in the Pacific Ocean. The first mate, Gilligan, unintentionally hinders their efforts to be rescued.
Main Cast and Characters
- Bob Denver as Willie Gilligan
- Alan Hale Jr. as Captain Jonas Grumby
- Jim Backus as Thurston Howell III
- Natalie Schafer as Eunice “Lovey” Howell
- Tina Louise as Ginger Grant
- Russell Johnson as Professor Roy Hinkley, Ph.D.
- Dawn Wells as Mary Ann Summers
See the full list of cast and crew here.
TV Show Film Locations
The TV show “Gilligan’s Island” was not filmed on a real island. The set for the “lagoon” was actually located on the CBS Studio City lot because bad weather stopped the crew from filming on a Malibu beach. However, the pilot episode of the series was filmed on Kauai in Hawaii. According to Ousider.com, this location may have contributed to the show’s success.
Where to Watch?
Gilligan’s Island (1964-1967) Trailers
Hawaii Five-0 (1968 – 1980)
Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year: 1968 – 1980
Seasons: 12
Five-0 was a law enforcement unit in Hawaii that reported directly to the Governor. They collaborated with the Honolulu police to combat criminal activity in the state. One common phrase used by the unit’s leader, Steve McGarrett, was “Book ’em, Danno!” Although Wo Fat, the main antagonist, was apprehended after MacArthur departed from the show.
Main Cast and Characters
- Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett
- James MacArthur as Danny “Danno” Williams
- Gilbert Lani Kauhi as Kono Kalakaua
- Kam Fong as Chin Ho Kelly
- Glenn Cannon as John Manicote
- Al Harrington as Ben Kokua
- Herman Wedemeyer as Duke Lukela
- Richard Denning as Paul Jameson
- William Smith as James Carew
- Moe Keale as Truck Kealoha
- Douglas Mossman as Frank Kamana
- Sharon Farrell as Lori Wilson
- Maggi Parker as May
- Peggy Ryan as Jenny Sherman
See the full list of cast and crew here.
TV Show Film Locations
The tv show was mainly filmed in Honolulu locations on Oahu Hawaiian island.
- Pearl City
- Fort Ruger
- Diamond Head
- The Twin Towers
- Iolani Palace
- Holiday Village Hotel
- Kualoa
Although most episodes were filmed in Hawaii, a couple was shot in Los Angeles, one in Hong Kong, and one in Singapore.
Where to Watch?
Hawaii Five-0 (1968 – 1980) Trailer
Magnum P.I.
Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime
Year: 1980 – 1988
Seasons: 8
Tom Selleck plays the role of Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV in the show. Magnum is an ex-Navy lieutenant who served as a Vietnam Special Ops veteran in the “NIA” (ONI). He resigned from his commission at the age of thirty-three, feeling like he had missed out on being twenty-three.
Now living in Hawaii, Magnum works as a private investigator while enjoying his life and spending time with his friends. He works only as hard as necessary to maintain a grounded lifestyle.
Main Cast and Characters
- Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum
- Roger E. Mosley as Theodore “T.C.” Calvin
- Larry Manetti as Orville “Rick” Wright
- John Hillerman as Jonathan Higgins
TV Show Film Locations
The television show Magnum P.I. is completely filmed on Oahu Island in Hawaii.
- Honolulu
- Anderson Estate
- Waimanalo
- Marks Estate
- Hawaii Film Studio
- Kamehameha Highway
- Bellows Air Force Station
- Diamond Head
- Waiʻalae Beach Park
Where to Watch?
Magnum P.I. Trailer
Baywatch Hawaii
Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime
Year: 1999 – 2001
Seasons: 2
Original Series: Baywatch (1989 – 1999)
This spin-off of the original Baywatch series ran from 1999 to 2001 and featured beautiful beaches, crashing waves, and plenty of suns.
The show Baywatch Hawaii follows the lives of lifeguards and their relationships while dealing with dangers and activities related to Hawaiian beaches. The show features plot conflicts such as earthquakes, shark attacks, and serial killers. Rescuing people from drowning is a common situation in the show.
Main Cast and Characters
- David Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon
- Brooke Burns as Jessie Owens
- Michael Bergin as J. D. Darius
- Brandy Ledford as Dawn Masterton
- Michael Newman as Michael Newman
- Simmone Mackinnon as Allie Reese
- Jason Momoa as Jason Ioane
- Stacy Kamano as Kekoa Tanaka
- Jason Brooks as Sean Monroe
- Brande Roderick as Leigh Dyer
- Charlie Brumbly as Zach McEwan
- Krista Allen as Jenna Avid
See the full list of cast and crew here.
TV Show Film Locations
The show was mainly filmed in Oahu, Hawaii.
- Honolulu
- Hawaii Film Studio
Where to Watch?
Baywatch Hawaii Trailer
Fantasy Island (1977-1984)
Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Comedy
Year: 1977-1984
Seasons: 7
Fantasy Island is a resort located in the Pacific Ocean, managed by the enigmatic Mr. Roarke (played by Ricardo Montalban). The resort offers visitors extraordinary experiences that seem impossible, yet are made possible by the island. However, guests often face unexpected challenges that test their character in unforeseen ways.
Main Cast and Characters
- Ricardo Montalban as Mr. Roake
- Hervé Villechaize as Tattoo
- Wendy Schaal as Julie
- Christopher Hewett as Lawrence
See the full list of cast and crew here.
TV Show Film Locations
The majority of the iconic 1977 series was filmed in Burbank, California with interior sets being constructed at Warner Bros. Studios. However, the captivating Na Pali coast in Kauai, Hawaii, and Wailua Falls were incorporated into the opening sequence of the show to add tropical beauty.
Where to Watch?
Fantasy Island (1977-1984) Trailers
Closing Thoughts
The iconic beauty of the islands and the crystal clear waters have brought a certain undeniable charm to these classic shows and we can’t help but smile when we think of our favorite characters living in paradise. We hope that you’ve enjoyed learning about some of the noteworthy television series that were graced with breathtaking shots from the stunning Hawaiian Islands.
Whether you’re looking for an iconic show or something new, these popular TV shows are sure to provide you with hours of entertainment – all while showcasing the beauty and culture of Hawaii. Aloha!
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