The long-running television phenomenon Hawaii Five-0 did more than just entertain audiences with high-stakes police procedural drama; it served as a decade-long love letter to the island of Oahu. While many television series utilize soundstages in Los Angeles or Vancouver to mimic exotic locales, the production of Hawaii Five-0 was deeply rooted in the physical reality of the United States’ 50th state. For fans and architecture enthusiasts alike, the show’s filming locations are not merely backgrounds—they are significant Landmarks that embody the history, culture, and natural grandeur of the Pacific Ocean crossroads.
From the historic government buildings of Honolulu to the jagged volcanic ridges of the North Shore, the series utilized the diverse topography of the island to create its distinct visual identity. This guide explores the primary filming sites of the reboot series, focusing on the architectural and natural landmarks that define the show’s setting.
The Architectural Core: Government and Historic Landmarks
One of the most recognizable aspects of Hawaii Five-0 is the task force’s headquarters. Unlike many fictional police departments, the show utilized a real-world architectural gem to serve as the base of operations for Steve McGarrett and his team.
Aliiolani Hale: The Five-0 Headquarters
Perhaps the most iconic landmark featured in the series is Aliiolani Hale. Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, this stunning building serves as the fictional headquarters for the Five-0 task force. In reality, it is the home of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Completed in 1874, the building reflects a unique blend of Italianate and Victorian architectural styles, a testament to the era of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Standing proudly in front of the building is the gold-leafed King Kamehameha Statue. This landmark is frequently seen in transition shots throughout the series. The statue commemorates the monarch who unified the Hawaiian Islands and remains a site of immense cultural significance, especially during Kamehameha Day celebrations when it is draped in massive flower leis.
Iolani Palace and the Hawaii State Capitol
Just across the street from the headquarters lies Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on soil that is now part of the United States. While the palace itself was primarily used for exterior establishing shots, its presence adds a layer of historical gravity to the show’s setting. Built by King Kalakaua in 1882, the palace is a masterpiece of “American Florentine” architecture.
Nearby, the Hawaii State Capitol also makes frequent appearances. Unlike traditional domed capitols found in other states, this landmark is designed with symbolism representing the islands’ volcanic origins and the surrounding ocean. Its open-air design and perimeter columns, meant to resemble palm trees, provide a strikingly modern contrast to the historic Aliiolani Hale.
Natural Wonders: The Coastal and Volcanic Landscapes
The breathtaking scenery of Oahu provided the series with a natural production value that no green screen could replicate. The show frequently utilized the island’s varied terrain, from lush rainforests to dramatic coastal cliffs.
Kualoa Ranch: The Backlot of Hawaii
No discussion of filming in Hawaii is complete without mentioning Kualoa Ranch. Often referred to as the “Backlot of Hawaii,” this 4,000-acre private nature reserve has hosted countless Hollywood productions. For Hawaii Five-0, the Kaʻaʻawa Valley within the ranch served as the backdrop for jungle missions, high-speed chases, and tactical standoffs. The dramatic, fluted mountain ridges of the Koolau Range create a prehistoric atmosphere that is instantly recognizable to fans of the show.
Diamond Head and the Coastal Lookouts
Diamond Head, or Leahi, is perhaps the most famous volcanic landmark in the world. Its silhouette dominates the Honolulu skyline and appears in nearly every episode’s aerial footage. Beyond its role as a scenic backdrop, the series often filmed at the Tantalus Lookout and Puu Ualakaa State Wayside, which offer sweeping views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
The rugged coastline of the south shore also featured heavily, particularly Hanauma Bay and the Halona Blowhole. These geological landmarks, formed by ancient volcanic activity, provided the “Five-0” team with dramatic settings for their investigations. The contrast between the turquoise waters and the dark volcanic rock is a visual hallmark of the series.
Urban Landmarks and Modern Infrastructure
While the natural beauty of Hawaii is a major draw, the urban landscape of Honolulu and its surrounding districts provided the necessary grit and modernity for a police drama.
Waikiki and the Hilton Hawaiian Village
The world-famous district of Waikiki was a central filming hub. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a particularly notable landmark in the series. The resort’s Rainbow Tower, with its massive ceramic tile mosaic, is a staple of the Waikiki Beach shoreline. The show frequently filmed scenes at the resort’s Tropics Bar & Grill and around the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, where the characters often met for debriefings or casual moments.
Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island
For scenes involving outdoor recreation or beachfront crime scenes, the production often turned to Ala Moana Beach Park and the adjacent Magic Island. These landmarks offer a distinct view of the Waikiki skyline and Diamond Head. Magic Island, a man-made peninsula, served as a versatile location for everything from community events to high-tension arrests.
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
In moments of reflection and historical tribute, the series visited the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located within the Punchbowl Crater. This landmark is a place of profound solemnity, honoring those who served in the United States Armed Forces. The “Punchbowl” is an extinct volcanic tuff cone that provides a serene and dignified setting, often used in the show to honor the military background of characters like Steve McGarrett.
Cultural and Sacred Landmarks
The production of Hawaii Five-0 was noted for its efforts to incorporate local Hawaiian culture and the diverse heritage of the islands. This led the crew to several sacred and culturally significant landmarks.
Byodo-In Temple
Located at the foot of the Koolau Mountains in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, the Byodo-In Temple is a stunning non-denominational Buddhist temple. It is a smaller-scale replica of a 950-year-old temple in Uji, Japan. The temple’s intricate woodwork, serene koi ponds, and the massive Amida Buddha statue have appeared in several episodes, often standing in for locations in Asia or serving as a peaceful retreat within the show’s narrative.
Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
As a show deeply entwined with the military history of the islands, Pearl Harbor was an essential filming location. The USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri are landmarks of international importance that appeared in the series. Filming at these locations required immense coordination and respect, highlighting the show’s commitment to acknowledging the historical significance of Oahu as a strategic and commemorative site.
The Production Hub: Hawaii Film Studio
While the majority of the show was filmed on location to capture the authenticity of the islands, the “home base” for the production was the Hawaii Film Studio. Situated near the base of Diamond Head, this is the only state-owned film studio in the United States.
The studio served as the site for interior sets that could not be filmed on location, such as the high-tech interior of the Five-0 headquarters and various apartment sets. Its proximity to the landmarks of Honolulu allowed the crew to move efficiently between controlled studio environments and the vibrant, unpredictable world of the Hawaiian landscape.
Integration with the North Shore
Beyond the studio, the production frequently traveled to the North Shore to capture the legendary surf culture of Hawaii. Landmarks such as Ehukai Beach Park, home to the Banzai Pipeline, were utilized to showcase the power of the ocean. The Turtle Bay Resort also served as a frequent location for luxury settings and dramatic coastal scenes, further expanding the geographical reach of the series across the island of Oahu.
By utilizing these diverse landmarks, Hawaii Five-0 created a visual tapestry that was as much about the character of the island as it was about the characters in the script. The architectural heritage of downtown Honolulu, the sacred serenity of the Byodo-In Temple, and the raw power of the volcanic coastline all combined to make the show a global ambassador for the unique landmarks of Hawaii. For any fan visiting Oahu, these sites offer a tangible connection to the series and a deeper appreciation for the historical and natural beauty of the Aloha State.
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