LIHUE – Kauai Film Commissioner Art Umezu spent four days last week accompanying a Japanese media team while they documented locations around the island where several blockbuster movies were filmed. The crew made up of editor Michiyo Tsubota and photographer
LIHUE – Kauai Film Commissioner Art Umezu spent four days last week accompanying a Japanese media team while they documented locations around the island where several blockbuster movies were filmed.
The crew made up of editor Michiyo Tsubota and photographer Shingo Miyagi were on assignment for Japan Airlines’ executive magazine, Agora.
“They were here in February to do an eight-page spread for Dazzle, an upscale fashion and lifestyle magazine for Japanese female executives, and returned to the island for this shoot,” said Umezu. “They love Kauai and always enjoy coming here. Hopefully, their excitement will resonate throughout Japan.”
Among the westside and south shore locations visited by the media crew were: Manuwaipuna Falls in Hanapepe where “Jurassic Park” was filmed; McBryde Garden in Kalaheo where both “Pirates of Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Jurassic Park” were shot; and Hanapepe town, “Flight of the Intruder,” “Thorn Birds,” and “Lilo and Stitch.”
Kalapaki Beach, which served as a backdrop for “South Pacific,” was also visited by the crew.
On the eastside, the crew stopped by Coco Palms where “Blue Hawaii” and “Pirates” were filmed and Kamokila Village, which was spotlighted in “Outbreak.”
Two popular locations on the North Shore, Hanalei Bay and St. Regis Hotel at Princeville, were also on the film crew’s itinerary.
Several major films were shot at Hanalei Bay including: academy award winner “The Descendents” along with “Soul Surfer,” “South Pacific,” “Miss Sadie Hawkins,” “Pagan Love Song” and “Honeymoon in Vegas.”
Other North Shore film locations visited by the crew include: Limahuli Gardens in Hanalei, “Jurassic Park”; and Honopu and Kalalau Beach on the Na Pali Coast, “King Kong” and “Pirates.”
The crew also stopped by Tahiti Nui Restaurant and Lounge in Hanalei where they interviewed Koko Kanealii who was featured in “The Descendants” playing music at the restaurant.
In addition, the crew checked out Bubba Burgers in Hanalei and took pictures of the walls of autographed photos of Hollywood celebrities who ate at the popular burger and fries joint over the years.
A related topic that will be covered in Agora magazine’s Kaua’i spread is the Hawaii International Film Festival, which is set to return to the island later this year after a seven year hiatus.
Mention will also be made of the soon-to-be-released second edition of “The Kauai Movie Book” by Chris Cook.
Complimentary accommodations for the film crew were provided by St. Regis at Princeville and Courtyard by Marriott Kaua’i at Coconut Beach.
The crew was also treated to free tours at Limahuli and McBryde gardens and Coco Palms, while Island Helicopters provided a complimentary helicopter tour.
