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Jungle Cruise finds a home on Kauai

December 29, 2021

Jungle Cruise finds a home on Kauai

Local Film Feature: I Am Kānaka

This powerful short documentary tells the story of Kaina Makua, a former teacher who founded Kumano I Ke Ala, a cultural education program based right here on Kaua‘i. The program teaches Hawaiian language, cultural practices, and sustainability to local youth—many of whom come from underserved communities.

Filmed entirely on Kaua‘i, I Am Kānaka offers a heartfelt look at how one person’s commitment to culture and community can uplift the next generation.

Watch the full trailer here on Youtube!

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

#ThrowbackThursday: Take a look at some behind-the-scenes shots from the 1980 production of Raiders of the Lost Ark filmed right here on Kaua‘i. The island served as the stand-in for the South American jungle in the film’s opening sequence, including the famous temple run.

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

The wait is over! The full trailer for the live-action Lilo & Stitch is here!
Filmed on location in Hawai‘i, including scenes on Kaua‘i, the film brings the beloved story back to the islands where it all began.

Watch the trailer and let us know—are you planning to see it when it hits theaters?

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

It’s #MovieTriviaMonday! Tom Cruise made an almost unrecognizable film appearance in a role in Tropic
Thunder—and while most of his scenes weren’t filmed on Kaua‘i, the movie itself was.
Can you guess which two songs his character dances to in the film? 💬

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

Tonight! Free at KPAC

Wishing you a Happy #AlohaFriday from the North Shore 🌴 Enjoy the weekend!

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

It’s trivia time! Can you guess which famous actress owned property on Hanalei Bay during the filming of The Descendants (2011)? Leave your guess in the comments!

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

Wishing you a day filled with lots of luck and stunning views 🌈 Happy #StPatrick’s Day from Kaua‘i!

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

March is #Women’sHistoryMonth, a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women across all industries—including film! Throughout the years, Kauaʻi has hosted a number of productions with strong female leads who have and continue to serve as role models and inspiration to audiences around the world. A few include:

• Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Sattler (Jurassic Park)
• AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton (Soul Surfer)
• Emily Blunt as Dr. Lily Houghton (Jungle Cruise)

What are some that we missed? 👇🏼

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

This secluded Kaua‘i beach has more to it than meets the eye.

Named for the "matted roots" that once grew thick in the area, this peaceful spot has long been a place of natural beauty and cultural importance. With its horseshoe shape and tranquil waters, it’s no surprise that this hidden gem has remained a cherished part of the island's landscape for generations.

In 1963, this very location became the setting for the pilot episode of Gilligan’s Island — one of the most iconic TV shows of all time. The producers couldn’t find a suitable boat for the S.S. Minnow on Kaua‘i, so they transported it by barge, creating a memorable moment in TV history.

Can you guess where this spot is? Let us know if you think you know!

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

#LocalFilmSpotlight: Kai Hali‘a

Hawai‘i’s film scene continues to grow, and “Kai Hali‘a” (Sea of Memory) is a stunning example of local storytelling at its finest.

This semi-autobiographical film, directed by Angelique Kalani Axelrode, offers a deeply personal exploration of memory, identity, and the deep ties between land, history, and identity in Hawai‘i.

Independent films like this are a reminder of why it’s so important to support local productions—by doing so, we can amplify Native Hawaiian voices and share stories from our local communities with the world.

Learn more about the film at www.angeliqueaxelrode.com/work/kai-halia

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

Who caught the Academy Awards last weekend? 🙋🏽‍♀️ To celebrate, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to celebrate Kaua‘i’s connection to Oscar gold. Some of the Academy Award-winning and nominated films featuring Kaua‘i include:

• South Pacific (1958) – Nominated for Best Sound
• Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – Won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects
• Jurassic Park (1993) – Won 3 Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects
• The Descendants (2011) – Won Best Adapted Screenplay, nominated for 4 others
• Moana (2016) – Nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song

Which one is your favorite? Or is there another Kaua‘i film you think deserved an Oscar? 👇🏼

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

We’re wrapping up Hawaiian Language Month with mauna!

In Hawaiian culture, mauna refers to more than just mountains; it signifies places of deep cultural and spiritual importance. Kaua‘i’s mauna have shaped the island’s landscape and history. Mauna Waialeale holds a special place in the island’s ecosystem, known as one of the wettest spots on Earth, while Koke‘e State Park provides sweeping views of valleys and ridgelines that have been featured in several films. These mauna are essential to understanding Kaua‘i’s geological history, offering both natural beauty and a glimpse into the island's ancestral past.

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

#FilmLocationFeature: Discovering Menehune Fishpond!

Located on Kauaʻi’s south shore, the Menehune Fishpond is a historic and fascinating site that showcases the ingenuity of early Hawaiian aquaculture. This ancient pond, believed to have been built by the Menehune people, is steeped in legend and surrounded by lush, tropical beauty.

You might recognize the Menehune Fishpond from the iconic “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981). While Kauaʻi was a key filming location for the movie, the fishpond was used as the backdrop for one of the film's adventurous scenes. The lush environment and the historical richness of the site made it a perfect fit for the action-packed storyline!

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

#DidYouKnow? Jurassic Falls, located on Kaua'i’s famous Hanapepe Valley, was a filming location for “Jurassic Park” (1993)! The stunning 400-foot waterfall served as a backdrop to the movie’s iconic scenes and remains one of Kaua’i’s most recognizable landmarks.

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

We’re continuing with Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi — this week, we’re highlighting the word awāwa.

The word awāwa evokes images of deep, lush valleys, rich in history and life, where generations of Hawaiians have lived in harmony with the land. Kaua‘i’s awāwa, like Hanalei Valley (featured in “The Descendants”) and Kalalau Valley (seen in “King Kong”), serve as reminders of the island’s beauty and spiritual significance.

What does Kaua‘i’s awāwa mean to you? 🌿🎬 🌴🎥

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

Looking for some Kauaʻi-inspired romance to add to your Valentine’s Day watchlist? Here are a few of our favorites!

• “Blue Hawaii” (1961) – This Elvis classic captures love and the lush beauty of Hawai‘i, with scenes filmed across the islands, including Kaua‘i.
• “Honeymoon in Vegas” (1992) – A whirlwind rom-com where the breathtaking landscapes of Kaua‘i add an unforgettable backdrop.
• “Six Days, Seven Nights” (1998) – Adventure and romance collide as sparks fly in this Kaua‘i-filmed favorite.

Which one will you watch?

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

It’s #MovieTriviaMonday! Do you remember this actor from “Honeymoon in Vegas”? Let us know if you got it right!

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

Do views like this ever get old? We don’t think so ☀️🌴

Wishing you a Happy #AlohaFriday and a wonderful weekend!

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

Looking for a show to binge and support local talent? “Rescue HI: Surf” is back with more episodes streaming on FOX! This locally produced fan favorite showcases the spirit of Hawaiʻi while delivering plenty of drama and action. Don't miss it!

#KauaiFilm #FilmedOnLocation #KauaiFilmCommission #KauaiPhotographer #KauaiVideographer #Film #KauaiCounty #CountyofKauai

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