Where was Tears of the Sun filmed?

A group of SH-60B Seahawk helicopters approached the USS Harry S. Truman, stationed off the coast of Africa. A news reporter on the flight deck is providing updates about an ongoing coup when he's interrupted by news of the assassination of the entire presidential family by rebel forces.

This scene was captured on the currently active USS Harry S. Truman, which was positioned 60 miles from Cape Hatteras in the Atlantic Ocean. Director Antoine Fuqua was granted unprecedented access to this Nimitz Class nuclear aircraft carrier, with filming taking place over several days. The Navy even circled the carrier numerous times to achieve optimal lighting conditions for Fuqua. To ensure smooth operations and prevent potential crises, naval officers and soldiers were always present on set; some even appeared as extras in the film.

While the USS Harry S. Truman is not open for public visits, film enthusiasts are encouraged to visit Cape Hatteras instead. This location offers long stretches of beach, marshes, sand dunes, and maritime forests, creating a unique environment where wind and waves continuously shape the topography.

To reach Cape Hatteras, your journey could start with a flight landing at Dare County Regional Airport. From there, it's suggested to rent a vehicle and enjoy a one-hour drive through stunning landscapes to the Cape. If driving isn't an option, local bus services are also available.

The team is instructed to Halo Jump over Cameroon and into the wilderness outside a small Catholic mission and tasked with finding Dr. Lena Fiore Kendricks (Monica Bellucci), an American citizen by marriage. Their secondary mission involves the possible extraction of the priest and two nuns operating the mission, provided they agree to leave with them.

The film crew selected several indoor and outdoor locations to portray Nigeria's setting authentically. Notably, filming occurred at the Dole Plantation, located at 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa, and in the North Shore community of Haleiwa in Hawaii.

The Dole Plantation, which has its roots in 1950 as a humble fruit stand, is now a significant attraction thanks to its famous pineapple harvests and the open-air Pineapple Express Train. Visitors can sign up for an educational tour to learn about Hawaii's fruit cultivation, its rich history, and agricultural practices. The tour culminates with a stroll through a giant garden maze shaped like a pineapple and lined with 14,000 fruits.

To visit these locations, one can fly into Honolulu International Airport. From there, both Wahiawa and Haleiwa are accessible via car. Wahiawa, home to the Dole Plantation, is approximately a 30-minute drive north from the airport. Similarly, Haleiwa on the North Shore is about a 40-minute drive from the airport.

The team led by Lieutenant A.K. Waters (Bruce Willis) finds themselves in a harrowing situation as they evade rebels in an African country. During their escape, they stumble upon a village being ravaged by rebel soldiers — villagers being executed, raped, and murdered. Seizing the chance to intervene, Waters instructs the refugees under his care to stay on high ground while his team descends into the village to confront the rebels.

This scene was filmed in various locations designed to mirror the war-torn landscapes of Africa. One such location was the Kualoa Ranch at 49560 Kamehameha Highway in Hawaii. This location, renowned for its appearances in the Jurassic Park series, helped bring authenticity to the depiction of the African country in the film.

Kualoa Ranch has been owned and managed by the sixth-generation descendants of Dr. Gerritt P. Judd since the 1970s. The ranch spans three valleys: Kualoa Valley, Kaʻaʻawa Valley, and Hakipuʻu Valley. Over the years, Kualoa has served as the backdrop for more than 79 films and TV shows, including Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, Jumanji, and George of the Jungle. The revenue generated from tours and commercial activities helps keep the land undeveloped, preserving its natural beauty for future generations.

To visit Kualoa Ranch, one would need to get to Honolulu. From there, it's about a 45-minute drive northeast via HI-63 N and HI-83 W to reach the ranch.

The scene explodes into chaos as the SEALs engage in an intense firefight with hundreds of rebels hidden among the trees. Forming a courageous defensive line against the rebel forces, the SEALs direct the frightened refugees to fall back towards the safety of the tree line, where they can see the Cameroon border just within their reach.

This action-packed scene, along with others that required special studio effects or CGI, was filmed at the Hawaii Film Studio. The studio, located at 510 18th Avenue in Honolulu, spans 7.5 acres and is the only state-owned and operated studio complex in the USA. Its resume boasts notable productions such as Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum, P.I., adding to its reputation as a prime filming location.

If you plan to visit the Hawaii Film Studio, you'll first need to catch a flight to Honolulu International Airport. Once there, it's about a 25-minute car journey to reach the studio. The studio is conveniently situated just 15 minutes away from the bustling downtown area of Honolulu and a short drive from the vibrant accommodations, eateries, and nightlife that Waikiki offers. Visitors should note that access to the studio may be restricted depending on ongoing productions.

One of the most iconic scenes in the movie is the sunset sequence, which graces the movie's posters and promotional material. This breathtaking shot was captured on Kaua’i, another island in the Hawaiian archipelago known for its lush landscapes and stunning waterfalls. The radiant hues of the setting sun against the serene ocean backdrop create a visually arresting moment that stands out in the film.

The film also made use of the extraordinary scenery offered by Kilauea, an active shield volcano on the island of Kaua’i. The mountainscapes of Kilauea and the impressive Kilauea Falls are featured in several scenes, adding to the film's visual appeal.

It's worth noting that Kaua’i has been the preferred location for many other blockbusters, including Avatar, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, further testifying to the island's cinematic allure.

Take a short inter-island flight or a ferry from Honolulu to reach the O’ahu and Kaua’i islands. Many tour companies offer guided tours through these film locations, allowing fans to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters.

The film reaches its climax in the final scene, where the refugees recognize Arthur Azuka (Sammi Rotibi), the last son of a Nigerian king, as their legitimate leader. Amidst the celebration of his fellow Nigerians, he raises his hand and shouts “Freedom!”

Although the movie primarily utilizes the scenic beauty of Hawaii, a portion of it was filmed in Los Angeles. Known for its dynamic neighborhoods, diverse ethnic population, and top-notch production facilities, Los Angeles has been a sought-after filming location for countless movies and TV shows.

Los Angeles houses several legendary film studios like Paramount Pictures, Universal, and Warner Brothers, each providing visitors with an immersive behind-the-scenes experience. Additionally, Hollywood Boulevard is a location of great interest, featuring the Chinese Theatre that exhibits the handprints and footprints of celebrities alongside the Walk of Fame, which pays tribute to countless industry icons.

The main gateway to this buzzing city is the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the busiest airports in the world and serves numerous domestic and international flights daily. Alternatively, you could drive if you're within a reasonable distance, as Los Angeles is well-connected to major highways like Interstate 5 and Interstate 10. Additionally, you can take a bus or train into the city, with services offered by companies like Greyhound and Amtrak. Once in Los Angeles, public transportation options such as buses, trains, and ride-sharing services can help you navigate the sprawling city and reach your final destination.