Welcome to the Island Set of NCIS: Hawai’i
Ever wondered where all those sweeping palm-tree vistas, gritty naval bases, and urban Honolulu alleys in NCIS: Hawai’i were actually filmed? It’s one thing to watch TV and imagine a perfect tropical crime drama setting—but it’s another to dig into the real-life places behind the scenes. Let’s take you on a journey through the real locations, the heart-and-soul of the show’s backdrop, and how they bring that “island meets investigation” vibe to life.
The Island at the Heart – O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
When you open an episode of NCIS: Hawai’i, you’re looking at the island of O‘ahu in the state of Hawai‘i. That’s where the majority of filming took place. According to multiple sources, production was based on O‘ahu.
O‘ahu gives you everything: urban Honolulu, cutting-edge military bases, lush valleys and dramatic coastline scenery. Think of it as your one-stop island studio.
Military Bases & The Real Deal – Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
A huge chunk of the military-office scenes in the show were filmed at the actual Joint Base Pearl Harbor‑Hickam on O‘ahu.
The series uses the look and feel of real naval and Air Force installations to give authenticity. Exterior shots shown as the “NCIS Pearl Harbor Field Office” draw on the real atmosphere of the base. So when you’re watching those Agent Tennant scenes, you’re almost in a genuine military HQ.
Sound Stage Central – Hawaii Film Studio
Interior settings—like offices, briefing rooms, residential scenes—are largely filmed in a studio environment: the Hawaii Film Studio in Honolulu.
This gives the production team control (lighting, sound, scheduling) while still being on-island. The studio sits near Diamond Head and is a 7.5-acre lot with large sound stages.
It’s like the “Hollywood on the beach” version—inside looks scripted, outside looks wild and tropical.
Urban Honolulu Filming Spots – Streets, Chinatown & More
The show doesn’t only use scenic vistas. Many scenes were filmed on actual streets in downtown Honolulu—such as the streets in Chinatown, Merchant Street, Nuuanu Avenue, and Bethel Street. For example:
“A popular CBS TV show will transform streets in Chinatown … filming will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Merchant Street…”
Thus, when you see Agent Tennant walking down a city block in the show, there’s a good chance you’re looking at real Honolulu.
Nature, Beaches & Scenic Backdrops
It wouldn’t be Hawai‘i without stunning natural scenery, right? The show makes good use of coastlines, valleys, ranches and more. As one write-up explains:
“Numerous external scenes are filmed on location at … the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam” and also “The island of Oahu … filming takes place … at the famous Waikiki Beach.”
Scenic Locations You’ll Recognize
-
Kualoa Ranch: This huge nature preserve and ranch on O‘ahu’s northeastern shoreline offered verdant valleys and dramatic peaks for filming.
-
Pua‘ena Point Beach Park: A small but picturesque beach park on O‘ahu’s North Shore — you may have seen sea-side scenes that look like it.
-
Waimea Valley: On the North Shore, with lush vegetation and waterfalls, used for more introspective or exotic outside sequences.
Guest Appearances on Other Islands
While most filming stays on O‘ahu, some episodes branch out: the islands of Maui and Kaua‘i have been used for special exterior shots. For example:
“The island of Maui has served as a backdrop for several episodes of NCIS: Hawaii… The scenic island of Kauai … has also made appearances.”
So yes—some of that “distant island mystery” effect comes from hopping around the archipelago.
Why These Locations Matter for the Show
So you might ask: why bother filming on-site rather than in a generic studio somewhere else? Here are several reasons:
Authenticity & Visual Appeal
When you film in a place like O‘ahu, you capture real light, real sea breezes, real palms swaying—things that make the screen pop. The production itself felt the impact: the set decorator mentioned that local Hawaiian craftsmen “bring authenticity” to the sets.
Economic & Local Benefits
According to local reports, a show like NCIS: Hawai’i employing local crew, vendors, extras, and filming permits helps the local economy.
It’s not just for the show—it’s a relationship between Hollywood and Hawai‘i.
Setting as a Character
In many crime dramas you don’t just have characters—you have place. The island setting becomes part of the storytelling. Tropical shores, military bases, city alleys—they all help evoke mood, tension, culture, and location. When the setting is strong, it acts like a supporting actor.
Visiting the Locations? Here’s What to Know
If you’re a fan and want to visit some of the places you saw in the show (or at least drive by them), here’s some tips:
Permission Matters
Some locations (like military bases) are restricted. For example, scenes shot at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam required coordination with the Department of Defense and local permissions.
So while you may glimpse many exteriors publicly, know that full access might be limited.
Street Filming = Possible Interruptions
As one local Redditor reported:
“I live on this same street… walked by them yesterday, causing traffic jam and parking issues SMH.”
If you’re out and about, you might still catch filming or road closures especially in Honolulu. For example, the show’s road closures on Dole Street near the campus of University of Hawaii at Mānoa.
Combine Scenic & Urban Spots
Fan-friendly plan: Visit a scenic spot like Pua‘ena Point Beach Park or Waimea Valley to soak in nature. Then drive into Honolulu and walk the downtown streets (for instance around Chinatown). You’ll see the contrast between the island’s raw beauty and its urban backdrop—just like the show did.
The Timeline of Filming – A Bit of History
To give you a sense of when and how it all started:
-
Filming for the pilot of NCIS: Hawai’i kicked off on O‘ahu on June 16 2021.
-
Two days later (June 18), production was already filming at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
-
The first season wrapped filming March 19 2022.
-
The local film office documented how each high-end production like this brings hundreds of crew and background talent.
Fun Facts You Might Not Know
Here are some tidbits about the filming that are interesting:
Studio Reuse from Past Hits
The sound stage used for NCIS: Hawai’i was built originally for the reboot of Hawaii Five‑0, which ended in 2020.
So the island has a legacy of television productions, making it something of a tropical Hollywood.
Student Access & Local Involvement
Students from UM Mānoa’s Academy for Creative Media got to visit the set of NCIS: Hawai’i in November 2021, learning how location-scouting and scene logistics work.
That means the show had educational impact too.
Street Transformations for Filming
At one point, the show transformed streets in Chinatown into what looked like a “foreign country” for an episode plotline.
So what you see as “somewhere exotic” might just be Merchant Street in downtown Honolulu.
Why the Filming Location Adds Value to You, the Viewer
When you know where scenes were shot, your viewing experience changes. How?
-
You may recognize landmarks or wild scenery and feel that connection.
-
You understand the peppering of realism: that base, that beach, that city street—they’re real places.
-
You might even feel inspired to visit the place—turn your screen-watch into a travel dream.
It’s like watching a movie that invites you to step into it.
How Location Affects Production Quality
Because they filmed on real locations, the production could use actual sunlight, real weather conditions, island wind—adding subtle textures you might not notice but you feel. For example, the breeze off the Pacific, or the sound of waves behind a scene. That on-site filming ups the production value and helps immerse you.
The Trade-Offs (Yes, There Are Some)
Filming on-location in Hawai‘i isn’t cheap. Local crew costs, travel, logistics, permits—all add up. Some insiders argue that the expense of constant location shooting is part of the reason the industry is shifting.
So while it looks effortless on-screen, behind-the-scenes is a complex ballet of budgeting, scheduling, and logistics.
Final Thoughts – The Big Picture
In essence, when you’re tuning into NCIS: Hawai’i, you’re not just watching characters do detective work—you’re also being taken on a visual tour of one of the world’s most beautiful islands. From the military architecture of Pearl Harbor to the lush green valleys of the North Shore, the show uses real locations to serve story, setting, and style.
So the next time you watch an episode and think, “Wow, that beach is stunning,” you’ll know: yes—it’s real, and yes—you might be able to visit it.
Conclusion
The stunning scenery of NCIS: Hawai’i isn’t just background—it’s a character all its own. Filmed largely on O‘ahu with open-air vistas, military bases, urban streets and controlled sound stages, the production captured the spirit of Hawai‘i in a layered and credible way. Whether you’re a fan of the franchise, a travel buff, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful settings, knowing where the show was filmed enriches your viewing experience and maybe even fuels your next vacation idea. Mahalo for reading, and maybe one day you’ll say, “I walked where Tennant walked.”
