Perhaps one of Elvis Presley’s most well known films, Blue Hawaii was released in 1961. It was his first of three movies to be filmed in Hawaii, followed by Paradise, Hawaiian Style and Girls, Girls, Girls.
Waikiki Beach
Some of the film’s opening shots were filmed right in Waikiki. The beach provides great views of Diamond Head, even though the Waikiki skyline has been built up over the years.
The International Marketplace can also be seen in the film. The marketplace was completely renovated and reopened in 2016, however the iconic green and white sign remains.
Honolulu International Airport
In the opening scene, Elvis’s character Chadwick returns to Hawaii, landing at Honolulu International Airport. The airport has naturally been upgraded in the 60 years since Blue Hawaii was filmed, so it won’t resemble what you see in the movie.
Hanauma Bay
Scenes of Chadwick’s beach shack were filmed at Hanauma Bay. The bay, located east of Waikiki, is a well-known spot for snorkeling on Oahu. It is usually quite crowded, so it’s unusual to see it in the film with no tourists around.
Pineapple Fields
At one point in the film, Chadwick pulls his car over along some pineapple fields. Pineapples still grow on Oahu, and you can see them if you drive along Kamehameha highway towards the North Shore.
Coco Palms Resort
The wedding scenes at the end of the movie were not filmed on Oahu. These were filmed at the Coco Palms Resort on the island of Kauai. The resort was popular destination until it was heavily damaged by Hurricane Iniki. This was same hurricane that shut down filming of Jurassic Park.
There has been talk over the years of restoring and reopening the resort, but so far, it still remains in a dilapidated state.
Check out this article for some info and photos of the Coco Palms resort in it’s current state.
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