Where was Blue Hawaii filmed?

The opening scene commences with Maile (Joan Blackman) steering her vehicle along Round Top Drive, offering a panoramic view of Manoa Valley. She proceeds on her southeastward journey for a brief span. Her destination is to rendezvous with Chad (Elvis Presley), recently discharged from the Army.

The location where this opening scene was filmed is located on Round Top Dr., Honolulu, Hawaii. It's a winding hillside road between Tantalus and Round Top in Honolulu, which dates back to 1892 and was paved in 1937. It retains its original beauty and charm, making it a popular tourist spot for fans worldwide who come to pay homage to one of Elvis’ most memorable films.

Visitors can get to Round Top Drive quickly by car or public transportation. It is accessible via many main highways leading into Honolulu, including H1. It is near popular tourist attractions such as Manoa Falls and Diamond Head State Monument. You can also take one of the city's buses along Round Top Drive for an affordable fare.

After the preceding scene, the following sequence depicts Maile (Joan Blackman) being pursued by a police officer. In this segment, a law enforcement official is about to intercept Maile. She veers left from Ala Moana Blvd into the park and stops further inside. Interestingly, the policeman happens to be Eddie, a friend of Maile's. He offers to help ensure Maile can reach the airport in time to meet up with Chad (Elvis Presley).

Ala Moana Regional Park is one of Waikiki's most popular beaches, with an estimated 4 million visitors annually due to its calm waters and sandy beach bottom, which are perfect for swimming. It is located on Oahu's south shore near Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater. The park also features picnic areas, tennis courts, basketball courts, walking trails, and more, making it a popular place for locals and tourists.

Ala Moana Regional Park is easily accessible by car via Ala Moana Blvd or by bus from Waikiki or downtown Honolulu (the closest bus stop is at Macy’s). Also, bike lanes are available along Kalakaua Ave, where you can rent bikes from nearby shops. Parking is available at both ends of the park but can be limited.

Maile (Joan Blackman) greets Chad (Elvis Presley) at the airport, and together, they make their way to Chad's beachside abode. Once there, Chad reveals to Maile that his mother, Sarah Lee (Angela Lansbury), wishes for him to step into his father's shoes and assume control of the Great Southern Hawaiian Fruit Company, their family enterprise. However, Chad exhibits a sense of reluctance. He is adamant about carving his path.

We are also treated to scenes featuring Chad's friends on the beach. In one such scene, Chad performs the song "No More" at the seaside. While fans may not recognize the same beach house, the views of the beach remain unaltered.

Hanauma Bay was selected as a picturesque filming location to capture breathtaking beach scenes. Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area located on the southeast side of Oahu Island. The bay itself is a collapsed volcanic cone filled with crystal-clear water. This creates an ideal spot for snorkeling because it allows for many different kinds of fish and coral to thrive in its waters. On top of that, Hanauma Bay is also known for its white sand beaches and stunning sea cliffs.

One can take a drive or public transport to get to Hanauma Bay. By car, it takes about half an hour from Honolulu and Waikiki Beach to head east on Kalanianaole Highway/State Route 72 until reaching the entrance. A bus route will take you to Hanauma Bay, where you can hop off at Wailupe Circle stop or Koko Head Crater stops, depending on which direction you are going from Honolulu to Waikiki Beach, respectively.

Chad (Elvis Presley) and Maile (Joan Blackman) embark on a romantic picnic date, leaving a lasting impression on fans with its enchanting atmosphere. During their outing, Chad seizes the opportunity to express his interest in working as a tour guide at Maile's agency. Eager to pursue this opportunity, he swiftly makes his way to the car to converse with Mr. Chapman (Howard McNear), Maile's boss.

This verdant spot is situated directly before the picturesque Tantalus lookout, elevated above Honolulu. Though the picnic scene in the movie is brief, the location offers an expansive view of the southern part of Oahu island. The Tantalus lookout is a scenic vista that showcases breathtaking views of the Diamond Head volcanic cone and the Waikiki skyline, a location fans would surely enjoy visiting.

The picnic was filmed at Tantalus Lookout, on Tantalus Drive above Honolulu. This spot is easily accessible by car (Route 62), and one can also choose to hike up to the lookout if time permits. You'll encounter enchanting banyan trees and the occasional macadamia nut. Spanning just half a mile, the trail boasts a predominantly flat terrain, culminating at a 4-way intersection with the Makiki Valley, Moleka, and Maunalaha trails.

Chad's (Elvis Presley) initial clientele includes an appealing school teacher named Abigail Prentice (Nancy Walters) and four adolescent female students. Ellie Corbett (Jenny Maxwell), a 17-year-old among the students, appears to be self-absorbed and doesn't mesh well with her peers. However, she develops a crush on Chad. Meanwhile, Maile (Joan Blackman) starts feeling envious towards Abigail, who seems to harbor a soft spot for Chad.

The sequences where Chad's clients are accommodated in a hotel, where he assembles his tour group, and where he relaxes with Maile on the beach were all shot at what is presently recognized as the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach. Nestled on the broadest stretch of sand, this 22-acre haven boasts the finest pools and waterslides in Waikiki and the only saltwater lagoon. While fans can visit the location, they may not witness the same vistas as depicted in the film due to modifications since the 1960s.

To reach this location, visitors should take a flight to Honolulu International Airport on Oahu Island, about nine miles from Waikiki Beach, where Blue Hawaii was filmed. From there, travelers can take taxis, ride-share services like Uber or Lyft, or public transportation such as TheBus or The HandiVan shuttles for convenient access to this iconic destination spot.