Hawaii Five-0 Experience with a Visit to Iconic Locations

If you’re a fan of Hawaii Five-0, or just curious about the island’s famous TV landmarks, this Hawaii Five-0-themed tour offers a chance to see some of Oahu’s most recognizable spots and learn the stories behind them. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and glowing descriptions paint a vivid picture of what you can expect—a mix of stunning scenery, intriguing trivia, and a peek into the show’s filming secrets.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it combines pop culture with beautiful Oahu landscapes. For fans, visiting the actual filming locations adds a layer of authenticity and connection to the beloved series. Plus, the tour’s manageable five-hour duration and small group size promise a relaxed, personalized experience. A potential consideration is that some locations are brief stops—around 10 to 15 minutes—so if you’re hoping for more extensive exploration, you might find it a tad quick.

This tour is ideal for TV enthusiasts, photography buffs, and curious travelers eager to see Oahu through the lens of Hawaii’s most famous police drama. It offers a good balance of site visits, storytelling, and scenic views—a fun, light-hearted way to add a little extra dimension to your Oahu trip.

Key Points

• Authentic filming sites include McGarrett’s oceanfront estate, Five-0 headquarters, and iconic beaches.
• Behind-the-scenes stories and trivia enrich the experience for fans and curious travelers alike.
• The tour’s small group size (max 12) allows for personalized attention and discussion.
• Stunning vistas from locations like Nu’uanu Pali Lookout add a visual highlight.
• The tour’s value lies in the combination of recognizable landmarks and scenic drives at a reasonable price.
• The tour is well-suited for TV fans, photography lovers, and those interested in pop culture.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

The Hawaii Five-0 Experience offers a thoughtfully curated look at the series’ most iconic filming locations, blending fascinating stories with breathtaking views. Let’s walk through what each stop offers and why they matter.

Hawaii Film Studio: The Heart of Production

Your journey begins at the Hawaii Film Studio, where the magic of Hawaii Five-0 was brought to life. This behind-the-scenes look is a treat, especially if you’ve watched multiple seasons. The studio is the production base housing sets, soundstages, and the hub of filming activity. While you won’t be touring the sets in depth, the guide’s stories about how shows are made here add valuable context.

McGarrett’s Oceanfront Estate

Next, you’ll cruise past the famous Bayer Estate, which served as McGarrett’s home on the show. Known for its breathtaking ocean views, this house is one of the most photographed Five-0 landmarks. From the outside, it’s easy to see why it’s such a striking backdrop—standing guard over the water with lush greenery surrounding it. Fans will love the chance to snap photos and imagine the scenes that took place here.

Maunalua Bay Beach Park

This spot is a genuine highlight. Featured in Season 2, Episode 22 (“Ua Hopu”), it’s where a kidnapping plot unfolds—making it a particularly tense and memorable location. The scenic coastal setting makes it a prime photo op, and the guide will share insights about how this location was used for high-stakes scenes. The 10-minute stop might seem brief, but it’s enough to soak in the stunning environment.

Koko Head Neighborhood Park

Recognized as a popular filming location, this park offers a great chance to see a neighborhood often featured in the series. While the stop is only 10 minutes, it’s enough to appreciate the setting’s vibe and possibly indulge in a quick photo session.

Coconut Island and the Pier

Coconut Island doubles as a seawater research station and a crime scene in the series, making it a fascinating filming location. The pier scene, often used for investigative storylines, offers a tangible connection to the show’s plotlines. This site is especially photogenic and allows visitors to visualize the show’s investigative episodes.

Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

Here, the dramatic cliffs serve as the backdrop for a Halloween murder investigation depicted in the series. The view from Nu’uanu Pali is one of the most impressive on Oahu, offering sweeping vistas that make it a must-see stop. With a 15-minute window, you’ll get a chance to take pictures and appreciate the cinematic landscape that added drama to many scenes.

Aliiolani Hale: The Five-0 Headquarters

The Hawaiian Supreme Court building’s exterior is used as the Five-0 headquarters in the show. The statue of King Kamehameha out front is an iconic photo spot, and the building’s grandeur lends an air of authenticity to the series’ depiction of law enforcement. The 15-minute stop is ideal for photos and learning about the show’s use of real landmarks.

Downtown Honolulu: Urban Action

Touring through the city, you’ll see the gritty backdrop that often features in chase scenes, sting operations, and undercover work. Its neon signs, historic architecture, and lively markets lend an authentic urban feel that added edge to the series. You might recognize streets and storefronts from various episodes, making this an engaging stop for fans.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

The tour wraps up at this famous resort, where Kamekona’s shrimp truck first appeared. This spot is beloved by fans for its recurring appearance and adds a fun, local flavor to the tour. The 10-minute visit is a nice chance to snap some photos and relive that memorable scene.

Practical Details and What They Mean for You

This tour departs from Honolulu Zoo at 8:00 am and lasts about five hours, including all stops. With a max group size of 12, you should expect a more intimate and relaxed experience, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions or take photos. The tour includes pickup, making logistics easier, especially if you’re staying nearby.

The price of $129 per person strikes a reasonable balance considering the inclusion of entrance fees at several sites, your guide’s insider stories, and the photo opportunities. The small-group format and storytelling aspect add value that larger, more generic tours might lack.

The five-hour duration is well-suited for travelers who want a focused experience without feeling rushed. It’s a manageable chunk of time that leaves the rest of your day open for other adventures.

Authentic Experiences and What Travelers Say

While there aren’t formal reviews available, the detailed itinerary hints at what visitors can expect. The inclusion of sites like McGarrett’s house and the Pali Lookout, both known for their stunning views, suggests a visual feast. The fact that some locations are featured in specific episodes—like the kidnapping scene—adds a layer of series authenticity that TV fans will appreciate.

The mention that the tour is designed for both TV fans and curious travelers hints at an inclusive experience that’s accessible even to those less familiar with the show. The emphasis on behind-the-scenes stories and filming secrets promises a richer understanding of how the series was made.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for Hawaii Five-0 enthusiasts or those interested in pop culture and filming locations. It caters well to photography lovers who want to capture scenic vistas and iconic landmarks. The manageable five-hour length makes it accessible for most travelers, especially those with limited time on Oahu.

If you’re after a combination of scenic drives, interesting stories, and recognizable sites, you’ll find this tour a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. However, if you’re more interested in extensive exploration of a single location or detailed historical context, this tour might feel a little brief.

The Sum Up

The Hawaii Five-0 Experience offers a unique peek into the filming of one of Hawaii’s most beloved series while letting you enjoy some of the island’s most stunning views. It’s a fun, light-hearted way to connect with pop culture without sacrificing scenic beauty. The stops are curated to give you a memorable taste of Oahu’s diverse landscapes and vibrant city life, all flavored with behind-the-scenes stories that fans will especially enjoy.

This tour’s value lies in its blend of famous landmarks, engaging narration, and picturesque settings—a well-rounded choice for those wanting a thematic adventure that’s both informative and visually rewarding. It’s ideal if you’re a TV buff or someone wanting a relaxed, fun exploration of Oahu’s most recognizable filming locations.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately five hours, including all site stops and travel time.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is offered, and the tour operates with a mobile ticket, making logistics easier.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Are there any entrance fees?
Yes, admission tickets are included for several stops like Maunalua Bay Beach Park, Koko Head Neighborhood Park, Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, and Aliiolani Hale.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Honolulu Zoo (151 Kapahulu Ave) at 8:00 am and ends back at the same location.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those interested in TV series and scenic sights.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any hidden costs or extras?
No, the price includes admission tickets and guided commentary; no hidden fees are mentioned.

Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just love to see where films and TV series are made, this tour offers a fun, scenic, and informative way to explore Oahu’s iconic filming locations.