Where was Hawaii Five-O filmed?
1997
City Locations
Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii (USA)
Location Types
Unusual
Location Styles
Beachfront, Resort, Retreat, Hotel/Motel Style, Modern Building
About Hawaii Five-O
Plunge into the heart-stopping action and awe-inspiring landscapes of the 1997 movie Hawaii Five-O, skillfully directed by Bradford May. This enthralling story showcases the exceptional acting talents of Gary Busey, Russell Wong, and Steven Flynn, whose extraordinary performances bring an engaging narrative to life.
The plot revolves around Gov. Dan Williams (James MacArthur), formerly second in command at Hawaii Five-O. In a shocking twist, he is struck by a bullet while giving a public speech. This tragic event galvanizes retired members of Five-O, including key figures like Kono (Zulu), Chin Ho (Kam Fong), and Duke (Herman Wedemeyer), to unite with the present team. Together, they embark on a mission to track down the shooter, which takes them on a perilous journey as they uncover a vicious scheme linked to the Russian mafia.
The concept of a Hawaii Five-O reboot was initially floated in 1996, with CBS sponsoring a follow-up series featuring Gary Busey and Russell Wong in the lead roles. James MacArthur, known for his role as the original Danny Williams, also made a guest appearance as a promoted Danny, now serving as the state governor.
This film was envisioned as the launch pad for a revamped Hawaii Five-O series. Regrettably, it failed to impress the network executives, and consequently, the initiative was abandoned, and the film never saw the light of day.
Hawaii Five-O Locations
Step into the world of the 1997 film Hawaii Five-O, where the stunning landscapes of Oahu, Hawaii, serve as a picturesque backdrop for this thrilling narrative. Like the original TV show, much of the movie was filmed across this beautiful island, with Waikiki and Honolulu being key locations for production. The golden sands and azure waters of Waikiki, a renowned tourist hotspot, along with the bustling cityscape of Honolulu, played host to many pivotal scenes, adding an authentic Hawaiian flavor to the movie.
The backdrop of Oahu is nothing short of breathtaking, with its lush greenery, towering volcanic mountains, and stunning coastal views. Landmarks such as the iconic Diamond Head crater and the historic 'Iolani Palace provide a sense of place and culture, further enhancing the cinematic experience. The diverse terrain and vibrant city life not only served as spectacular scenery but also reflected the multifaceted nature of the storyline.
A trip to these filming locations would be worthwhile for movie fans and travelers seeking a Hawaiian adventure. The opportunity to relive some of the most exciting scenes from Hawaii Five-O while exploring the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage is a unique experience. Whether walking the streets of Honolulu, lounging on Waikiki Beach, or hiking up Diamond Head, a piece of Hawaii Five-O history is waiting to be discovered.
The award ceremony scene in Hawaii Five-O
Waikiki, Honolulu, HI
The story kicks off with an engaging awards ceremony scene that sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Former Five-O detective and now Governor Dan Williams (James MacArthur) commends a joint commission of Five-O and the FBI for their successful rescue of his kidnapped daughter, Lisa. Specifically, he awards the Hawaiian Governor's Medal for Meritorious Service to Nick Wong (Russell Wong), an FBI agent temporarily assigned to Five-O.
This scene, filled with tension and triumph, unfolds against the stunning backdrop of Waikiki, Hawaii. The area's breathtaking beauty and vibrant atmosphere provide an authentic Hawaiian feel to the narrative. Known as "spouting waters" in Hawaiian, Waikiki has been a popular tourist destination since the early 1900s when the Moana Surfrider, its first hotel, was built on its shores. It is Oahu's leading hotel and resort area today, teeming with world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and resorts along the bustling Kalākaua Avenue.
Reaching this iconic location is relatively straightforward. If you're traveling from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it's approximately a 20-minute drive via the I-H-1 E route. Public transportation options like buses and shuttles are also readily available. Numerous tour operators offer trips to Waikiki for those staying elsewhere on the island.
Jimmy finds Shana scene in Hawaii Five-O
Honolulu, Hawaii
Jimmy (Gary Busey) decides to probe deeper into the life of DeCastro's son's tutor, a woman named Shana Dennis (Natasha Pavlovich). As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Shana is not who she appears to be. Instead, she is an ex-KGB agent known as Oksana Demetrios, working in tandem with a notorious Russian criminal, Colonel Yodin (Achilles Gacis). This revelation, where the narrative's disparate elements suddenly coalesce, amplifies the tension and suspense within the storyline.
This thrilling scene was filmed in the heart of Hawaii – Honolulu. As the cosmopolitan capital city of O'ahu, Honolulu is a vibrant hub bustling with activity. It stretches across the island's southeastern shores, from Pearl Harbor to Makapuʻu Point, encompassing the world-famous Waikīkī Beach. With its historic landmarks, fine dining spots, and world-class shopping venues, Honolulu offers a dynamic backdrop that adds depth and authenticity to the movie.
Once in Honolulu, you can explore the city's rich history, indulge in its diverse culinary scene, and perhaps even follow in the footsteps of the characters from Hawaii Five-O. Getting to this location is quite simple. If you're flying into Hawaii, Honolulu is conveniently reachable from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, just a short drive from the city center. Various transportation options are available, such as taxis, bus services, and tours to explore numerous sites within Honolulu.
Conclusion
The fusion of Waikiki and Honolulu as filming locations epitomized the series' essence in the 1997 movie Hawaii Five-O. Waikiki's iconic shores and bustling cityscape, juxtaposed against Honolulu's vibrant urban ambiance, provided an evocative canvas for the narrative's unfolding drama.
The allure of Waikiki's golden beaches and Diamond Head's majestic prominence offered picturesque settings for pivotal sequences, resonating with the show's fusion of action and island allure. Meanwhile, Honolulu's dynamic streets, landmarks, and the historic Chinatown district contributed an authentic urban dimension, enhancing the movie's diverse storyline.
The seamless integration of these two prominent locales brought depth and authenticity to Hawaii Five-O, reinforcing the series' identity within the rich cultural tapestry of Hawaii.