The Na Pali Coast on the Hawaiian island of Kauai is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. With its tall, green cliffs dropping into the blue ocean, it's no wonder that many filmmakers have chosen this spot to shoot their movies.
Are you curious which movies showcased the jaw-dropping beauty of the Na Pali Coast? Here are seven popular flicks that feature this Hawaiian scenery.
1. Jurassic Park (1993)
One of the most famous movies to feature the Na Pali Coast is "Jurassic Park." This movie about dinosaurs returning to life used the coast to create the fictional Isla Nublar. To be specific, the opening scene that featured a helicopter flying over lush green mountains was filmed here. Additionally, the film also showcased Manawaiopuna Falls and Hanapepe Valley.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
In the fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie, Captain Jack Sparrow searches for the Fountain of Youth. Some of the tropical island scenes were filmed along the Na Pali Coast, including at the Honopu Arch. This secluded paradise along the coast is about 90 feet tall and 124 feet wide. The Arch is accessible only via boat.
3. King Kong (1976)
The 1976 version of "King Kong" also used the Na Pali Coast. In this movie, the giant ape Kong lives on a remote island. The filmmakers chose the Na Pali Coast to represent this wild, untamed place. The steep cliffs and dense forests of the area helped make the island seem like a perfect home for such a creature.
4. Tropic Thunder (2008)
Despite hosting blockbuster hits like Jurassic Park, the 2008 film "Tropic Thunder" remains the largest film production in the history of the Na Pali Coast. The satirical comedy film used the dense forests in the Mailua Falls region to shoot Vietnam War scenes. The movie also featured scenes shot at Keahua Arboretum and the family-friendly Kuilau Ridge Trail.
5. The Descendants (2011)
In 2011, Kauai got a lot of attention after it was featured in four movies released that year, including the Oscar-nominated film The Descendants. This drama starred George Clooney and Matt King, who played a Hawaiian lawyer and land baron, respectively.
While not all of the movie was filmed on the Na Pali Coast, some crucial scenes use its beauty as a backdrop. Matt King’s land features Kipu Ranch, bordered by KipuKai Beach and the Kawaikeli Point.
6. South Pacific (1958)
This classic romantic musical used the Na Pali Coast to represent its tropical island setting. In fact, the movie's famous song "Bali Ha'i" refers to a mysterious island, and scenes showing this island were filmed using views of the Na Pali cliffs. To be specific, the movie featured Mount Makana, a pyramid-shaped mountain that served as the forbidden island of “Bali Hai.”
Explore Na Pali Coast’s Popular Locations
Are you planning on exploring all the filming locations along the Na Pali Coast? Book a boat tour with Hanalei Charters!
As members of the local Hanalei community, Hanalei Charters offers visitors access to affordable tours of the coastline and the filming locations. In addition, they provide tours to locations known only to locals, ensuring your trip will remain memorable for many years to come.
Each boating tour lasts between two to four hours and always includes views of the Hawaiian scenery, light snacks, beverages, and a snorkeling session. Schedule a tour of the Na Pali Coast today.
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