The tropical allure of the classic television series Fantasy Island has drawn viewers into its world of mystery and escapism for decades, and many fans wonder where those iconic scenes were actually captured. Understanding the filming locations helps you plan a visit to see the real landscapes behind the show, whether you’re a devoted fan or simply drawn to beautiful coastal scenery.
This guide covers the primary filming locations for both the original 1970s-80s series and the 2020 horror film adaptation, with practical information on visiting these destinations, what you can realistically see today, and how to make the most of a trip inspired by the show.
Where Was the Original Fantasy Island TV Series Filmed?
The original Fantasy Island television series, which aired from 1977 to 1984, was filmed primarily at two locations in Southern California. The famous opening scenes featuring the white plane and bell tower were shot at the Queen’s Surf area in Waikiki, Hawaii for the pilot episode, but nearly all regular episodes were filmed at Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank, California and various locations around Los Angeles County.
The Iconic Bell Tower Location
The white Spanish Colonial Revival tower that became synonymous with the series still stands at the Warner Bros. Ranch facility in Burbank. This working studio lot has been used for countless productions and remains an active filming location, which means public access is extremely limited.
The ranch is not a tourist attraction with regular visiting hours, though Warner Bros. does offer studio tours that may occasionally pass by outdoor sets depending on current production schedules. You should contact Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood directly to confirm whether any Fantasy Island filming locations are included in current tour routes, as access changes frequently based on active filming.
Hawaiian Filming for the Pilot
The original pilot episode featured establishing shots filmed in Oahu, Hawaii, particularly around Waikiki and the surrounding coastal areas. These scenic opening sequences gave the series its tropical visual identity, even though subsequent episodes were shot primarily in California using sets, backlots, and local beaches dressed to resemble a fictional Pacific island.
If you visit Oahu today, the coastline retains much of its natural beauty, though the specific filming sites have changed significantly over the past four decades due to development and natural coastal evolution. The Queen’s Surf area remains accessible as a public beach park in Waikiki.
Southern California Stand-Ins
Various Southern California locations doubled for the fictional island throughout the series run. Beaches in Malibu, Santa Monica, and other Los Angeles County coastal areas were frequently used for beach and waterfront scenes, while the Burbank ranch provided the main resort settings, gardens, and Mr. Roarke’s office.
These public beaches remain accessible today, though you won’t find specific markers or plaques identifying them as filming locations. The Southern California coast has changed considerably since the 1970s and 1980s, with increased development and higher visitor numbers, particularly during summer months and weekends.
Where Was the 2020 Fantasy Island Movie Filmed?
The 2020 horror film reimagining of Fantasy Island was filmed entirely on location in Fiji, providing authentic tropical landscapes that differ significantly from the California-based television series. The production used multiple sites across Fiji’s islands to create the movie’s version of the mysterious resort.
Fiji’s Filming Locations
Principal photography took place on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, and nearby smaller islands. The production utilized existing resorts, beaches, and jungle locations to build the film’s tropical setting, though specific resort names and exact filming coordinates have not been publicly detailed by the studio.
Fiji’s tourism infrastructure makes it accessible for international visitors, with direct flights available from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and several Asian hubs. The country offers numerous resorts ranging from budget-friendly to luxury, many featuring the same type of white-sand beaches and lush vegetation seen in the film.
Visiting Fiji as a Fantasy Island Fan
While you cannot visit the exact “Fantasy Island” resort from the movie, since it was created specifically for filming using multiple locations, you can experience similar landscapes across Fiji’s island chains. Popular areas that offer comparable tropical scenery include:
- The Mamanuca Islands, known for white beaches and clear waters, located off Viti Levu’s western coast
- The Coral Coast along Viti Levu’s southern shore, featuring numerous resorts and accessible beaches
- The Yasawa Islands, offering more remote and dramatic coastal landscapes with fewer visitors
- Pacific Harbour, providing jungle and rainforest settings similar to inland scenes from the film
Fiji requires advance planning for seasonal weather patterns, as the region experiences a wet season from November through April and a drier season from May through October. Cyclone season overlaps with the wet season, and while major storms are relatively infrequent, they can disrupt travel plans when they do occur.
Planning a Visit to Warner Bros. Ranch
Visiting the actual bell tower and sets from the original series presents significant challenges since the Warner Bros. Ranch remains an active production facility. The ranch is separate from the main Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood in Burbank, which focuses primarily on soundstages, backlot streets, and exhibits related to major film and television franchises.
The standard studio tour typically does not include the ranch property where Fantasy Island was filmed. Specialized tours or VIP experiences may occasionally access ranch areas, but availability changes based on production schedules, and such tours generally come at premium prices that can exceed several hundred dollars per person.
Alternative Warner Bros. Experiences
The main Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood offers a comprehensive look at film and television production even if Fantasy Island locations are not accessible. The tour lasts approximately three hours and includes soundstages, prop departments, costume archives, and outdoor sets used for numerous productions.
Tours operate daily except for major holidays, and tickets should be purchased in advance through the official Warner Bros. website. Prices vary by tour type and season, so confirm current rates before planning your visit, as they change periodically.
Exploring Hawaiian Locations
If the Hawaiian connection to Fantasy Island appeals to you more than the California filming sites, Oahu offers abundant opportunities to experience tropical landscapes similar to those in the series’ opening sequences. The island combines accessible beaches, cultural attractions, and tourism infrastructure suitable for various budgets and travel styles.
Waikiki and Surrounding Areas
Waikiki Beach and the Queen’s Surf area where pilot footage was captured remain among Oahu’s most visited locations. The area has transformed dramatically since the 1970s, with extensive high-rise development and year-round crowds that can number in the tens of thousands during peak seasons.
Beyond Waikiki, Oahu’s coastline offers quieter alternatives with similar tropical beauty. The Windward Coast along the island’s eastern shore provides accessible beaches like Lanikai and Kailua with turquoise water and white sand, though these areas also attract significant visitor numbers, particularly on weekends.
Practical Considerations for Oahu
Oahu is the most developed and visited of Hawaii’s major islands, with excellent tourism infrastructure including abundant accommodation options, rental car services, and public transportation. However, this accessibility comes with corresponding crowds, particularly at famous beaches and attractions.
Rental car prices in Hawaii can be significantly higher than mainland U.S. rates, especially during peak travel periods. Public transportation via TheBus system offers an economical alternative for getting around Waikiki and greater Honolulu, though reaching remote beaches and attractions is more challenging without a vehicle.
Creating Your Fantasy Island-Inspired Itinerary
A trip inspired by Fantasy Island filming locations works best when combined with broader destination exploration rather than focusing exclusively on specific filming sites. Many locations are not accessible, marked, or visually recognizable from their appearance on screen.
Southern California Approach
If you choose a California-focused trip, you might combine a Warner Bros. studio tour with beach time along the Malibu or Santa Monica coastline and other Los Angeles attractions. This approach works well for visitors who want to experience Hollywood history alongside Southern California’s coastal scenery.
A three-to-five-day Los Angeles visit provides sufficient time to tour a major studio, spend time at several beaches, explore neighborhoods like Santa Monica and Venice, and potentially take a day trip to nearby attractions. Los Angeles traffic can be severe, particularly during weekday rush hours, so factor in extra travel time between locations.
Fiji-Focused Trip
A Fiji vacation inspired by the 2020 film offers more immersive tropical experiences but requires significantly more time and budget than a California trip for most North American visitors. International flights, accommodation costs, and inter-island transportation add up quickly, though budget options exist for travelers willing to stay in simpler properties and use local transport.
Most visitors find that seven to ten days provides a comfortable amount of time to experience Fiji without feeling rushed, allowing for travel days, relaxation, and activities like snorkeling, diving, or cultural experiences. Shorter trips are possible but leave less flexibility for weather delays or spontaneous exploration.
Hawaiian Middle Ground
Oahu offers a balance between accessibility and tropical atmosphere for U.S.-based travelers, with flight times and costs generally more manageable than Fiji while providing authentic Pacific island scenery. A four-to-seven-day Oahu trip allows time for beaches, cultural sites, hiking, and general exploration beyond any Fantasy Island connection.
Hawaii’s higher cost of living translates to higher prices for accommodation, dining, and activities compared to many mainland U.S. destinations. Budget-conscious travelers should research accommodation options carefully and consider condos or vacation rentals with kitchen facilities to reduce dining expenses.
What to Expect When Visiting
Managing expectations is essential when visiting filming locations, as most sites lack official recognition, dedicated facilities, or visual markers connecting them to Fantasy Island. The experience is more about appreciating beautiful destinations than recreating specific scenes or finding preserved sets.
Limited Filming Site Access
The Warner Bros. Ranch tower, while iconic, is not a tourist destination and may not be accessible even on premium studio tours. The Hawaiian and California beaches used in filming are public spaces where you can visit the general areas but won’t find specific filming location markers or Fantasy Island references.
Fiji’s filming locations for the 2020 movie similarly lack official identification, and exact coordinates were never publicly released. You’re visiting beautiful Fijian landscapes rather than a preserved movie set or themed attraction.
Focus on Destination Value
Each of these destinations offers substantial appeal beyond Fantasy Island connections. Southern California provides diverse attractions, world-class museums, excellent dining, and varied beaches. Hawaii offers unique Polynesian culture, volcanic landscapes, exceptional marine environments, and outdoor activities. Fiji delivers authentic South Pacific experiences, spectacular diving and snorkeling, and warm hospitality.
Approach your trip as an opportunity to explore these destinations comprehensively rather than solely pursuing filming locations, and you’ll have a more satisfying and enriching experience.
Before You Go
Confirm current access policies, tour availability, and entry requirements before finalizing any travel plans. Warner Bros. tour offerings and routes change based on active productions and company priorities. Hawaii and Fiji may have entry requirements, health protocols, or visa regulations that affect international visitors.
Research seasonal weather patterns for your chosen destination, as hurricane and cyclone seasons, rainy periods, and high tourist seasons significantly impact travel experiences and costs. Hotel and flight prices fluctuate based on demand, with shoulder seasons often offering better value and smaller crowds at popular attractions.
Whether you choose California’s accessible filming heritage, Hawaii’s tropical authenticity, or Fiji’s cinematic landscapes, you’ll discover that the real locations behind Fantasy Island offer their own memorable experiences. Start by deciding which destination aligns best with your interests, budget, and available time, then verify current visiting conditions through official tourism sources before you book.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to these fascinating filming destinations and make informed decisions about your trip.