Top 3 Classic TV Shows With Hawaii Connections

Hawaii’s scenery has certainly captured the interests of television producers and viewers alike. I think a case in point is the popularity of the hit ABC show, LOST, which is filmed on Oahu. I’m sure the fantastic scenery of Oahu is a huge asset to the show. I know it’s one of the reasons I started watching the show from the outset. I got so hooked on LOST that I even planned one vacation around finding LOST filming locations

.

Just take a look at this long list of television shows that have been filmed on Hawaii from the Hawaii Film Office. It’s quite an impressive list, isn’t it? I counted well over 170 shows. From that long list of shows, there are three classics with significant connections to Hawaii that really stand out. Those shows were either exclusively set on the islands or featured in a mini-series or episode.   Those shows would be:

  1. Hawaii 5-O – Oahu
  2. Magnum PI – Oahu
  3. Fantasy Island – Kauai

Just for fun, let’s revisit each show’s opening theme.

Hawaii 5-O
(E-mail subscribers, click here for the Hawaii 5-0 opening theme.)

Magnum PI
(E-mail subscribers, click here for the Magnum PI opening theme.)

Fantasy Island
(E-mail subscribers, click here for the Fantasy Island opening theme.)

As I’ve prepared this post, each one of the themes brought back memories and a smile to my face. I hope you enjoy them, too.

So, what do you think of this list? Would you agree that these are the top 3 classic shows with Hawaii connections?

Free Hawaii Newsletter
Get great Hawaii advice and deals in your inbox!
Share

View Comments

  • It would need to be the top 4 and I would add Gilligans Island.

    The departure for the "3-Hour Tour" in the opening credits was filmed at the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, in front of the Hilton & Ilikai.

    Filming of the show took place at the CBS' Radford Studios complex in Studio City, California. But - The pilot and the first episode were filmed in at Moloaa Bay on Kauai.

    BTW - There are no "Head Hunters" in Hawaii. It's perfectly safe. ;)

    • Dave - I debated whether to include Gilligan's Island and make it a top 4, but I just felt like the others had a bigger connection to Hawaii.

      I'm soooooooooo glad to hear that there aren't real head hunters in Hawaii. Whew! :-)

Recent Posts

  • Aloha Friday Photo

Aloha Friday Photos: Sunset from Waikoloa Village

Mahalo to Elizabeth and Dan Van Os for these Aloha Friday Photos. They took these…

May 3, 2024
  • Giveaways & Sweepstakes

Hawaiian Airlines celebrates “31 Days of Lei” with a sweepstakes

May 1st is Lei Day in Hawaii, though some folks can and do celebrate the…

May 1, 2024
  • Aloha Friday Photo

Aloha Friday Photo: A view from the grounds of Mauna Lani Resort

Mahalo to Kinga Fekete from Manchester, England for this lovely Aloha Friday Photo. Kinga tells…

April 26, 2024
  • Culture & History

Hawaii vacation deals & news: April 25, 2024

- Costco Travel has a "Hot Buy" for a Maui vacation package which includes accommodations…

April 25, 2024
  • Aloha Friday Photo

Aloha Friday Photo: Sunset sky from Haleakala

Mahalo to Margaret Whip from Scotland for sharing this lovely Aloha Friday Photo with us.…

April 19, 2024
  • Culture & History

Cultural festivals in the Hawaiian Islands from May, June, July, August 2024

We curate the most comprehensive lists of the islands' top cultural events so that you…

April 18, 2024