Where was Blue Crush filmed?
2002
City Locations
Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii (USA)
Location Types
Hotels/Motels, Film Studio, Schools/Colleges
Location Styles
Beachfront, Beach House, Craftsman, Modern Building, Resort, Retreat
About Blue Crush
Blue Crush is a 2002 sports film celebrating the electrifying sport of surfing and the bonds of friendship. The talented John Stockwell directs this compelling cinematic piece and features a list of powerhouse actors, including Sanoe Lake, Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez, and Mika Boorem.
Set on the picturesque North Shore of Hawaii, Blue Crush tells the compelling story of three friends: Eden (Michelle Rodriguez), Anne-Marie (Kate Bosworth), and Lena (Sanoe Lake). Juggling their day jobs as maids in a luxury resort hotel, the trio passionately pursue their love for surfing. The film mainly focuses on Anne-Marie, a once-rising star in women's surfing, facing her demons. A near-fatal wipeout has left her fearing the powerful waves she once reveled in. The film narrates her journey to overcome her fear, aim for a surfing competition at the Banzai Pipeline, and improve their living conditions.
While the film received mixed reviews, it was enormously praised for its thrilling surfing sequences. Critics found the plot forgotten amidst the waves, but notable critic Roger Ebert lauded the film for having depth beyond the typical surfing movie. The film was a hit at the box office, grossing a total of $51.8 million worldwide and surpassing its $25 million budget.
Unfortunately, despite its strong performance and unique storyline, Blue Crush didn't scoop any significant awards or nominations. Nevertheless, it remains an iconic film in the world of sports cinema, making its mark with its breathtaking cinematography and the inspiring journey of its characters against the backdrop of Hawaii's beautiful North Shore.
Blue Crush Locations
Immerse yourself in the magic and beauty of Oahu, Hawaii, the iconic location where the celebrated Blue Crush was brought to life. This tropical paradise, known for its ethereal beauty, was the principal setting for most film scenes. Notably, the North Shore of Oahu, a magnet for surfing, becomes a spectacle of majestic waves and sun-kissed beaches during winter, offering a grand visual treat to the tourists.
Not just limited to its scenic grandeur, the North Shore is home to Banzai Pipeline, one of the most revered surf spots globally, featured prominently in Blue Crush. Nestled right by the beach, the character Anne-Marie's shack-like dwelling invites you to relish breathtaking views of the ocean waves crashing ashore. The Ehukai Beach Park, the hub of the Banzai Pipeline, lures surfing enthusiasts with its high-energy surf competitions and attractive close-to-shore surf breaks.
Visiting Blue Crush's filming locations would be an enriching experience for the movie's fans and surf enthusiasts alike. Besides marveling at the surf in action at Ehukai Beach Park or Banzai Pipeline, you can explore the film's unsung hero, the JW Marriott Hotel in Ko Olina. Despite its geographical inaccuracy in the movie, this hotel and its beach have retained their pristine charm since the shooting.
Whether you are tracing the footsteps of your favorite Blue Crush characters or chasing the thrill of surfing, a trip to these locations in the vibrant Oahu region is undeniably worthwhile. Steeped in rich cultural heritage and boasting picturesque landmarks like Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, Hawaii promises a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. From indulging in local Hawaiian delicacies to reveling in traditional music and dance or exploring the thrilling hiking trails, water sports, and volcanic landscapes, Hawaii offers an unforgettable tropical getaway.
Anne-Marie observes the waves scene in Blue Crush
Banzai Pipeline, 59-355 Ke Nui Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Anne-Marie (Kate Bosworth), along with her younger sister Penny (Mika Boorem) and their friends Eden (Michelle Rodriguez) and Lena (Sanoe Lake), reside in a humble abode on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The movie opens with Anne-Marie, the protagonist, stepping out of her modest home to gaze at the waves crashing behind her house. This scene sets the tone for the entire film, showcasing the integral role surfing plays in her life.
The surf that Anne-Marie observes is the Banzai Pipeline, located within Ehukai Beach Park. This beach and its surf break are among the most famous worldwide, drawing surfers from around the globe. Much of the surfing action in Blue Crush was filmed at this location, adding an authentic touch to the movie. The surrounding area, including the beach and parking lot, also features prominently in the film.
The Banzai Pipeline is mainly known for its massive swells that break on a shallow reef during winter. These conditions make it a challenging and dangerous spot, attracting only the most skilled and daring surfers. It's also an ideal place to witness some of the world's finest surfing, with international contests like the Triple Crown of Surfing and the Billabong Pipeline Masters held here during the winter months.
You'd need to travel to Oahu, Hawaii, to visit this iconic filming location. Choose Daniel K. Inouye International Airport as a starting point for your journey. Once in Oahu, head to the North Shore, where you'll find Ehukai Beach Park. The Banzai Pipeline is part of this park, offering visitors a firsthand look at the spot where many pivotal scenes in Blue Crush were filmed.
Girls work at the hotel scene in Blue Crush
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, 92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707, USA
Anne-Marie, Eden, and Lena balance their passion for surfing with their day jobs as maids in a high-end luxury resort hotel.
A notable discrepancy in the film is the location of the hotel where the girls work. The movie doesn't specify its location, but it's implied to be on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Contrarily, the actual shooting of these scenes occurred at the JW Marriott Hotel in Ko Olina, located on the southwestern coast of Oahu, at the time of filming. This location is over an hour from the North Shore, making it highly unlikely that the girls would commute this distance daily.
Today, the hotel is known as the Four Seasons Oahu Resort at Ko Olina. Despite the change in ownership, the hotel and its beach remain unchanged since filming, maintaining the same luxurious ambiance captured in Blue Crush. However, the expansive Disney Aulani Resort is now a significant addition to the vicinity.
To visit the actual filming location, you would need to travel to Ko Olina, located on the southwestern coast of Oahu, Hawaii. Upon reaching Oahu, you can take a car or taxi to Ko Olina. Here, you'll find the Four Seasons Oahu Resort at Ko Olina, formerly known as the JW Marriott Hotel. Driving from Oahu to Honolulu takes approximately 30 minutes, but unfortunately, public transportation is not available in this area.
Visit Filming Locations
The school scene in Blue Crush
Kaʻaʻawa Elementary School, 51-296 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI 96730, USA
Anne-Marie's younger sister, Penny (Mika Boorem), attends school daily. Meanwhile, Anne-Marie (Kate Bosworth) confronts a group of football players. One of these players is Matt Tollman (Matthew Davis), a National Football League quarterback visiting Hawaii for the Pro Bowl. Matt is immediately drawn to Anne-Marie, especially after witnessing her bold confrontation with another NFL Pro Bowler who left his hotel room in a mess for her and her friends to clean.
Penny's school is Ka‘a‘awa Elementary School, which is located on the windward coast of Oahu. While the school itself is not open to the public, fans of the movie can view its exterior. The confrontation between Anne-Marie and the football players occurs on the nearby Ka‘a‘awa Beach. Today, signs on the beach remind visitors that it's a public beach. The beaches at this resort are freely accessible, making it an ideal spot for an affordable day out.
Ka‘a‘awa Beach Park extends over approximately 2 acres along Oahu's Windward Coast. It's one of Oahu's less crowded beaches, widespread among the locals who come to enjoy the breathtaking views of the crystal-clear blue water and the surrounding mountains.
You'd need to travel to Oahu, Hawaii, to visit this iconic filming location. Once there, head to the Windward Coast, where you'll find Ka‘a‘awa Elementary School and Ka‘a‘awa Beach. From Honolulu, you can reach your destination in just 30 minutes by taking the HI-63 N and HI-83 W routes. Alternatively, a scenic bus ride will take approximately an hour if you prefer public transportation.
Access Video Shoot Locations
Anne-Marie meets Matt scene in Blue Crush
Hawaii Film Studio, 510 18th Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
One memorable scene takes viewers into the complex relationship between Anne-Marie and Matt. Anne-Marie retrieves some money from Matt's hotel room in this particular sequence. However, their encounter takes an unexpected turn when a call comes in for Matt from another woman. Mistaking the caller for Matt's wife, Anne-Marie is relieved to learn it's actually his niece. This intimate scene culminates with the two sleeping together.
Some of the scenes were filmed at the Hawaii Film Studio. Nestled at the base of the Diamond Head crater, this 7.5-acre gated studio offers a serene and secure filming environment. Its location is also convenient, just 15 minutes from downtown Honolulu.
As the only state-owned and operated film studio in the country, it boasts a rich history, having served as the production base for some of television's longest-running hits such as Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum, P.I., as well as other series like Raven, The Byrds of Paradise, North Shore, and Lost.
While the studio may not be open to the public, visitors should contact the administration about the details. To visit, one would need to travel to Honolulu, Hawaii. From the Honolulu International Airport, it's a short 20-minute drive to the studio located at the base of the iconic Diamond Head crater.
Conclusion
Blue Crush is a film that stands out in the canon of surfing movies. It acknowledges the reality of many non-professional surfers who maintain blue-collar jobs to support their surfing passion. The movie is a refreshing departure from traditional portrayals of surfers as carefree individuals who seemingly live on air, offering a more grounded and relatable perspective.
The screenplay, inspired by Susan Orlean's compelling magazine article "Surf Girls of Maui," skillfully portrays the two-sided nature of a surfer's life. This narrative parallels Nik Cohn's journalism that served as the foundation for "Saturday Night Fever," delving into how youths from working-class backgrounds seek refuge and fascination in their passionate pursuits.
The film was shot mainly in Oahu, Hawaii, particularly the North Shore. The scenic grandeur of the location, including the majestic waves and sun-kissed beaches, offers a visual treat that adds depth and vitality to the film. The Banzai Pipeline, one of the most revered surf spots globally, features prominently in the movie, enhancing its authenticity.
Blue Crush is worth watching for its authentic depiction of the surfing lifestyle and stunning Hawaiian landscapes. The film's locations, particularly the North Shore of Oahu, are also worth visiting for their natural beauty and significance in surfing.