Mark Twain once described Hawaii as “the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean,” and many are likely to agree with him. The region — which became America’s 50th state in 1959 — is a favorite spot for both local and international tourists. Filmmakers and television show creators love it, too, so Honolulu and its surrounding areas are always packed with film crews eager to explore both the beauty and the culture.
For TV lovers, there is no shortage of great shows set on the islands. Thanks to the paradise-like nature of the State, productions focusing on this area tend to be colorful and full of feel-good moments, even when the general plot is meant to be dark. Each series set in Hawaii is, therefore, palatable to viewers of all ages and is likely to appeal to every single person, no matter their genre preferences.
10The White Lotus (2021-Present)
The White Lotus
The White Lotus is a sharp social satire following the exploits of various employees and guests at an exclusive Hawaiian resort over the span of one highly transformative week. As darker dynamics emerge each day, this series gradually reveals the complex truths of the seemingly picture-perfect travelers, cheerful hotel employees, and idyllic locale itself. Each season follows a new cast of characters with a greater mystery lying at the center of each new location.
Season 1 ofThe White Lotusrevolves around the unforeseen challenges that emerge whenever guests show up at the Hawaiian branch of the White Lotus hotel chain. From belongings getting washed away by the ocean waters to robberies happening in the middle of the night, there is never a shortage of drama. So good is the series that, for its first season, it was nominated for a whopping 10 Emmys.
How It Captures the Best of Hawaii
The tourism sector is one of Hawaii’s biggest revenue generators, and according to theHawaii Green Business Program, the industry made a whopping $22.5 billion in 2022 and created 172,000 jobs. In each episode of the HBO series, the interactions between the visitors and employees are detailed and thought-provoking, showing just how much the vacation experience means to each party.
And even though some things are exaggerated,The White Lotusaccurately points out the kinds of mishaps that might pop up while anyone is on vacation. Additionally, the show also excels by focusing on the architectural beauty of the resort, rather than just the landscapes, giving viewers the desire to go and experience the ambiance for themselves.Stream on Max
9Raven (1992-1993)
Raven’s protagonist, Jonathan Raven, is modeled after theaction heroes of the ‘90s. He is not only a former special forces soldier, but is also proficient in ninja arts. After years of traveling around the world, he settles in Hawaii, aiming to find his long-lost son and stay out of the radar of a shadow organization that is hunting him down.
Native Hawaiians live by the “Alohan spirit,” which means kindness, compassion, and patience at all times. The show easily captures this through Jonathan’s experiences. After feeling like an outcast in many parts of the world, he finds a peaceful home in Hawaii, and even though he faces several challenges, he is generally portrayed as a happy man. He also makes plenty of resourceful friends, highlighting the people’s warm and friendly nature.Stream on Fubo TV
8Hawaii Five-0 (2010-2020)
Hawaii Five-0is undoubtedly one of the TV reboots that arebetter than the original, as it has better characters and crisp cinematography. Like the ’80s series, the 2010 remake centers around a special task force formed to eradicate crime in Hawaii. The law enforcement unit has unlimited resources and is only answerable to the state’s governor.
As beautiful as Hawaii is, it has plenty of criminal elements. The show addresses this by featuring many criminal gangs, notably the Yakuza. According to theHawaii Star, there are over 5,000 active Yakuza members in Hawaii, with the organization having spread its wings to the state as early as the 1800s.
Besides that, the procedural honors the setting by naming each episode using the Olelo Hawai’I language. This is something fans gladly embraced and one of its episodes, “Kai eʻe,” even held the Guinness World Record for the highest-rated episode of a new show, with a whopping 19.34 million viewers.Stream on Paramount+
7North Shore (2004)
North Shorefocuses on Hawaiian native Jason Matthews as he oversees the operations at the fictional Grand Wimea Hotel in Hawaii. His work becomes harder when his former girlfriend, Nicole, is appointed as the new Director of Guest Relations. The two end up falling for each other once again, but getting back together becomes a challenge because Nicole is now engaged.
LikeTheWhite Lotus, North Shoreis mainly about the hospitality industry, showing what it takes to serve the thousands of visitors that keep popping in and out of the state. However, it beats the newer show in one particular area: the exploration of Hawaiian cuisine. The state’s culinary delights, like the Kalua Pua’a, Loco Moco, and the Haupia, are all inserted into the proceedings, giving audiences an idea of what to order if they ever go there.Not Currently Available to Stream or Purchase
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6Magnum P.I. (2018-Present)
TheMagnum P.I.reboot’s tone is similar to that ofHawaii Five-0,with the two shows also sharing a fictional universe. In it, Thomas Magnum, a former Navy SEAL, settles in Hawaii after being honorably discharged and begins working as a private investigator. Assisting him are his three former military buddies, and a former MI6 agent who later becomes his lover.
Magnum P.I.‘s strength lies in its dissection of the area’s criminal scene. There are different kinds of crimes in each episode, but they are all solved easily because of the coordination between the police and private investigators. Away from the law-breaking, the show is full of stunning views that showcase the lush forests, landmarks, and locations. Viewers are thus treated to a show that is addictive from both a storytelling and a visual perspective.Stream on Peacock
5Baywatch: Hawaii (1999-2001)
Baywatch: Hawaiiis a continuation of the originalBaywatch, which was, at one time, the most-watched television series in the world. The drama stems from the experiences of a group of lifeguards working on Hawaii’s beaches. The show is also remembered for shaping the career of one of theDCEU’s most adored actors, Jason Momoa.
Beach life is a major part of Hawaiian culture, with both the locals and tourists embracing it fully. Sadly, it comes with its own set of dangers and that’s somethingBaywatch: Hawaiigladly digs into. The show also dwells on Hawaii’s hedonistic aura. While many other American states are known for the grind, Hawaii is mainly a place where people like to relax and enjoy the best of what life has to offer. Thanks to this approach, the main characters are often deep into passionate, romp-filled relationships, partying, and dining.Stream on Peacock
4Jake and the Fatman (1987-1992)
InJake and the Fatman, former Honolulu P.D. officer and district attorney J. L. “Fatman” McCabe solves crimes together with his blithe sidekick, Jake Styles (a special investigator). In Season 1, events took place in Los Angeles, but when the originalMagnum P.I.ended, the setting was moved to Hawaii.
Fatman and Jake’s happy-go-lucky approach to crime-fighting is a reflection of the State’s casual mood. The two crack jokes regularly and never take any situation too seriously. Because of their attitude, they get to have plenty of fun while doing their jobs. Additionally, the procedural serves as a reminder of the wealth of opportunities that are present in Hawaii. Despite moving to Hawaii from another region, Fatman has no problem making money or getting new cases to deal with.Rent on Prime Video
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3NCIS: Hawai’i (2021-Present)
NCISis one of thegreatest military-themed showsever made, and it’s no surprise that it has spawned several spinoffs. The third of its offspring isNCIS: Hawai’i, which places the spotlight on Jane Tennant, the special agent in charge of Pearl Harbor’s Naval Criminal Investigative Service branch. She is said to be the first woman agent to be ever placed in charge of an NCIS field office.
Hawaii isn’t just about its hospitality. It holds military significance as it’s the place where the Pearl Harbor attacks occurred, prompting America to join World War II. By dwelling on the Naval Criminal Investigative Service’s activities, the procedural distinguishes itself from others that have used the same setting and show what life is like for military members living in an area that isn’t known for being a warzone, but for being one of the world’s most fun-filled places.
Stream on Paramount+
2Young Rock (2021-2023)
Young Rockis set in the 2030s, where wrestler-turned-actor, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is running for the office of the President of the United States. Each episode features him participating in some form of interview where he remembers his earlier years. Past events are then shown using flashbacks. Regrettably, the show’s ratings tanked by the third season, causing it to be canceled.
Johnson is strongly connected to the Hawaiian people (his mother is Samoan), and this is something that is reflected in the comedy show. Fans get to learn what his life was like living as a 10-year-old living in Hawaii. Many of the supporting characters are also based on real people that he interacted with when he was younger, and through them, audiences get a clearer picture of what life is like for the ordinary person.Stream on Peacock
1One West Waikiki (1994-1996)
One West Waikikiuses the classic template that involves two competent figures struggling to get along before going on to have a great working relationship. One of the two main characters is Holli, a former Los Angeles Coroner’s Office forensics expert now working as the Hawaiian Police Department’s medical examiner. The other is the city’s best homicide detective, Lt. Mack Wolfe.
The show is so Hawaiian that it is named after one of Honolulu’s most popular neighborhoods. Because it narrows itself down to a particular area, the procedural manages to address many issues that might be seen as tiny but are very important to the Hawaiian people. Such issues include territorial disputes and activism. Whether it’s a nefarious real estate developer attempting to grab land or the lack of inclusivity when it comes to white-collar opportunities in the area,One West Waikikidigs deep while still serving enough action sequences to keep viewers entertained.Rent on Prime Video
