HONOLULU CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Behind the Scenes on Oʻahu: A Hawaii Five-0 Filming Locations Tour
A four-hour, locally guided drive around Honolulu and greater Oʻahu that visits the show’s most recognizable filming locations and delivers insider stories for fans.
Behind the Scenes on Oʻahu: A Hawaii Five-0 Filming Locations Tour.
Adventure brief
Behind the Scenes on Oʻahu: A Hawaii Five-0 Filming Locations Tour
The Hawaii Five-0 Filming Locations Tour traces the real-world settings that made the long-running series feel cinematic — from the stately façade of Five-0 headquarters to oceanfront homes, cliffside lookouts and hidden coastal pullouts. Guided by locals with long ties to the production, the route mixes drive-bys, short walks and on-location stories that stitch the show back into the landscape of Oʻahu.
Oʻahu, the heart of Hawaiʻi, combines stunning natural beauty with rich cultural heritage and vibrant urban life. Among its many attractions, the island doubles as the backdrop for the popular TV series Hawaii Five-0, captivating viewers with its mix of pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and cityscapes. The Hawaii Five-0 Filming Locations Tour invites fans and adventure seekers alike to explore this unique convergence of fiction and reality in a dynamic 4-hour journey across the island.
This immersive sightseeing experience offers a comprehensive look at the true sites where the show was brought to life, guided by locals with extensive knowledge of both Hawaiian culture and the series’ insider stories. Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from most Waikīkī hotels and continues in an air-conditioned vehicle that balances comfort with sightseeing efficiency. Fans will thrill at the drive-by of McGarrett’s oceanfront house—the Bayer Estate—one of the most photographed landmarks on Oʻahu and a must-have photo stop.
The tour also highlights historic and iconic sites such as Aliʻiōlani Hale, known on screen as the Hawaii Five-0 headquarters, and ʻIolani Palace, Hawaiʻi’s only royal palace, rich with history and drama far beyond its television cameo. You’ll pass the King Kamehameha Statue, a revered cultural emblem that serves as a symbolic starting point for many episodes.
Beyond these well-known spots, the route winds through vibrant Chinatown, famous for gritty car chases and undercover scenes, and coastal locations like Māunalua Bay and Kualoa Ranch Valley, a favored filming site for blockbuster productions. Scenic viewpoints such as Tantalus Lookout provide breathtaking panoramas that showcase Hawaiʻi’s lush landscapes and stunning ocean vistas.
Throughout the tour, tastings of local snacks offer an authentic taste of the islands, while behind-the-scenes stories and production trivia provide depth and context that only seasoned insiders can deliver. An exclusive meet-and-greet with Shawn “Cousin Flippa” Garnett, a cast member, adds a personal touch to this fan-focused journey.
This tour stands out not only for its extensive coverage of filming locations but also for its connection to the local community and culture. Running since the show’s debut in 2010, it has become a beloved bucket-list experience, blending Hollywood allure with genuine Hawaiian spirit.
Whether you’re a die-hard Hawaii Five-0 fan or simply eager to explore Oʻahu’s diverse settings, this film location tour offers a unique window into the island’s cinematic and cultural soul—perfect for travelers looking for an engaging, comfortable, and unforgettable adventure.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and key stops
The route hits a mix of studio facilities, urban landmarks and coastal filming locations that featured throughout the series.
Hawaiʻi Film Studio
A close look (from the outside) at the production home where sets, soundstages and behind-the-scenes operations supported the show.
McGarrett’s House (Bayer Estate) — Drive By
Cruise past the oceanfront home used as McGarrett’s residence — one of the most photographed Five-0 landmarks on Oʻahu.
Aliʻiōlani Hale and the King Kamehameha Statue
See the Supreme Court building that doubled as Five-0 Headquarters and the statue where many team briefings were filmed.
Pali Lookout and Waimānalo
Visit dramatic cliffside and coastal settings used in key episodes, including the Halloween episode shot at the Pali cliffs and the Waimānalo standoff scene.
Kāneʻohe Bay / Coconut Island and Māunalua Bay
Stop at coastal locations that doubled as secluded crime scenes and high-stakes shoreline settings in multiple episodes.
Chinatown, Magic Island and Waikīkī Backdrops
Drive through Chinatown’s gritty streets, pass Magic Island where surfing scenes were filmed, and cruise Waikīkī spots like the Hilton Hawaiian Village that appeared across episodes.
Route includes drive-bys and short walks; stops and Kualoa Ranch visits depend on routing and availability, and certain guest interactions are subject to availability.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
McGarrett’s House, Five-0 Headquarters and Royal Landmarks
Drive past McGarrett’s oceanfront residence (the Bayer Estate) for the classic photo stop, pose by Aliʻiōlani Hale where the show staged Five-0 HQ, and take in ʻIolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue — sites that anchor the series’ most recognizable city scenes.
Cinematic Lookouts and Coastal Settings
The tour threads scenic stops such as Tantalus Lookout, coastal pullouts and valley areas used for chase and action sequences — including Kualoa Ranch when routing permits — showing how Oʻahu’s topography became a recurring character on the show.
Studio Backlots and On-Set Stories
Visit the Hawaiʻi Film Studio from the outside to see where sets and soundstages supported ten seasons of production, enjoy local snacks en route, and — when available — meet Shawn “Cousin Flippa” Garnett for first-hand casting stories and behind-the-scenes trivia.
What the day feels like
What the drive feels like
Over roughly four hours you’ll roll across Waikīkī and beyond, alternating window seats for drive-by landmarks with short on-foot stops and a snack break. Guides layer episode references and production anecdotes onto each location so familiar scenes resolve into real addresses, real buildings and the island landscapes that hosted them.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience runs roughly four hours; meeting logistics are organized from Waikīkī hotel pickup points.
Comfortable walking shoes for short walks, light jacket or rain gear, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), camera or smartphone, and cash or card for optional purchases and snack stops.
Most Waikīkī hotels serve as meeting locations for pickups; expect a mix of drive-bys and brief stops with local narration and a snack or lunch stop included in the flow.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
About four hours.
Where does the tour start?
Pickups are organized from most Waikīkī hotels.
Will I get to meet anyone from the show?
Guests may meet Shawn “Cousin Flippa” Garnett in person when he is available; this meeting is subject to availability.
Do we go inside sets or studios?
You get an exterior look at Hawaiʻi Film Studio and drive-bys of production sites; the tour focuses on on-location filming spots and behind-the-scenes stories rather than studio interior access.
Is there food included?
The tour includes a local snack stop and a memorable lunch at McGarrett’s House as part of the itinerary.
Which locations will we see?
Stops include McGarrett’s House (drive-by), Aliʻiōlani Hale (Five-0 Headquarters), ʻIolani Palace, Chinatown, Magic Island, Pali Lookout, Māunalua Bay, Coconut Island and, depending on the routing, valley areas at Kualoa Ranch.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:27:14.817Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.