Kauai’s cinematic legacy is on full display with the island’s popular Movie Locations Tour. Visitors can explore the breathtaking backdrops featured in blockbuster films like Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean. Led by knowledgeable guides, the 7-hour experience offers a unique opportunity to discover Kauai’s natural wonders and learn behind-the-scenes secrets of Hollywood’s filming processes. With convenient pickup options and a focus on accessibility, this tour promises an immersive journey into Kauai’s vibrant history on the silver screen.
Key Points
- This 7-hour movie tour showcases Kauai’s natural beauty and famous filming locations from movies like Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Gilligan’s Island.
- The tour features iconic sets and behind-the-scenes insights from a live, English-speaking guide, with pickup available from hotels and the airport in Lihue or Wailua.
- Highlights include the Allerton Garden, Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, Kilauea Point lighthouse, and Coco Palms Resort, which were featured in Gilligan’s Island and Blue Hawaii.
- Locations from the Pirates of the Caribbean and Jurassic Park franchises, such as Kipu Falls and Olokele Canyon, are also included in the tour.
- The tour accommodates guests with mobility needs, though some sites may be challenging, with wheelchair users able to participate using collapsible wheelchairs under 50 lbs.
Tour Overview
Experience Kauai’s natural beauty by exploring iconic film locations on this 7-hour movie tour.
Pickup is available from hotels and the airport in Lihue or Wailua. A live, English-speaking guide leads the way, sharing trivia and insights about Hollywood’s shooting process.
A knowledgeable, English-speaking guide leads the way, sharing behind-the-scenes trivia about Hollywood’s filming process in Kauai.
The tour is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Priced from €157.56 per person, it’s an opportunity to see where blockbusters like Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Gilligan’s Island were filmed.
With comfort and accessibility in mind, this tour showcases Kauai’s stunning landscapes beyond the silver screen.
Looking for more options in Kapaa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Major Film Locations
On this movie tour, visitors get to explore the iconic film locations that have graced the silver screen.
They’ll see sets from major blockbusters like Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Gilligan’s Island. The tour also visits the filming sites of classics like Blue Hawaii and Six Days, Seven Nights.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares behind-the-scenes trivia and insights into Hollywood’s shooting process.
From lush jungles to beautiful beaches, the tour takes guests on a cinematic journey through Kauai’s stunning natural scenery that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Gilligan’s Island and Blue Hawaii
Although the original Gilligan’s Island TV series only ran for three seasons in the 1960s, its iconic characters and setting on the fictional Mañana Mañana island have endured as one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time.
Visitors to Kauai can explore the lush island‘s filming locations, including:
Kauai’s lush landscapes served as the backdrop for the iconic Gilligan’s Island, from the tropical paradise to the castaways’ shipwreck site.
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The Allerton Garden, which stood in for the show’s tropical paradise
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Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, where the castaways’ boat washed ashore
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Kilauea Point, featuring the lighthouse from the opening credits
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Wailua Falls, a scenic waterfall seen in several episodes
Nearby, the opulent Coco Palms Resort was the backdrop for Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii, another iconic film shot on Kauai.
Pirates of the Caribbean and Jurassic Park
Kauai’s lush landscapes have served as the backdrop for several blockbuster films, including the Pirates of the Caribbean and Jurassic Park franchises. Filmgoers can visit iconic locations from these movies, such as Kipu Falls, which appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Olokele Canyon, featured in Jurassic Park. The tour provides behind-the-scenes insights, revealing how Hollywood transforms Kauai’s natural beauty into cinematic magic.
| Pirates of the Caribbean | Jurassic Park |
| — | — |
| Kipu Falls | Olokele Canyon |
| Hanakapiai Falls | Manawaiopuna Falls |
| Honopu Beach | Hanapepe Valley |
More Great Tours NearbyTropic Thunder and Six Days, Seven Nights
Along With the iconic locations featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean and Jurassic Park franchises, the Kauai Movie Locations Tour also explores sets from the comedy films Tropic Thunder and Six Days, Seven Nights.
Visitors can expect to:
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Discover the remote jungle setting used for Tropic Thunder’s mock Vietnam War scenes.
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Stand on the white sand beaches where Anne Heche and Harrison Ford’s characters shipwrecked in Six Days, Seven Nights.
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Envision the chaotic hijinks that unfolded during filming as the tour guide shares behind-the-scenes stories.
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Appreciate the islands’ cinematic versatility in showcasing diverse landscapes on the silver screen.
Accessibility and Mobility Considerations
The Kauai Movie Locations Tour accommodates guests with mobility needs, though some filming sites may present accessibility challenges.
Wheelchair users can participate, but non-folding wheelchairs aren’t allowed. Collapsible wheelchairs under 50 lbs are permitted.
While the tour vehicle is ADA-compliant, some locations have uneven paths that aren’t fully accessible. Guests requiring ADA transport must make arrangements 48 hours in advance.
Though the tour give you an inclusive experience, visitors with limited mobility should expect occasional difficulties accessing certain movie sets.
Tour Recommendations and Preparation
How can visitors best prepare for the Kauai Movie Locations Tour?
Wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water are essential. Plus, visitors should dress for the tropical weather, with light, breathable clothing.
Having a camera or smartphone ready to capture the iconic filming sites is also recommended. The tour covers a range of terrain, so a moderate level of physical fitness is advised.
With these simple preparations, visitors can fully enjoy the cinematic magic of Kauai’s stunning landscapes and behind-the-scenes insights provided by the knowledgeable tour guides.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Kauai Movie Locations Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 52 reviews. Guides received the highest marks, scoring a perfect 5 out of 5. Transportation was also highly rated at 4.6/5, while value for money came in at 4.3/5. Positive feedback highlighted the guides’ extensive knowledge and engaging presentation style, as well as the video elements that enhanced the experience. Some customers expressed disappointment about certain filming locations being inaccessible, but overall, the tour received glowing reviews.
| Metric | Rating |
|——–|——–|
| Overall | 4.6/5 |
| Guide | 5/5 |
| Transportation | 4.6/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.3/5 |
| Accessibility | Mixed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator does not provide refreshments, so bringing snacks and water is recommended to stay hydrated and nourished during the 7-hour excursion.
Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?
Photography and video recording are generally allowed during the tour. However, participants should check with the tour guide as some filming locations may have restrictions or require special permission.
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
The tour is generally suitable for young children, though some locations may have uneven paths and are not ADA accessible. Parents should consider their child’s mobility and interest level when booking the tour.
Can I Request a Specific Film Location to Be Included?
Customers can request specific film locations to be included, but the tour’s itinerary is pre-determined. The tour guide will make every effort to accommodate requests if possible, though they can’t guarantee access to all locations.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can request a longer tour to explore more movie locations, pending availability and additional fees. The standard 7-hour tour may be extended for a customized experience.
The Sum Up
The Kauai: Movie Locations Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s cinematic legacy. Visitors can witness the breathtaking landscapes that have graced the silver screen, from the iconic Jurassic Park to the tropical paradise of Gilligan’s Island. With a knowledgeable guide, convenient transportation, and a focus on accessibility, this tour provides an immersive and unforgettable experience for film enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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