Many location scouts consider Hawaiʻi a paradise because of its diverse climate zones, making it an ideal location for TV show directors who seek a variety of backdrops. Over the years, both popular and short-lived television series have been filmed in Hawaiʻi, and here is a list of some of the best-made current TV shows.
The White Lotus (HBO)
Genres: Comedy, Satire, Anthology
Year: 2021 – 2023
Season: 2
The series tracks the activities of a group of guests and employees at the White Lotus resort chain. The guests, who are wealthy and have their issues, stay at the resort to relax and enjoy themselves. However, as the week progresses, their darker sides emerge. The show is a satire that examines the problems of the privileged and the hotel industry.
TV Show Film Locations
The White Lotus’s first season (6 episodes) was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea in Hawaii between October to December 2020. Due to Covid restrictions, the show was set in one main location, and the cast and crew were fully segregated to avoid any risk of cross-contamination.
The second season of The White Lotus (7 episodes) was filmed in San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel in Sicily, Italy.
Main Cast and Characters of The White Lotus (Season 1 Filmed in Hawaii)
- Murray Bartlett as Armond
- Connie Britton as Nicole Mossbacher
- Jennifer Coolidge as Tanya McQuoid
- Alexandra Daddario as Rachel Patton
- Fred Hechinger as Quinn Mossbacher
- Jake Lacy as Shane Patton
- Brittany O’Grady as Paula
- Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey
- Molly Shannon as Kitty Patton
- Sydney Sweeney as Olivia Mossbacher
- Steve Zahn as Mark Mossbacher
See the full list of cast and characters from Seasons 1 and 2.
Where to Watch?
The White Lotus Season 1 Trailer
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.
Genres: Family, Medical Drama, Comedy
Year: 2021 – 2023
Seasons: 2
Lahela, also known as “Doogie,” is a teenage girl of mixed race living in modern-day Hawai’i. She is balancing both her medical career and her life as a typical teenager. Lahela’s family, which includes her feisty Irish mother who is also her boss at the hospital, and her Hawaiian father who is having a difficult time accepting that his daughter is growing up, is helping and complicating things for her.
TV Show Filmed Locations
The TV show ‘Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.’ is entirely filmed in Hawaii, specifically on the island of Oahu. Unlike many medical dramas that primarily take place in hospitals, this show makes use of the vibrant Hawaiian scenery. Filming locations include various spots on the island, with the main base being in Honolulu on the south shore.
- Waimānalo
- Queen Lili’uokalani Statue
- ‘Iolani Palace
- Waikiki
- Duke Kahanamoku Statue
Main Cast and Characters
- Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Lahela “Doogie” Kameāloha
- Emma Meisel as Steph Denisco
- Matt Sato as Kai Kameāloha
- Wes Tian as Brian Patrick Kameāloha
- Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman as Charles Zeller
- Mapuana Makia as Noelani Nakayama
- Kathleen Rose Perkins as Dr. Clara Hannon
- Jason Scott Lee as Benny Kameāloha
See the full list of cast and crew.
Where to Watch?
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. Trailers
NCIS: Hawaiʻi
Genres: Mystery, Police Procedural, Drama, Crime, Action
Year: 2021 – 2023
Seasons: 2
NCIS: Hawaii features the first female Special Agent in Charge at Pearl Harbor and her team. They investigate crimes involving military personnel, national security, and the mysterious island while balancing their duty to family and country. The team is made up of a mix of mainland transplants and local experts.
TV Show Filmed Locations
The show takes place in Hawaii and is mostly filmed on the island of Oahu, which is part of the Aloha State. The filming location is predominantly at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, which is adjacent to the capital city of Honolulu. The show is centered around the Pearl Harbor Office of the Naval Crime Investigative Service and benefits from its authentic filming location at the Joint Base.
Main Cast and Characters
- Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant
- Ronda Kahana Williams as young Jane Tennant
- Alex Tarrant as Kai Holman
- Noah Mills as Jesse Boone
- Yasmine Al-Bustami as Lucy Tara
- Jason Antoon as Ernie Malik
- Tori Anderson as Kathrine Marie “Kate” Whistler
- Kian Talan as Alex Tennant
View the full list of cast and crew.
Where to Watch?
NCIS: Hawaii Trailers
Hawaii Five-0
Genres: Action, Crime, Drama
Year: 2010 – 2020
Seasons: 10
Steve McGarrett arrives in Hawaii to seek justice for his father’s death and accepts assistance from the Governor’s task force. He enlists the help of various team members, including Danny Williams, Chin Ho Kelly, Kono Kalakaua, Lori Weston, Catharine Rollins, and Captain Lou Grover.
TV Show Filmed Locations
The TV show Hawaii Five-0, which features actors Alex O’Laughlin as Steve McGarrett and Scott Caan as Danny Williams, premiered in 2010. This was a new version of the original series that aired from 1968 to 1980.
The show is filmed in Hawaii, with filming locations spread out all over the island of Oahu despite being based in Honolulu.
- Ali’iolani Hale
- Diamond Head
- Waikiki
- Ala Moana Beach Park
- Hilton Hawaiian Village
- Bayer Estate
- Kualoa Ranch
- Waikiki Filming
- Waimanalo
- Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
- National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific – Punchbowl Crater
- Pupukea
- USS Missouri – Ford Island, Pearl Harbor
Main Cast and Characters
- Alex O’Loughlin as Lieutenant Commander Steven J. “Steve” McGarrett, USNR
- Scott Caan as Detective Sergeant Danny “Danno” Williams, HPD
- Daniel Dae Kim as Detective Lieutenant Chin Ho Kelly, HPD
- Grace Park as Officer Kono Kalakaua, HPD
- Taryn Manning as Mary Ann McGarrett
- Masi Oka as Dr. Max Bergman
- Lauren German as Special Agent Lori Weston
- Michelle Borth as Lieutenant Catherine Rollins, USNR
- Chi McBride as Captain Lou Grover, HPD
- Jorge Garcia as Special Consultant Jerry Ortega
- Meaghan Rath as Officer Tani Rey
- Taylor Wily as Kamekona Tupuola
- Dennis Chun as Sergeant Duke Lukela
- Kimee Balmilero as Dr. Noelani Cunha
- Beulah Koale as Officer Junior Reigns
- Ian Anthony Dale as Adam Noshimuri
- Katrina Law as Sergeant Quinn Liu
See the full list of cast and crew.
Where to Watch?
Hawaii Five-0 Trailer
Magnum P.I. (2018)
Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime
Year: 2018 – 2023
Seasons: 5
On the island of Oahu, Thomas Magnum runs a private investigation business using his experience as a former NAVY Seal. He has a variety of resources at his disposal, including a fleet of Ferraris, and relies on his wit and charm to catch the bad guys. He is employed by Robin Masters, a wealthy novelist, and lives at Masters’ opulent estate with former MI6 agent Juliet Higgins, who also happens to be his love interest.
TV Show Filmed Locations
The TV show Magnum was filmed in Oahu, Hawaii. The filming of the production is done in various locations on the island, including Honolulu, Waimanalo, Kaneohe, Aiea, Waialua, Kapolei, and Kailua.
- Kualoa Regional Park
- Kaneohe Bay
- Interstate H-3 – Halawa Valley through Koolau Range
- Kualoa Ranch
- Waikiki Beach
- Diamond Head
- Maili Point
- Heeia Kea Jungle
- Makapuu Lighthouse
- Banzai Pipeline
Main Cast and Characters
- Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum
- Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins
- Zachary Knighton as Rick Wright
- Stephen Hill as Theodore “T.C.” Calvin
- Tim Kang as Detective Gordon Katsumoto (1×03 – onwards)
- Amy Hill as Teuila “Kumu” Tuileta
See the full list of cast and crew.
Where to Watch?
Magnum P.I. (2018) Trailers
Hawaii is a visually stunning destination with wonderful scenery that has been an inspiring setting for many iconic television shows. These popular shows have enriched viewers’ understanding of the incredible beauty, culture, and people of Hawaii.
If you are considering visiting Hawaii or want to experience its magic at home, sit down and watch one of the amazing shows filmed in this magical place—you won’t regret it!
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