Kauai: Movie Locations Tour with Opaekaa Falls & Hanalei

Summary

Movie scenes come alive at opaekaa falls hanalei & kilauea lighthouse

You’ll follow Kauai’s movie trail with local stories and real-life scenery — from Opaekaa Falls’ roar to Hanalei’s laid-back streets and Kilauea Lighthouse views. Expect laughter on the mini coach, time to explore on your own, and moments where Hollywood meets island life in ways you don’t quite expect.

What’s the experience like?

The day started sideways when I realized I’d left my rain jacket at the hotel — classic. Our guide, Kaleo, just grinned and said, “Eh, it’s Kauai. You’ll dry off.” He was right. The air felt thick and sweet as we rolled through the greenest valleys I’ve ever seen, windows fogging up every time someone laughed too hard. First stop: Opaekaa Falls. The sound of water hitting rocks is louder than you’d think, and there’s this faint smell of wet earth that kind of sticks with you. Kaleo pointed out where Elvis once stood for “Blue Hawaii,” which made my mom hum the tune for the next hour (sorry to everyone else on the mini coach).

I didn’t expect to care much about movie trivia, but seeing those places — like Hanalei Town where they filmed Jurassic Park’s egg scene — it actually got me. There’s a weird thrill in recognizing a spot from a film you watched as a kid. We wandered through Hanalei’s little shops (I bought cookies shaped like sea turtles) and had lunch wherever smelled good; ended up eating poke on a bench while chickens strutted around like they owned the place. Someone in our group tried to say “mahalo” and got corrected by an old auntie selling fruit — she had this laugh that made everyone join in.

The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge was wild — literally. Wind whipped around us at the overlook, hair everywhere, but nobody cared because the view over that lava peninsula is just… well, it makes you quiet for a second. They showed us clips from “Lilo & Stitch” on the bus before we got there, so standing at the actual spot felt oddly familiar and strange at once. The tour kept moving but I wanted to stay longer, just watching seabirds dive through all that wind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kauai's scenic movie sites

• View Opaeka'a Falls lookout
• See Kilauea Lighthouse Overlook
• Enjoy scenic countryside views
• Pass by Jurassic Park dinosaur site
• Pass by Raiders of the Lost Ark site
• Pass by The Descendants filming location
• Explore historic Hanalei Town
• Stroll Hanalei Beach and Pier
• Have lunch on your own
• Enjoy free samples

Top questions

How long is the Kauai movie locations tour?

The tour covers several hours with stops at Opaekaa Falls, Hanalei Town, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and more.

Is lunch included in this Kauai highlights tour?

No, lunch is not included; you’ll have free time in Hanalei Town to buy your own meal.

Are hotel pickups available for this Kauai day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included at specific Kauai hotels.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap.

Is this Kauai tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but contact the provider at least 7 days before your date for special requests.

Which movies were filmed at these Kauai locations?

You’ll see sites from "Blue Hawaii," "Jurassic Park," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "The Descendants," and "Lilo & Stitch."

Will we have free time during the tour?

Yes, there is time to browse shops and explore Hanalei Town independently.

What should I bring on this movie sites tour?

A light jacket (it might rain), comfortable shoes, camera or phone for photos.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from select Kauai hotels, narrated sightseeing with a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories along the way, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle between film locations like Opaekaa Falls and Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, plus time to wander historic Hanalei Town for lunch on your own before heading back.