Kauai, the lush and picturesque "Garden Isle" of Hawaii, has long captivated the imaginations of filmmakers. From the towering cliffs of the Na Pali Coast to the serene waterfalls and verdant rainforests, this idyllic island has served as the backdrop for countless iconic Hollywood productions. The Kauai: Movie Locations Tour invites visitors to step into the cinematic world, exploring the very spots where legendary scenes were shot. With exclusive access to the legendary Coco Palms Resort and a wealth of insider knowledge, this immersive experience promises to reveal the captivating interplay between Kauai’s stunning natural beauty and the creative magic of the silver screen.
Key Points
- Explores iconic movie sets from blockbusters like Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Gilligan’s Island on the Garden Isle of Kauai.
- Showcases Kauai’s stunning natural beauty that has captivated Hollywood, including the Wailua Falls and the Manawaiopuna Falls.
- Offers exclusive access to the historic Coco Palms Resort, the filming location for Blue Hawaii, and a chance to explore its remnants.
- Provides insider facts and behind-the-scenes stories about the creative process and logistical challenges of filming on Kauai’s diverse landscapes.
- Accommodates guests with mobility considerations, with pickup and English-language live guides for a convenient and informative tour experience.
Tour Overview
The Tour Overview explores the Garden Isle of Kauai, showcasing the filming locations of major Hollywood blockbusters that have captured the island’s unparalleled natural beauty.
Guests will visit iconic movie sets, including the lush landscapes featured in Jurassic Park, the pirate coves from Pirates of the Caribbean, and the tropical paradise of Gilligan’s Island.
Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides fun facts and insider information about these beloved films, giving participants a unique perspective on the creative process behind bringing these stories to life.
From the towering waterfalls to the idyllic beaches, the tour allows visitors to experience Kauai through the eyes of their favorite characters and directors.
Iconic Movie Sets
Traversing the lush landscapes of Kauai, visitors can explore the iconic movie sets that have captivated audiences worldwide, from the primeval forests of Jurassic Park to the picturesque pirate coves of Pirates of the Caribbean. These filming locations offer a unique opportunity to step into the world of Hollywood and uncover the magic behind some of the most beloved blockbusters.
Marvel at the towering cliffs that served as the backdrop for the Gilligan’s Island theme song.
Discover the hidden ponds and waterfalls that were the setting for the mysterious island in Avatar.
Imagine themselves as a swashbuckling pirate while strolling through the lush foliage of the Pirates of the Caribbean set.
Envision the epic battles of Jurassic Park as they traverse the verdant landscapes.
Stand in awe of the Coco Palms Resort, where Elvis Presley famously danced in Blue Hawaii.
Stunning Filming Locations
Kauai’s unparalleled natural beauty has long captivated Hollywood, with its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines serving as the backdrop for countless iconic films.
Visitors can enjoy these stunning filming locations, stepping into the shoes of their favorite movie characters as they explore the verdant landscapes that have graced the silver screen.
From the iconic Wailua Falls, where Raquel Welch charged through the jungle in One Million Years B.C., to the Manawaiopuna Falls, famously known as ‘Jurassic Falls’ in the Jurassic Park franchise, each location offers a chance to step into cinematic history.
Guests will marvel at the sheer natural grandeur that has enchanted filmmakers for decades, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for Kauai’s timeless allure.
Exclusive Access to Coco Palms
Accessing the iconic Coco Palms Resort, where Elvis Presley famously filmed the 1961 romantic drama Blue Hawaii, offers guests a rare glimpse into Kauai’s cinematic past.
This exclusive access allows visitors to walk the grounds, explore the remnants of the once-grand hotel, and imagine the energy and excitement that surrounded the King of Rock and Roll during production.
The tour offers a unique opportunity to:
- Stroll through the iconic coconut palm grove that served as the backdrop for many memorable scenes
- Admire the resort’s distinct Polynesian architecture and design elements
- Snap photos at the original wedding gazebo where Elvis and his co-star exchanged vows
- Hear captivating stories about the film’s behind-the-scenes moments
- Enjoy the rich history and legacy of this legendary filming location
Unparalleled Beauty Meets Hollywood
Beyond the exclusive access to Coco Palms, the movie locations tour on Kauai offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the island’s unparalleled natural beauty that has enthralled Hollywood filmmakers for decades.
From lush, verdant rainforests to cascading waterfalls and dramatic cliffs, Kauai’s stunning landscapes have provided the breathtaking backdrops for countless iconic movies.
Guests will marvel at the very spots where famous scenes from Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Gilligan’s Island were filmed, gaining a newfound appreciation for the cinematic magic created against such awe-inspiring natural wonders.
With knowledgeable guides sharing intriguing behind-the-scenes stories, the tour provides an immersive experience where the line between reality and Hollywood fantasy blurs, leaving visitors spellbound by Kauai’s captivating allure.
Insider Facts and Information
Throughout the tour, guests can expect to uncover a trove of captivating behind-the-scenes tidbits and little-known facts about the making of their favorite films on Kauai. From learning about the painstaking efforts required to recreate remote jungle settings to hearing tales of daring stunts and celebrity mishaps, the knowledgeable guides bring an added depth of cinematic intrigue to the experience.
With each stop, visitors gain a newfound appreciation for the creativity and logistical challenges involved in transforming Kauai’s natural wonders into the iconic movie backdrops they’ve come to cherish.
Some insider highlights include:
- The near-disastrous flood that nearly swept away the Gilligan’s Island set
- How the lush Jurassic Park landscape was meticulously crafted from existing foliage
- Anecdotes about the eccentric behaviors of certain A-list actors during filming
- The secret techniques used to enhance the tropical ambiance of the Pirates of the Caribbean scenes
- Fascinating details about the restoration efforts at the legendary Coco Palms Resort
Accessibility and Logistics
The tour operator understands the importance of ensuring all guests can fully enjoy the cinematic magic of Kauai, so they’ve made accommodations for those with mobility considerations.
Collapsible wheelchairs weighing 50 pounds or less are allowed on the tour, though wheelchair lifts aren’t available. While not all stops are ADA accessible, the tour guides work closely with guests to provide the best experience possible.
Pickup is available from the airport and hotels in Lihue or Wailua, making it convenient for travelers to join the 7-hour tour.
With a live guide providing commentary in English, guests can look forward to an informative and captivating journey through Kauai’s cinematic landscape.
Important Considerations
Guests will need to sign a waiver to access the iconic Coco Palms Resort, where scenes from the Elvis Presley film Blue Hawaii were shot. This requirement ensures the safety and preservation of the historic location.
Plus, the tour accommodates guests with collapsible wheelchairs weighing 50 pounds or less, though wheelchair lifts aren’t available. It’s important to note that not all stops on the tour are ADA accessible, so visitors with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.
Some key considerations for the Kauai Movie Locations Tour:
- Signing a waiver for Coco Palms access
- Bringing a collapsible wheelchair under 50 lbs
- Navigating non-ADA accessible sites
- Preparing for a 7-hour tour duration
- Enjoying the tour’s exclusive filming location access
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, guests are generally welcome to take photos during the tour. However, some locations may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the tour guide about photo policies at each stop along the way.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The Kauai: Movie Locations Tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Guests of all ages are welcome to join the tour and explore the island’s iconic filming locations. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour?
Yes, the tour typically offers customization options. Guests may be able to request special stops, adjust the itinerary, or focus on specific film locations based on their interests. The tour provider should be able to accommodate personalized requests.
Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the Filming Locations?
Visitors may have opportunities to purchase souvenirs at some filming locations during the movie tour. The availability and selection of merchandise can vary across the different sites visited on the excursion.
What Should We Bring With Us for the Tour?
Guests should bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and water for the tour. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to capture the iconic movie locations and beautiful island scenery.
Recap
The Kauai: Movie Locations Tour offers an unparalleled cinematic adventure.
Visitors can step into the very settings that captured the imagination of Hollywood, from the lush jungles of Jurassic Park to the iconic Coco Palms Resort.
With exclusive access and a wealth of insider knowledge, this tour promises an immersive experience that showcases Kauai’s stunning natural beauty and its enduring legacy on the silver screen.
