**Top 5 Cities to Film in Hawaii**

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the world. Its tropical landscapes, warm climate, and stunning ocean views make it a perfect location for filmmakers. Hawaii offers diverse settings, from sandy beaches to lush rainforests and towering volcanoes. It has been the backdrop for many famous movies and TV shows, thanks to its natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere. Movieinsure.com is a proud provider of short term film production insurance and annual film production insurance for the state of Hawaii.  Here are the top five cities to film in Hawaii.

1. **Honolulu**

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and the largest city on the island of Oahu. It’s a bustling urban center with a mix of modern skyscrapers, historic landmarks, and stunning beaches. This makes it an ideal location for a variety of film settings. Whether you need a busy cityscape or a peaceful beach scene, Honolulu has it all.

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous spots in Honolulu. Its golden sands and clear waters are perfect for beach scenes, while the nearby hotels and shops add a touch of luxury. Movies like *50 First Dates* and *Godzilla* have used Honolulu’s beaches and city views to create memorable scenes.

Downtown Honolulu also offers historic sites like the Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha Statue, giving films a sense of Hawaiian culture and history. The contrast between modern life and rich history makes Honolulu a versatile location for filmmakers. Whether you’re shooting an action movie or a romantic drama, Honolulu provides endless possibilities.

2. **Hilo**

Hilo is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its lush landscapes and natural beauty. The city is surrounded by waterfalls, rainforests, and volcanic parks, making it a dream location for filmmakers who want to capture the wild, untouched side of Hawaii. Hilo has a laid-back, tropical vibe that is perfect for films needing a peaceful, scenic backdrop.

Akaka Falls State Park, located near Hilo, features a breathtaking 442-foot waterfall, which is a stunning spot for outdoor scenes. The nearby rainforests are full of tropical plants and flowers, creating a magical setting for adventure or fantasy films. The city’s proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park also makes it ideal for filmmakers who want to include dramatic, volcanic landscapes in their movies.

Hilo’s small-town charm, combined with its incredible natural surroundings, makes it a great location for films that focus on nature, adventure, or relaxation. The quiet streets and beautiful scenery create a peaceful atmosphere that brings any film to life.

3. **Kailua-Kona**

Kailua-Kona is another city located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s famous for its sunny weather, clear waters, and black sand beaches. The city’s beautiful coastline and calm ocean make it a perfect location for films that focus on water sports, beach life, or tropical adventures.

One of the main attractions in Kailua-Kona is the Kona Coast, which offers a stunning backdrop of turquoise waters and volcanic rock. It’s a great spot for filming scenes that involve surfing, snorkeling, or swimming. The city’s beaches are less crowded than those in Honolulu, providing a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere for filming.

The historic Hulihe‘e Palace in downtown Kailua-Kona adds a touch of Hawaiian culture and history to any film. The combination of beautiful beaches, rich history, and warm weather makes Kailua-Kona a top choice for filmmakers looking for a classic Hawaiian setting.

4. **Lahaina**

Lahaina is a charming town located on the island of Maui. It’s known for its historic buildings, art galleries, and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Filmmakers love Lahaina for its picturesque streets, vibrant sunsets, and cultural significance. The town has a unique blend of old Hawaiian charm and modern tourist attractions, making it perfect for a variety of film genres.

Front Street, the main street in Lahaina, is lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. This gives the town a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for films that focus on local culture, travel, or island life. The Lahaina Banyan Court, home to one of the largest banyan trees in the U.S., offers a stunning backdrop for outdoor scenes.

Lahaina’s harbor is also a great location for filming ocean scenes. Whale watching tours often leave from here, and the calm waters provide a beautiful setting for boat scenes or water-based adventures. The town’s rich history, beautiful scenery, and welcoming atmosphere make it a great place to film, especially for stories that focus on Hawaii’s cultural heritage.

5. **Lihue**

Lihue is the main city on the island of Kauai, also known as the “Garden Isle.” Kauai is famous for its lush, green landscapes, towering cliffs, and breathtaking beaches. Lihue is surrounded by natural wonders, making it a fantastic location for filmmakers who want to capture the beauty of Hawaii’s wild side.

One of the most famous filming locations near Lihue is the Napali Coast. This rugged coastline features towering cliffs, emerald green valleys, and pristine beaches. Movies like *Jurassic Park* and *Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides* have used the Napali Coast to create dramatic, otherworldly scenes. The untouched beauty of this area makes it perfect for adventure films, fantasy stories, or epic dramas.

Wailua Falls, another popular spot near Lihue, is a stunning waterfall that provides a peaceful and magical setting for outdoor scenes. The lush greenery and misty waters create a dreamy, tropical atmosphere. The combination of waterfalls, cliffs, and beaches near Lihue offers filmmakers a variety of natural settings to choose from, making it an excellent location for capturing the essence of Hawaii’s natural beauty.

In conclusion, Hawaii is a filmmaker’s paradise. Its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and welcoming cities make it one of the best places in the world to shoot films. From the bustling streets of Honolulu to the peaceful waterfalls of Hilo, each city in Hawaii offers something unique for filmmakers.

Honolulu, with its mix of city life and beach culture, is perfect for modern, action-packed films. Hilo’s lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes make it a top choice for adventure and nature films. Kailua-Kona’s sunny beaches and calm waters provide the ideal setting for beach scenes and tropical adventures. Lahaina’s historic charm and stunning sunsets make it a favorite for romantic dramas and cultural films. And finally, Lihue’s dramatic cliffs and waterfalls create a breathtaking backdrop for epic stories and fantasy films.

Filming in Hawaii allows you to capture the true essence of the islands. The natural beauty and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it an unforgettable place to film. Whether you’re shooting a blockbuster movie, a quiet drama, or a fun beach adventure, Hawaii’s top cities have everything you need to bring your vision to life.