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I Went In Search Of Elvis’s Hawaii — This Is What I Found

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Elvis Presley was born in Mississippi and lived in Tennessee, but for many fans, this musical legend is known as “the last Hawaiian king.” 

As Jerry Hopkins, author of Elvis In Hawai’i , states: “Elvis Presley, son of a sharecropper from Mississippi, whose Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, is the second-most visited home in the United States (behind the White House), may be the single personality most closely identified with Hawaii, excepting those who were born and raised here.”

Presley visited several times for personal vacations, but he’s best remembered for his professional appearances. He filmed three movies in Hawaii: Blue Hawaii (1961), Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962), and Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966). He also made history with several concerts. They included a benefit for the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor and the 1973 Aloha From Hawaii show, the first concert by a solo artist broadcast around the world.

Elvis’s legacy and spirit are alive and well on the island of Oahu, and music lovers can easily put together their own Elvis-themed tour. I experienced it for myself this Christmas when my husband and I put together an Elvis-focused trip for my mother, a huge Elvis fan. Based on our experiences, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

Honolulu’s Elvis Statue

The 1973 Aloha From Hawaii concert was a moment of musical history. Up to a billion people across 40 countries watched the show, a benefit for a local cancer fund honoring Hawaiian artist Kui Lee. Presley’s performance from what was then the Honolulu International Center (now the Neal S. Blaisdell Center ) was the first time a solo entertainer was broadcast live via satellite. 

In honor of this landmark event, a statue of Elvis is situated in the Blaisdell parking lot. The rendering is complete with a studded jumpsuit, guitar, and microphone. More often than not, “Elvis” has a fresh flower lei around his neck. During my visit, my family added to the blooms and left our leis on the statue’s hand and microphone.

Waikiki Beach

Visiting Honolulu’s most famous beach is an essential part of any Hawaiian visit, especially for Elvis fans. Waikiki Beach is visible in all three Hawaii-based movies Elvis took part in, and Elvis was photographed here dozens of times during personal and professional appearances. 

Waikiki Beach is much more than a gorgeous destination of surf and sand. It’s filled with rich history and culture, and this DIY walking tour of Waikiki will help you explore all the different sites. 

Ala Moana Beach Park

This loved-by-locals beach park is just a short drive from Waikiki Beach and boasts great jogging paths, tennis courts, and picnic facilities, as well as tremendous swimming and paddling conditions. Movie fans will be interested in exploring Ala Moana’s western end (at Kewalo Basin) and the eastern end (near the AlaWai Yacht Harbor), as scenes from Girls! Girls! Girls! were shot at both. 

Tantalus Lookout/Diamond Head

One of the most iconic photos from Elvis Presley’s career shows him sitting on a ledge with a ukulele in hand, a view of Diamond Head crater in the background. You can recreate the photo for yourself (or at least take in the views of Diamond Head) by driving up to the Tantalus Lookout . Take care as you go, as the route involves some sharp turns, but you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of the city. Highly recommended at sunset! 

Pearl Harbor

Taking a solemn moment to pay respects at Pearl Harbor is an essential part of any Honolulu visit, something that Elvis Presley (a U.S. Army veteran, having served from 1958 to 1960) knew well. When fundraising efforts to construct a memorial to the USS Arizona were faltering, he stepped in and staged a benefit concert in 1961. Not only did he raise significant funds, but he also raised the project’s profile, clearing the way for other fundraising efforts. The memorial remained an important site for Elvis, who returned for a personal visit years later while filming Paradise, Hawaiian Style .

Hanauma Bay Beach Park

Even if you’ve never heard of Elvis (impossible!) Hanauma Bay Beach Park should be on your Oahu travel list. This is one of Hawaii’s best snorkeling spots. The pretty area was featured in Paradise, Hawaiian Style and had a big cameo in Blue Hawaii, as Presley’s character embraced his love interest by the bay while wearing his military uniform. 

Dole Pineapple Plantation

Fans of the film Blue Hawaii will remember a scene in which Elvis takes the girls on a tour of Oahu and swings by a pineapple plantation. I can’t say for sure which pineapple plantation it is, but the Dole location is a fun place to check out. It’s the perfect spot to learn about pineapple production, try some delicious fruit, and maybe create some dreamy, movie-worthy moments of your own in the gardens.

Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center is another Oahu must-do. Visitors tour replicas of Pacific Island communities, participate in cultural lessons (like hula dancing), and enjoy traditional music. It’s an experience Elvis would be familiar with, as the location was featured in both Blue Hawaii and Paradise, Hawaiian Style . 

For photo ops, ask the staff to direct you to the spot near the Rapa Nui exhibit, under the bridge between the Samoa exhibit and the Hawaiian Mission Settlement, where there’s a famous palm tree. This is where Elvis sang a scene in Blue Hawaii .

The North Shore

Oahu’s North Shore is an amazing place to watch pro surfers hone their skills and offer incredible scenery, something the crew of Paradise, Hawaiian Style knew well. They filmed Elvis at one of the area’s most famous landmarks, the small island of Mokoli’i by the Kualoa Regional Beach Park in Walahole. In the film, it’s the setting for an important plot point that included a helicopter and a lost key. 

Listen To “Elvis” Live In Honolulu

Rock-A-Hula is a nightly Waikiki-based variety show that features a mix of popular music, Hawaiian-inspired dancing, and rock ‘n’ roll tributes. At times, it feels quite cheesy and touristy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a fun experience. “Elvis” steals the show and puts in a solid performance. All his hits are covered, and there’s a genuine effort to connect with the audience. A highlight of the show was when “Elvis” crooned Suspicious Minds while walking through the audience, offering handshakes and kisses, full of charm. Keep an eye out for a replica of the beaded Aloha From Hawaii concert jumpsuit, which is on display in the lobby. 

Stay At This Elvis-Approved Hotel

The Hilton Hawaiian Village was Elvis Presley’s hotel of choice in Honolulu. He stayed there during personal and professional trips on seven occasions. Today, the gorgeous property clocks in at 22 acres, but during Elvis’s first visit in 1957, its proportions were more modest. In fact, it wasn’t even part of the Hilton until 1961! You can absorb the many changes that Elvis witnessed at the hotel by checking out the history wall by the Tapa Tower. This detailed time capsule showcases decades of change and evolution throughout the property and Waikiki Beach (and includes three panels dedicated to you-know-who). 

For the ultimate Elvis experience, you can stay at the resort’s 2,000-square-foot King Suite in the Ali’i Tower. This is where Elvis stayed. The staff was kind enough to give me a tour of the suite, and it was an extremely moving experience. The view is absolutely stunning, the kind of drop-dead gorgeous scenery that every Hawaii vacationer dreams of. But it’s also a bit sad when you imagine how Elvis was essentially trapped by his fame. I took comfort in learning that the hotel staff obeyed a strict rule to never bother or fuss over Elvis and that he would sneak out after dark to enjoy the beach and resort amenities.

The room has one tasteful photo board memorializing Elvis’s history at the property, but if you stay here, you won’t be bombarded with rock ‘n’ roll or tons of memorabilia. I like this approach. It acknowledges Elvis’s important relationship with the room but also lets you make your visit your own.

Pro Tip: You’ll want to order a Blue Hawaii cocktail at Tropics, a popular eatery and bar on the property. This classic local cocktail actually predates the Elvis movie of the same name and was invented on site in 1957 when a sales rep from the Dutch distiller challenged head bartender Harry Yee to create a drink using their Blue Curacao liqueur. 

Check out more of our top picks for the best hotels on Waikiki Beach here .

Eat One of Elvis’s Favorite Foods At This 50s-themed Diner

Elvis Presley famously loved peanut butter and banana sandwiches (sometimes with bacon added in for good measure). You can enjoy his favorite food with a visit to the Rock Island Cafe . This 50s-themed diner invites guests to “Step back to a time when Elvis was King, Marilyn was Queen and they both drank Coca-Cola.” Menu items (mostly burgers and fast food fare) are named after celebrities, there’s a long list of soda fountain favorites, and you can feast on peanut butter and banana to your heart’s content.

Related Reading:

• Hawaii’s Forbidden Island: 11 Fascinating Little-Known Facts
• What Happens When An Elvis Fan Girl Finally Visits Graceland In Her 60s
• Elvis And Beyond: How To Spend An Amazing Day In Tupelo, Mississippi

Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning freelance writer, editor, and blogger from Canada bringing warmth and depth to travel and human interest narratives. In the industry since 2012, Vanessa coaches writers from all backgrounds, areas of focus, and experience levels on developing business strategies that support their artistic endeavors. She chronicles her cozy travel adventures at TurnipseedTravel .

The King’s last hurrah: Elvis Presley’s ‘Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite’ turns 50

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While Elvis Presley was an American icon, the rest of the world worshipped him too.

But Presley never experienced that global adulation in person. His manager Colonel Tom Parker, born in the Netherlands and residing illegally in the U.S., did not have a passport, which ultimately kept Presley from taking his wildly successful touring act of the early 1970s overseas.

“The Colonel couldn’t go and he didn’t trust anybody enough to take him over there,” said author Alanna Nash, who wrote Parker’s biography . “He was always afraid someone was going to steal Elvis from him.”

In 1972, Parker found a way to satisfy the pent-up demand of the worldwide audience — a live TV concert delivered to international broadcasters via satellite. He is said to have been inspired by the live TV images from China that viewers saw during President Nixon’s historic 1972 visit.

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On Friday, RCA Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, releases a newly remastered version of that January 1973 show — “Elvis Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite” on CD, vinyl, digital download and a Blu-ray video disc — in honor of its 50th anniversary. It’s a throwback to a pop-culture landmark and an opportunity for younger fans who became acquainted with the King through Baz Luhrmann‘s Oscar-nominated “Elvis” to experience what turned out to be the final triumph of his career.

While not as heralded as the 1968 NBC show known as “The ’68 Comeback Special,” which thrust Presley back into the contemporary music scene after a lull while he made movies, “Aloha” stands as the last recorded live performance of Presley at the peak of his powers before the downward spiral that ended with his death on Aug. 16, 1977.

“It’s really his last big hurrah,” Nash said.

There was a bit of bluster in the promotion of the event, with claims by Parker and RCA that it reached an audience of 1 billion people. Still, Presley was the first artist to carry a satellite broadcast on his own (in 1967 the BBC aired “Our World,” a program that included multiple acts including the Beatles).

Presley’s concert, held Jan. 14, 1973, at the Honolulu International Center Arena, aired live only in Asia and Oceania. It was seen in Europe the following day and did not show up in the U.S. on NBC until April 4, 1973, where it was watched by a staggering 57% of homes using television that night, according to Nielsen.

(Executives at MGM begged for the delayed U.S. broadcast as they feared it would cannibalize the moviegoing audience for “Elvis on Tour,” a documentary that was still in theaters. The concert date also conflicted with the Super Bowl.)

The concert came at a time of personal turmoil for Presley. His marriage to Priscilla Presley was over and his dependence on drugs was deepening. One reason Parker proposed the concert was to get the King out of his funk.

NBC, under the same corporate ownership as RCA Records at the time, hired veteran producer Marty Pasetta to oversee the show. As preparation, Pasetta attended a Presley concert in Long Beach. He was not impressed; Presley was pale and puffy and his onstage movements were limited.

Pasetta knew how to handle big stars. He was a seasoned master at managing big events for the small screen, having produced Oscar telecasts and presidential inaugurations. Still, he was a bit unnerved at having to confront Presley, who was accompanied by two pistol-toting bodyguards at their first meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas.

“Marty told him, ‘You’ve got to lose weight — you’ve got to move more,’” Pasetta’s widow, Elise, recalled in a recent phone interview. “Elvis had his dark glasses on. He threw them off and he came over and hugged Marty and said, ‘You’re the first person that ever told me the truth.’”

Presley went on a crash diet, aided by injections of urine from a pregnant woman, in which he was limited to 500 calories a day of dried food. By the date of the show, he looked tan, rested and ready, a sleek figure in his bejeweled white jumpsuit and cape, although Nash noted he still needed an amphetamine-infused B-12 injection before going on.

Presley also caused a slight panic with his wardrobe handlers as he gave away the ruby-encrusted belt of his costume to the wife of “Hawaii Five-0” star Jack Lord , whom he met at a rehearsal. A new one had to be made and shipped in time for the show.

Pasetta sold Presley on a set design that included a lower stage and a long runway that allowed the star to get closer to female fans, who put leis around Elvis’ neck during the performance. They got a kiss, a scarf or a perspiration-filled hankie in return, keeping the crowd in a frenzy for the full hour.

Above the stage, “Elvis” was spelled out in different alphabets, and there were flashing lights that presented an image of him swiveling with a guitar.

In Japan, anticipation of the show was so intense, the broadcast showed the Hawaii audience filing into the auditorium for more than an hour before the concert began, Elise Pasetta recalled.

The music in “Aloha” is representative of Presley’s touring show of the era — he had been on the road during much of 1972 — and his personal taste at the time. Some of the performances of rock ’n’ roll classics — his own and covers such as “Johnny B. Goode” — feel a bit obligatory, perhaps a sign that he had outgrown the music of his youth.

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Presley is far more emotionally involved in the show’s heavily orchestrated ballads, such as “My Way,” “What Now My Love,” “It’s Over” and “You Gave Me a Mountain,” which were more in the ilk of middle-of-the-road pop singers Tom Jones or Engelbert Humperdinck. The drama is turned up to 11 on “An American Trilogy,” the Mickey Newbury-arranged medley of “Dixie,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “All My Trials” that became a staple of Presley’s live show at a time when the country was weary of the Vietnam war.

Ernst Jorgensen, producer of the “Aloha” reissue and keeper of the Presley catalog for more than 30 years, acknowledged that the era is not a favorite among rock purists and critics. (“He strays into Caesar’s Palace territory,” Jon Landau wrote in Rolling Stone.)

“At that time, there was so many people who still wanted him to be rock ’n’ roll,” Jorgensen said. “He matured as an artist, and not necessarily the way that the rock generation thought you should mature.”

There are moments throughout the show that display Presley’s stylistic prowess, especially on “Steamroller Blues,” a song from James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James” album that mocked the white boy blues bands of the 1960s.

Presley delivers it with a sly smile, showing he gets the joke. Even with its absurd lyrics (“I’m a napalm bomb, guaranteed to blow your mind”), he makes the song feel authentic. It became a top-20 single.

“Elvis was at his very core a blues singer,” said Nash. “It becomes an entirely different kind of song from Elvis.”

While Presley’s live show was a well-oiled machine by this point, Jorgensen sensed a slight nervousness on the singer’s part on the program.

“He might have been somewhat overwhelmed by the event,” he said. “And the musicians say later that it didn’t really dawn on them until after the show that they’d been part of music history.”

The concert and telecast went off without a hitch. Elise Pasetta, who was backstage at the show, remembers seeing a jubilant Presley afterward. “He came walking very quickly over to me, picks me up and spins me around and said that ‘this the best time I’ve ever had,’” she said.

The double-album soundtrack of “Elvis Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite” was rushed into stores on Feb. 4, 1973, three weeks after the concert and only seven months after RCA put out Presley’s “Elvis as Recorded Live at Madison Square Garden.”

The album jacket for “Aloha” — with its illustration of a satellite beaming an image of Presley to Earth — had to be printed before the concert, without a listing of track titles. A sticker with the set list was affixed to the cover after the vinyl was pressed.

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“Aloha” steadily climbed the Billboard 200 chart and hit No. 1 in early May, sales propelled by the concert’s airing on NBC. It marked Presley’s first time on top of the album chart since 1964 and went on to sell more than 5 million copies in the U.S., further validating the career transformation that began with his comeback special.

“You see in ‘Aloha,’ even more than the ‘Comeback Special,’ a real hunger to prove that he is a relevant artist, that he has survived the psychedelic period and has come back into his own,” Nash said.

Jorgensen is pleased that the reissue presented the opportunity to remaster the recording, which he felt sounded compressed and “a bit lackluster.” Matt Ross-Spang, a Grammy-winning Memphis-based audio engineer, went to work on it, bringing out more clarity in Presley’s voice.

The new “Aloha” will satisfy Presley completists, as it includes a recording of the dress rehearsal and tracks recorded after the show used to fill out the 90-minute version of the U.S. telecast.

There appears to be no end to the reservoir of Presley content. On Aug. 15, streaming platform Paramount+ debuts a new documentary, “Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback Special,” which explores the backstory of the groundbreaking show. Director Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” a theatrical film telling the story of Presley’s marriage, is scheduled for release in October.

But the line may be drawn at Presley’s final TV special, which aired on CBS less than two months after his death (a poignant performance of “Unchained Melody” on the program is re-created in Lurhmann’s “Elvis” and uses a brief clip of the actual footage shot in June 1977, when Presley appeared overweight and clearly in poor health). The entire show has never been given an authorized video release.

“There’s no decision made on that,” Jorgensen said. “There’s been various speculations on how Lisa Marie (Presley’s daughter, who died in January) felt about it and I don’t know if that has opened up for a discussion now. It was just total heartbreak.”

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Kauai Movie Tour Adventure

$ 162.00 🕒6 Hours

A fun-filled 6-hour narrated movie tour is aboard an air-conditioned minibus movie tour on Kauai. This is a fun tour for any one movie lover or not, with an expert guided tour of Kauai’s famous movie locations.

If activity is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a 100% refund .">up to 48 hours before the activity starts ⓘ

Secure your spot while staying flexible ⓘ

• Reviews (2)

Our Kauai Movie Tour is the newest and most exciting tour, taking you on an action-packed Hawaiian Hollywood odyssey. A fun-filled 6-hour narrated movie tour aboard an air-conditioned minibus movie tour on Kauai is a unique opportunity to experience the island through Hollywood’s eyes on an expertly guided tour of Kauai’s famous movie locations. Stops at movie locations around Kauai while viewing clips of some of Hollywood’s most notable movies filmed on the island. A perfect spot has been chosen to go along with our movie theme. You will explore some of the world’s most romantic, exciting, and adventurous movie locations, and our island’s rich history will enlighten you. This unique live narrated tour with specially licensed video scenes from various movies makes this a must-do activity on Kauai.

T our Highlights:

• Ahukini Landing is a pier at the mouth of Hanamaulu Stream, where it meets the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular fishing spot, and Pagan Love Song and Donovan’s Reef were filmed here.
• Lydgate Beach is adjacent to the Wailua River and is enclosed by two rock ponds from the ocean. Elvis filmed “Blue Hawaii” as it offers a picturesque backdrop.
• Opaekaa Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades into a hidden pool below. It is 151 feet tall and 40 feet wide and featured in the “Wackiest Ship in the Army” and “Blue Hawaii.”
• Kilauea Point Lighthouse Overlook —At the northernmost tip of Kauai, the Kilauea Lighthouse is famously seen in “Lilo and Stitch” and served as a beacon for ships in the 1970s.
• Kapa’a Town is a quaint town north of Wailua on the east of Kauai, where the famous dinosaur “egg-change” occurred in Jurassic Park.
• Hanalei & Hanalei Pier —A charming town rich in history, surrounded by taro patches and art galleries, Hanalei suffered widespread and catastrophic flooding in April 2018. The flood waters eroded the land around the famous Hanalei pier, but it has been repaired recently and is as beautiful as ever.
• Transportation Available From Wailua • Kapaa • Poipu Hotels
• Duration 6 Hour

Check-in Location:

• The tour departs the first pickup location at 7:00 AM and returns at approximately 2:45 PM.

Pick Up at Various Hotel Locations Round-trip hotel transportation is included from convenient Kauai locations.

What To Bring:

• Kauai Activities E-Voucher#

Restrictions: Due to the graphic nature of Uncommon Valor, this video clip WILL NOT be shown in the presence of children under 13. Before showing the clip, all passengers will be asked if it is not acceptable for viewing, and if anyone suggests not showing it, then it will NOT be displayed. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations of tours within the 48 hours (before the activity date) will be charged at 100% of the activity cost.

2 reviews for Kauai Movie Tour Adventure

Sarah Cuneo – March 1, 2020

Our bus driver was Sam! He was funny and informative. We loved being able to see the island and movie clips from a different perspective! They also had just got new buses which were beautiful and comfortable! They also make stops for potty breaks and ample photo shoot time! I would recommend to anyone who had never visited the island! It helps give you ideas of where you might wanna go again when you’re on your own!

Molly Harley – March 5, 2016

Our guide/bus driver was Mark (aka Nui). He was fabulous. Funny, entertaining, laid back. My husband and I loved the adventure and loved Nui.

March, 2016

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50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's 'Aloha from Hawaii by Satellite' concert

HONOLULU — Saturday marks the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s “Aloha from Hawaii by Satellite” concert, a milestone anniversary that takes on special poignancy after the death of his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley , earlier this week.

The groundbreaking concert broadcast from the Honolulu International Center at 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 14, 1973, was a sold-out performance, though tickets were whatever attendees could “pay.” At a time when the term “satellite broadcast” was fairly new and the technology was still developing, it was a big deal.

“As far as I know, it was the first satellite worldwide live concert by anybody, anywhere,” said John Berger in an interview with Spectrum News Hawaii. Berger is the entertainment writer for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and co-author of the book, “Hawaii Music & Musicians,” which was published by George Kanahele in 1979, then revised and updated by Berger at the request of Kanahele in 2000, a few months before his passing.

“It was huge because it was Elvis. And it was satellite live from Hawaii,” said Berger. “This was back in the days (when) there was no internet. Telephones were still something that sat on a table or were attached to the wall. So the whole idea of satellite live was huge.

“The tickets were sold, in theory, it was for whatever you could afford to pay. So the celebrities paid the big bucks because they could and they got to sit down in front. And the story I heard was that somebody paid, some kid paid, like 99 cents, and got to sit all the way back, as far as you can get.

As Berger recalls, Eddie Sherman, the veteran columnist who wrote for Hawaii’s newspapers, was working with Elvis to benefit the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. 

Sherman “wanted it to be, like, all of Hawaii could go, anybody could go,” Berger said. “And so I think they relied on the generosity of Hawaii people. I think most people were generous, and of course, celebrities could afford to.”

Musician and songwriter Kui Lee came to Hawaii from Shanghai at a young age with his father and sisters. He moved to the U.S. performing for 10 years before returning to Hawaii, where he met the legendary Hawaii entertainer Don Ho. Lee wrote three of 12 songs on Don Ho’s 1966 album, “Tiny Bubbles.” Lee succumbed to cancer and died in 1966 at age 34. Through his column, Sherman started the  Kui Lee Cancer Fund  to assist a doctor conducting research at the University of Hawaii. Presley sang Lee’s most famous composition, “I’ll Remember You,” during the satellite concert.

Berger didn’t go to the concert, but he said Judge Peter Fong did. “Peter Fong said his parents took him to the concert at one in the morning. He was one of the people who were there.”

A dress rehearsal on Jan. 12 drew fans who stormed the HIC arena two hours before the performance began. Then Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi proclaimed Jan. 13 as “Elvis Presley Day,” to thank the singer for his contributions to the fund. In all, the rehearsal and official concert raised over $75,000 (equivalent to $457,800 in 2021) for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund.

Then-Honolulu Advertiser entertainment editor, Wayne Harada, attended the 1973 concert, and wrote in his review of the performance , “Elvis Presley received a golden crown — and a standing ovation — at the conclusion of his unprecedented satellite-live TV concert beamed to a global audience of over 1.5 billion in the wee hours of the morning yesterday. A perspiring Presley simply held the crown as he accepted the accolades — and thus, The King vanished backstage, another night’s work completed.”

The compact, hour-long performance featuring 25 songs to 6,000 Hawaii fans was televised to nearly 40 nations, according to Harada, with camera crews “on stage, in the aisles, in the audience, zooming in on Presley and breakthrough performance …”

The first-ever entertainment special to be telecast live, globally, would be expanded to a 90-minute NBC-TV special.

Harada recalled that Mayor and Mrs. Frank Fasi chose to sit further back from stage although they were provided with front-row and center seats; actor Zulu (who portrayed Kono Kalakaua on the original, long-running “Hawaii Five-O” TV series) contributed substantially to the Kui Lee fund in return for posters, pictures and other Presley mementos; and an important figure sat in the audience — Presley’s father.

Presley performances in Hawaii

Elvis Presley performed three separate times in the Aloha State. Most folks know he came to Hawaii for the 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii by Satellite” concert, as well as a benefit concert in 1961 to assist with the USS Arizona Memorial.

Presley also came to Hawaii in 1957 aboard the S.S. Matsonia on a four-day voyage from Los Angeles. He performed two shows on Nov. 10 at the old Honolulu Stadium on the corner of Isenberg and S. King streets, now known as Stadium Park. He also performed for American troops and their families at Schofield Barracks on Nov. 11.

The Nov. 11 concert was his last before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1958. He was discharged in 1960.

During the 1950s, a structure to memorialize the sailors lost in the Dec. 7, 1941, attack by Japan was being designed by Austrian-born architect Alfred Preis. But by 1960, the funds raised were still short of the needed $500,000. That’s when Presley, thanks to his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, stepped in.

Presley returned to Hawaii for a benefit concert on March 25, 1961, to raise funds to build the USS Arizona Memorial. The concert took place at the Bloch Arena (now the Neal Blaisdell Center) with 4,000 fans in attendance and Presley wearing his gold lamé suit jacket while singing 15 of his biggest hits. The concert raised over $54,000.

More importantly, the concert drew attention to the USS Arizona Memorial Fund, with financial donations coming from the public sector and private sources. President John F. Kennedy dedicated the memorial on May 30, 1962.

Three movies Elvis made in Hawaii

Elvis Presley's love for the islands and its residents also resulted in three movies filmed in the Aloha State. His most famous, “Blue Hawaii,” was shot after Presley’s 1961 concert. “Girls! Girls! Girls!” was shot in 1962, and “Paradise, Hawaiian Style” in 1966, with Presley as a helicopter pilot.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at [email protected].

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Where To Watch Elvis Aloha From Hawaii

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Elvis Presley’s iconic Aloha From Hawaii concert was a historic moment in music history, broadcast live via satellite in 1973 to over 1 billion viewers worldwide. If you’re looking to rewatch this legendary performance, you have several convenient viewing options.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: You can watch Elvis Aloha From Hawaii on physical media like DVD and Blu-ray or digitally via streaming platforms like HBO Max .

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the various ways to watch Elvis’s Aloha From Hawaii concert so you can easily access this iconic show.

Purchase the Aloha From Hawaii DVD or Blu-ray

Deluxe edition dvd/blu-ray combo pack.

The deluxe edition Aloha From Hawaii DVD/Blu-ray combo pack is the ultimate way for Elvis fans to own this historic concert film. Released in 2013 for the 40th anniversary, this set contains both the DVD and Blu-ray so you can watch the King’s iconic performance in standard or high definition.

In addition to the concert film, the deluxe edition includes some great bonus features like:

• A commemorative 48-page book featuring photos and background on the concert
• A replica concert poster from 1973
• Extended cuts of songs like “Steamroller Blues” and “Hound Dog”

This is currently the most comprehensive Aloha From Hawaii home video release. The deluxe edition typically costs around $15-20 at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. It’s a must-have for diehard Elvis enthusiasts!

Standalone DVD releases

If you just want the concert film itself, there are also standalone Aloha From Hawaii DVD releases available:

• The 40th anniversary DVD from 2013 contains just the original 73-minute film
• There’s also a DVD bundled with the Elvis: Live in Las Vegas box set
• An exclusive Target release paired the concert with the “Elvis in Concert” TV special

These options typically cost $10 or less . So they’re more affordable for casual fans who still want to be able to pop in the Aloha From Hawaii concert and watch Elvis shake up the islands with his powerhouse performance.

No matter which option you choose, watching Elvis transport an estimated 1 billion viewers to Hawaii through the power of satellite technology is an entertaining time capsule back to 1973!

Stream Aloha From Hawaii Digitally

Watch on hbo max.

Elvis fans can stream the iconic 1973 Aloha From Hawaii concert film on HBO Max. The streaming service offers the remastered version in full HD glory. Viewers can watch Elvis sing hits like “See See Rider,” “Steamroller Blues,” “Suspicious Minds,” and more with the beautiful Hawaiian backdrop.

HBO Max has an extensive Elvis movie and documentary collection in one convenient place for just $15.99 a month after a free 7-day trial.

Buy or rent through online stores

The Aloha From Hawaii concert is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, YouTube, and Google Play. Fans can buy the film in up to 4K Ultra HD quality with Dolby Vision and HDR for $19.99. Standard HD downloads typically run $14.99.

Rentals are usually $3.99 in HD. These digital options allow fans to watch Elvis’ landmark show on their devices wherever they go.

Check for Aloha From Hawaii Broadcasts

Elvis Presley’s iconic “Aloha From Hawaii” concert was broadcast live via satellite on January 14, 1973. Since then, there have been several opportunities to watch reruns and recordings of this legendary performance.

Original Broadcast

The original “Aloha From Hawaii” broadcast was viewed by over 1 billion people worldwide across 40 countries. It was the first entertainment special to be broadcast live via satellite, allowing fans across the globe to experience Elvis at the peak of his powers.

Reruns on Television

Over the years, edited versions of “Aloha From Hawaii” have aired on various television networks. Most recently, in January 2023, the concert film was shown on PBS stations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this momentous event.

Keep an eye out around Elvis milestones and anniversaries for potential reruns on stations like PBS, TCM, MTV, and music channels.

Streaming Online

“Aloha From Hawaii” is currently available to stream on demand via several major platforms:

• HBO Max – Included with subscription
• Amazon Prime Video – Available to rent/buy
• YouTube – Various recordings uploaded

The full concert is also available on DVD and Blu-Ray if you prefer a hard copy to stream at home.

In Theaters

To celebrate Elvis’ birthday in 2022, Fathom Events organized special showings of “Aloha From Hawaii” in select movie theaters across America. Keep an eye out around January 8th for potential annual screenings of this legendary show.

We may also see additional theatrical releases timed to future significant Elvis anniversaries.

Watch Video Clips Online

Elvis fans who want to relive the magic of his iconic 1973 “Aloha From Hawaii” concert have several options to watch video clips and full-length footage online. Here are some great places to view this legendary performance:

YouTube has many clips and partial footage from the “Aloha From Hawaii” concert available to watch for free. Some channels, like Elvis Presley’s official YouTube channel , offer high-quality officially released content.

While full footage of the concert is not available due to copyright reasons, fans can still enjoy extended highlights and songs like “Steamroller Blues,” “What Now My Love,” and “Suspicious Minds.” The electrifying entertainment and Elvis charm shine through even in short clips.

Official Elvis Sites

Elvis Australia , run by respected Elvis expert David Troedson, features clips from the concert and DVDs/Blu-Rays for sale. ShopElvis sells the Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite DVD so fans can watch the show in its entirety.

These official Elvis sites offer high-quality concert footage and fun memorabilia every diehard fan will appreciate.

Television and Streaming

Periodically, television channels like MTV air “Aloha From Hawaii” footage. Entertainment websites like Crackle have also hosted the show online.

And there’s always a chance the concert may return to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video in the future.

So be sure to check online TV listings and your favorite streaming hubs for chances to watch Elvis wave that famous red scarf in Hawaii all over again!

Experience Live Elvis Tribute Concerts

Seeing an Elvis tribute artist perform live in concert is an incredible way to celebrate the music and memory of the King of Rock and Roll. Tribute artists work hard to emulate Elvis’s iconic voice, charismatic stage presence, and flashy jumpsuit style.

From Las Vegas showrooms to local venues, you can find talented performers paying homage to Elvis’s different eras, from his early rockabilly days to his later Elvis in Concert years.

Some top Elvis tribute shows feature multiple tribute artists together on one stage, allowing you to see interpretations of both young and mature Elvis. Backing bands with guitar, bass, drums, piano, horns and backup singers further recreate the sounds of Elvis’s hits and concert albums.

Lights, costumes, choreography and even archived Elvis imagery on display screens enhance the concert experience.

Major destination venues for Elvis tribute shows include the Legends in Concert theater in Las Vegas, which features Elvis tribute artist Victor Trevino, Jr. Channels like The Elvis Presley Channel also offer Elvis concert live streams.

Tribute festivals occur annually in locations closely associated with Elvis history, like the Elvis Memphis Festival and the Elvis Week celebration in Memphis around the anniversary of his passing.

Of course, Hawaii holds special meaning in Elvis’s career as the location where his iconic “Aloha from Hawaii” TV concert special was filmed live. Relive a bit of that magic by catching a show from Hawaiian Elvis tribute artist Cody Ray Slaughter at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Legends in Concert Theater .

With Slaughter’s reverent take on Elvis island style, it makes for the perfect Elvis tribute experience with an aloha spirit.

For the ultimate fan experience, VIP packages let you meet Elvis tribute artists after shows, take photos with them, and get autographs. No matter which talented Elvis impersonator you see, their heartfelt performances and vocal acrobatics will transport you back in time.

As Elvis famously said, “I’ll never sound better than I do right now”, and hearing today’s top tribute artists proves his point beautifully.

Elvis Presley’s Aloha From Hawaii concert was a groundbreaking pop culture event still beloved by fans today. With multiple options to purchase the concert video or stream it online, plus the chance to watch tribute acts perform Elvis classics live, you have everything you need to relive the magic of this historic 1973 performance.

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Jane Smith is a Hawaii resident and author born and raised on the island of Oahu. Her Hawaiian heritage shines through in her writing, infusing it with the Aloha spirit and local flavor.

Jane draws inspiration from the tropical island lifestyle - outrigger canoeing at sunrise, beach picnics, hiking to hidden waterfalls. Her works immerse readers in the beauty and culture of Hawaii.

An avid surfer since childhood, Jane often wakes early to catch waves along the North Shore. She also enjoys practicing Hawaiian crafts like lei-making, lauhala weaving, and kapa cloth printing.

When not writing or adventuring outdoors, you can find Jane sipping mai tais at the local tiki bar, listening to ukulele music at the night market, or cooking up a big pot of stew at home.

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Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii

A 1973 concert by Elvis Presley taped at the Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. This was the first program to ever be beamed around the world by satellite. A 1973 concert by Elvis Presley taped at the Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. This was the first program to ever be beamed around the world by satellite. A 1973 concert by Elvis Presley taped at the Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. This was the first program to ever be beamed around the world by satellite.

• Marty Pasetta
• Elvis Presley
• James Burton
• Jerry Scheff
• 32 User reviews
• 3 Critic reviews

• Self - Band Member
• Self - Backing Singer
• (as Estelle Brown)
• (as Sylvia Shemwell)
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia The show was aired in over 40 countries, and was seen by 1.5 billion viewers. It's still today the most watched entertainment show with only one performer.

Elvis Presley : Thank you very much. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you ladies and gentlemen! Good evening, and uh... I hope you enjoy our show tonight. We're gonna try to do all of the songs that you wanna hear.

• Alternate versions The Lightyear DVD is missing three songs, "Johnny B. Goode", "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "I Can't Stop Loving You". The songs were up for renewal at the time of release and could not be included. The songs are restored on later releases.
• Connections Edited into Elvis: The Ultimate Live Collection (2005)
• Soundtracks C.C. Rider Written by Ma Rainey Performed by Elvis Presley

User reviews 32

• jcolyer1229
• May 3, 2010
• April 4, 1973 (United States)
• United States
• Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - Deluxe Edition
• Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii, USA
• Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE)
• Pasetta Productions
• RCA Record Tours
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $2,500,000 (estimated)

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• Runtime 1 hour 27 minutes

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Elvis loved Hawaii. Walk a mile (or two) in his blue suede shoes to visit his favorite spots

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - With the summer blockbuster “Elvis” smashing the box office in June, a new generation of fans is experiencing the legacy of the King of Rock and Roll.

Elvis Presley was, and remains, beloved worldwide. While the new biopic explores his impact on shaping the early days of Las Vegas’ nightlife, it skims over his affinity for the Hawaiian islands .

On one of his earlier trips to Hawaii, Presley sent a telegram to Honolulu Star-Bulletin expressing his excitement to experience “Hawaiian hospitality” on his visit. His relationship with Hawaii only strengthened after his first trip in 1957.

Presley went on to star in three films set on the islands and serenaded local fans at multiple live concerts.

Decades later, fans can trace Presley’s steps to see the Hawaii he fell in love with.

Tantalus Lookout, Oahu

One of Presley’s most iconic photos from Hawaii is him on a ledge, ukulele-in-hand, with an aerial view of Diamond Head over his shoulder.

While the cityscape has since grown, a drive up to Tantalus lookout offers a surreal view over urban Honolulu, and a chance for a photo op with the majestic mountain in sight.

Hanauma Bay Beach Park, Oahu

Fans will remember Presley’s character embracing his fictional love interest, Maile Duval, on the shores of the bay wearing his military uniform in “Blue Hawaii.” It also featured in his flick, “Paradise, Hawaiian Style,” in 1966.

Nowadays the bay’s reefs are a popular spot for snorkeling.

Blaisdell Center, Oahu

Once the Honolulu International Center, the complex housed Presley’s iconic “Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii” TV special in 1973. It was a trailblazing event broadcasted via satellite and was seen by 1.5 billion people in over 40 countries, according to IMDb .

The show’s profits all purportedly went to the Kui Lee Cancer Foundation.

Visitors can spot the grand statue of Presley, immortalizing the performance, standing outside the arena today.

Pearl Harbor, Oahu

Many recognize the USS Arizona Memorial, but it was completed, in part, due to funds and attention from Presley’s benefit concert at Pearl Harbor’s Bloch Arena in 1961, this Honolulu Star-Advertiser article explores .

Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu

The King famously explored the attraction in both “Blue Hawaii” and “Paradise, Hawaiian Style.”

Visitors today can still take boat tours around the various life-sized replicas of ancient Pacific Island communities.

The center also features interactive activities, such as hula lessons, that are unique to the numerous cultures on display.

Hilton Hawaiian Village, Oahu

Presley preferred to lodge at the hotel during his stays.

Visitors can get lost in the various shops and boutiques at this Waikiki hotspot.

Rock Island Cafe, Oahu

After tracing the King’s footsteps, you’ll likely be hungry. Rock Island Cafe preserves the era’s zeitgeist with memorabilia plastered along the walls and old-school tunes blaring through this 1950s-themed eatery.

Kuhio Highway, Kauai

One of the main highways on the island of Kauai, Presley drove down the stretch in “Blue Hawaii.”

The highway covers around half of the island and offers breathtaking views of the sea and landscapes of the Garden Island.

Coco Palms Resort Hotel, Kauai

The historic hotel was featured in “Blue Hawaii.” While it was destroyed by a hurricane in the 90s and remains closed, visitors can take a dip in nearby sapphire-hued waters.

Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa, Maui

Some scenes of “Paradise, Hawaiian Style” were set at this active luxury resort.

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Elvis and Coco Palms lovers will be... - Hawaii Movie Tours

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As we saw various spots, a clip of a movie filmed there was shown by our guide Kaleo. He was a very... read more

Lots of movie locations on one Island, so interesting. It wasn't cancelled even though there were... read more

Elvis and Coco Palms lovers will be thrilled

We rented a car but wouldn't have known that so many of the lovely beaches we found were used in the movies. Our guide was a native Hawaiian and the driver made it even more interesting. I am not a great Elvis fan but knew about the Coco Palms and had driven by it before the tour. I thought maybe it was haunted - maybe it is. It is such a shame to have such a beautiful place filled with history, not being used. We also went to a few areas that we never would have ventured to by ourselves. The van has large windows for viewing and only holds small groups which makes it like an individual excursion. Everything on Kauai is on the expensive side so it was a fairly reasonable cost.

There were 7 in our group alone us on this tour, and two other young men who must have wondered what they were in for when they saw us. We were picked up at our hotel and taken to the office. We are all Elvis fans, so the Coco Palms was a highlight for us. What a shame its taken so long for someone to tidy the place up. We met Larry there and he taught us to Hula - that was fun. The whole tour was a delight and eye opener. Jurassic Park gates was a great bumpy ride, but awesome scenery. Next time I'll do the other tour, so I can go to the top of the island. Thanks to the staff, Guy the driver and Bev who was learning the ropes. We had a fun day.

We were pleasantly surprised to find the 4 x 4 tour took us to several places we had not "bothered" to visit on several trips to Kauai. The 4 x 4 tour covers the central coast around Kapa'a plus a trip up Wailua Canyon where the highlight is the location of the Jurassic Park "gates" scene. We were picked up from our Po'ipu resort and taken to checkin in Kapa'a. Seven of us boarded a 4 x 4 van. Film clips from a number of movies shot on Kauai were played on a tv in the van. We visited locations of Blue Hawaii, Jurrassic Park, Flight of the Intruder, Hawaii,...... Our tour guide, Guy, did a nice job pointing out the many, many locations and a ton a trivia about each area and film. Some of the spots like Wailua Falls would be easy enough to reach on one's own, but certainly the small van and expert driving by buy made even those spots more pleasant. The trip up to the Jurassic Park gates sight was certainly more fun with him driving. The tour stopped at the soon to be restored Coco Palms Hotel. It is most famous for the Elvis wedding scene from Blue Hawaii. This stop is a great example of a good tour guide adding depth and breadth to what otherwise looks like "just an abandoned" resort. I would recommend this trip for first time visitors and particularly if you're only on the Kauai for a few days. You see a lot! Unless your teen is an old movie buff or you have younger kids, I don't think this is their idea of fun...I don't think it's a good family trip. The "coastal" tour overlaps a bit with the 4 x 4 tour but goes north towards Hanalei instead of up the canyon. Lunch is included on both tours at Lyngate Park (it's a sandwich from Foodland). Bathroom stops are available at several stops on the tour. We actually did this tour a few years ago and wanted to get better photos. We were pleasantly surprised to find the same office person and the same guide still working for the company. We found that tourist companies with long time employees generally give a better account of themselves... tours, restaurants, resorts, local stores. For the right couple, this is a nice activity.

Our favorite pastime is going to the movies on weekend (although it costs 18$ for a ticket). I do not have negative opinion on this tour at all for we did not rent a car in Kauai. Before coming to Kauai, I watched my video "Blue Hawaii", "Hawaiian Paradise" and "Jurassic Park". It was good preparation for this tour. Although I did not hear explanation of new movie "Tropic thunder", enjoyed watching videos in a van. For Japanese tourists, Japanese brochure consist of 8 pages were prepared. It was very informative. Home made turkey sandwich was not bad. Anini beach was good place for lunch. I enjoyed singing Puff in a van as we were accustomed to sing karaoke. I recommend this tour for movie fan and tourists who do not drive in Kauai.

Hawaii Movie Tours was somewhat interesting, but a far cry from similar tours offered in other locales such as San Francisco. Hawaii Movie Tours is fairly expensive for what you get, and WAY too much of the tour is devoted the the abandoned and decrepit Coco Palms hotel....if you are a big Elvis fan, you might find this interesting, but they spend too much time there. Our tour guide talked a lot about the destruction wrought on the island by Hurrican Iniki back in 1992. But beware of stories passed as fact - our tour guide decribed to us that Iniki was spawned by the remnants of Hurrican Andrew that wreaked havon on South Florida, but in fact, Iniki and Andrew were not related at all. See the National Hurricane Center web site for details. Because our tour guide was wrong about Iniki, it made us wonder what other tales she may have spun. Also, the tour focuses so much on Elvis films, that other films made on Kauai are ignored or only touched upon briefly. You are provided with a simple list of movies filmed there, with very little discussion about this lengthy list, and very few stops at actual filming locations. Yes, they will take you to the beach where brief segments of the pilot for Gilligan's Island was filmed, but the SS Minnow is long gone and with development in the area, it is difficult to visualize how it must have looked in the early 1960s. Lunch is provided, but it's just a home-made sandwich, a bag of chips, and a canned drink. Knowing what I know now, I would not have taken this pricey tour. Elvis fans may find it entertaining and enlightening, but everyone else should be warned that it is weak in it's coverage of all other films, and probably not worth the money and your limited time on this beautiful island. You'd be better off exploring on your own.

This movie location tour was the highlight of my trip by far! It was SO INFORMATIVE and FUN! My husband and I both enjoyed it immensely! I read the bad reviews on this web site AFTER I had paid for my tour, so I was already committed to going, but I had a little bit of concern about following through with it. I am happy to report that NONE of the bad things mentioned in the previous reviews were a reality on my tour! Yippee! We had an EXTREMELY knowledgeable guide named Melanie. She was enthusiastic, entertaining, energetic, informative, professional, open to questions, and very funny! Not only did she never repeat herself, she gave us so much interesting information that I couldn't possibly remember it all! That girl has really done her research! Specifically, she knew so much about the Coco Palms resort (the history, as well as the reasons why it hasn't been renovated), that even though the place is a shambles, I very much enjoyed seeing it! Her talk motivated me to want to do more research on my own! The ride was pleasant, too. The longest we ever went without getting out of the van was about 30 minutes, and we never backtracked at all. I will agree with the previous reviewer that some of the movie clips are old ones, but there were plenty of recent ones, too. The clips are simply an overview of films that have been made on Kauai, old and new alike. One clip that I really enjoyed, and can't imagine seeing anywhere else, is a clip that the company received from Bob Denver himself. It's from the pilot show for Gilligan's Island. Very interesting! It is true that we could have driven to most of the locations on our own, however, we learned a lot of new information from Melanie that we would never have learned if we hadn't taken the tour. Plus it was fun to be with other movie enthusiasts. We made some new friends. It was a delightful day for me, but I will say that my husband did feel a little bit queasy from the motion of the van. I felt fine, but he has a VERY high susceptibility to motion sickness. This tour was well worth the money we paid for it! We will definitely recommend it to our friends!: )

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Find Elvis Locations in Hawaii

There is no question: Elvis loved Hawaii and the people of Hawaii loved Elvis. For pretty much his entire professional career Elvis visited Hawaii, both to perform and to also vacation with his family and friends. If you are an Elvis fanatic, like so many millions around the world still are, then you can incorporate some fandom homage during your holidays in Hawaii .

History of Elvis in Hawaii

Elvis first visited Hawaii in 1957 for three performances, including one at Schofield Barracks to entertain the troops and their families. In 1961, Elvis returned for a benefit concert to raise money for the building of the Arizona Memorial.

From then on (between 1961 and 1966) Elvis made three movies in Hawaii.

These included Blue Hawaii in 1961, Girls! Girls! Girls! in 1962 and Paradise Hawaiian Style in 1966.

Perhaps the greatest Elvis performance in Hawaii, however, was his live concert in 1973 called Aloha from Hawaii. The concert was delivered to millions around the world via satellite.

Elvis Movie and Events Locations Around the Islands

Aloha from Hawaii (1973)

Live from Honolulu and beamed to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, South Vietnam, the Phillipines, and later, over 30 European countries. (It aired in the US and UK around 3 months later, oddly enough.)

Blue Hawaii (1961)

This was Elvis first motion picture and, in some cases, the first time many parts of the world saw the beautiful images of Hawaii. Locations included: Ala Moana Beach Park, Waikikik Beach, Hanauma Bay, the southeast Oahu coastline, and pineapple fields of the island center. The Hilton Hawaiian Village (then the Kaiser Hawaiian Village Hotel) also appeared in the film.

Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962) 

Great locations included: Paradise Cove (in the time before the Koolina Lagoons), the old Bumble Bee Seafood Plant near Waikiki Beach, and Ali Wai Yacht Clube.

Paradise Hawaiian Style (1966)

Locations included: The Sheraton Maui, Hanalei Bay Beach Park on Kauai, Waimea Canyon and the Polynesian Cultural Center back on Oahu.

Elvis is Still Alive in Hawaii

Today, there is an entire tourist niche that thrives in Hawaii that offers movies tours. The Hawaiian Islands have been the backdrop for many movies throughout the years. During your Hawaiian holiday you can easily book a movie tour on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Big Island. You still have the chance to see the places that were so very special to Elvis and experience film history.

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Elvis: Tracing the King’s Footsteps

Hawaii, elvis-style.

By Connie Maria Westergaard

Elvis has done it all in the Five-O state, from making three movies to telecasting the first-ever concert to a worldwide audience. The King loved Hawaii . So why not let Elvis be your tour guide to the island of Oahu?

When you arrive on the Hawaiian island of Oahu in Honolulu International Airport, you should know that on March 25, 1961, Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, arrived on the very same spot prior to giving a benefit concert for the memorial fund for the 1,102 sailors who died on the USS Arizona in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

At the airport, he was greeted with flower leis by 3,000 Hawaiian fans.

Stay in style

Post-arrival take a taxi or shuttle bus to Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki . Elvis stayed at this luxurious hotel resort for most of his visits. On his first trip to Hawaii on November 9, 1957, he stayed in room 14A.

He also held several press conferences here, in the Carousel Room on 10 November 10, 1957, and again on 25 March 25, 1961, and in the Rainbow Rib Room on November 20, 1972. It was also his base in Hawaii while filming Girls, Girls, Girls in 1962.

Hilton Hawaiian Village is home to today’s famous Friday night firework show over Waikiki Beach. On several occasions, The King also stayed at the Ilikai Hotel, adjacent to the Hilton. He stayed here while filming Paradise, Hawaiian Style in 1965 and again while on vacation in 1968 and 1969.

Pearl Harbor and the King

Start your vacation on the island of Oahu with a visit to the historic Pearl Harbor Naval Base, located just outside downtown Honolulu. In the early morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941 – a date that will live in infamy – Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.

The fatal attack hit America right in the heart, and it was due to this attack that the United States a few days later declared war on Japan and Germany and officially entered World War II.

Elvis, who enlisted in the United States Army himself and was on active duty from 1958 to 1960, gave a benefit concert in Pearl Harbor’s Bloch Arena on March 25, 1961, to raise money for a memorial for his countrymen killed on the USS Arizona – one of the eight battleships which were either sunk or damaged during the attack.

Elvis performed alongside a number of fellow American and local Hawaiian artists before 4,000 people. The concert raised more than $54,000. You can see the result of the donation at the beautiful and moving USS Arizona Memorial above the sunken battleship in Pearl Harbor.

Years later, while he was filming Paradise, Hawaiian Style Elvis came back to visit the memorial and pay his respects to those who lost their lives. You can spend a whole day at Pearl Harbor with or without a personal guide.

Watch a documentary film at the theater, visit the exhibit galleries, the bookstore, and the amazing Pacific Aviation Museum, and walk onboard the Missouri battleship or inside the USS Bowfin submarine.

Elvis is not as present in Honolulu and Waikiki as one might expect. But you will find traces of him in a few places. Stop by the Hard Rock Café in Waikiki and see Hawaii Five-O actor Jack Lord’s guitar, which his good friend Elvis used to play.

Another awesome sight –- although it has no relation to The King — is the huge wave of guitars across the wall and ceiling.

Between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu is AlaMoana Park –- a public park and stretch of sandy beach, which you might recognize from some of the scenes in Blue Hawaii.

At the western end of AlaMoana Park is the Kewalo Basin and at the eastern end, not far from Hilton Hawaiian Village, is the AlaWai Yacht Harbor. Both places were used as movie locations in Girls, Girls, Girls.

If you fancy a whole lot of shopping, walk across the road from AlaMoana Park to AlaMoana Shopping Center — the world’s largest outdoor shopping center with 290 stores.

Other scenes from Blue Hawaii were shot near Diamond Head Lighthouse on Diamond Head Road at the far eastern end of Waikiki. The original lighthouse was built in 1899, whereas the lighthouse of today dates back to 1917. Diamond Head is an extinct volcano and is perfect for a scenic hike overlooking Waikiki.

Downtown Honolulu

In Honolulu, there are two sights you want to see if you are an Elvis fan. The first one is the Punchbowl Crater , which is a so-called tuff cone of another extinct volcano. The crater is now the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific .

Around the crater are the nine-mile scenic Round Top Drive and Tantalus Drive. More scenes from Blue Hawaii were shot here, and the view of Honolulu from the top is fantastic. Try to be up here at sunset. The view of the city lights coming on is amazing.

The second sight is located just outside the Neal Blaisdell Center -– the former Honolulu International Convention Center — where Elvis’ famous Aloha from Hawaii concert took place on January 14, 1973. It is a life-size bronze statue of Elvis erected in 2007 on the 30th anniversary of his death.

You will find the statue near the box office facing Ward Avenue. Aloha from Hawaii was the world’s first concert telecast worldwide. Millions of people in 40 countries watched as Elvis wrote history.

The day before the concert the mayor of Honolulu declared 13 January 1973 to be Elvis Presley Day.

Tour the island with The King

Do you remember the scenes in Blue Hawaii, when Elvis’ character takes the girls on a guided tour of Oahu island? One of his stops is a pineapple plantation.

It is not really known which one he is supposed to have stopped at, but a good place for you to stop is Dole Pineapple Plantation located approximately in the center of the island.

Here you can see pineapples in all shapes and sizes and taste just about anything with a pineapple flavor from sweets and pies to chocolate and ice cream. The ice cream is delicious.

The next stop on your island tour should be the Polynesian Cultural Center on the northern shore. The Center is a large theme park showcasing seven different Polynesian cultures through a living outdoor museum.

Inside, near the Rapa Nui exhibit, under the bridge between Samoa and the Hawaiian Mission Settlement is a famous palm tree, where Elvis supposedly shot a scene singing in Blue Hawaii. Many of the scenes from Paradise, Hawaiian Style were also shot inside the Center.

Continue down the eastern shore to Kualoa Regional Beach Park in Walahole. From here you will get a great view of the small island of Mokoli’i – also called Chinaman’s Hat because of its shape.

The island is the backdrop from Paradise, Hawaiian Style. Notice one particular helicopter scene about a lost key next time you watch it.

Further along the coast on your way back to Honolulu and Waikiki, you can stop at several other movie locations from Blue Hawaii such as Kaneohe, Makapu’u Point, and Lighthouse as well as Hanauma Bay, where some of the early beach scenes from the movie were shot.

Aloha from Hawaii!

The trip to Oahu was conducted with the assistance of the Oahu Visitors Bureau. For more information about Oahu go to www.gohawaii.com/oahu

Useful links:

Hilton Hawaiian Village: www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com

Ilikai Hotel: www.ilikaihotel.com

Pearl Harbor: www.nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/index.htm

Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu: www.hardrock.com/

AlaMoana Park: www1.honolulu.gov/

AlaMoana Shopping Center: www.alamoanacenter.com

Diamond Head: www.hawaiistateparks.org/

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific: www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/nmcp.asp

Neal Blaisdell Center: www.blaisdellcenter.com

Polynesian Cultural Center: www.polynesia.com

Elvis in Hawaii: www.elvisinhawaii.com

General Oahu Movie Locations Drive: http://www.discoveringhawaii.com

Elvis’ Sideburns Explained

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4 thoughts on “ Elvis: Tracing the King’s Footsteps ”

How many hours or days takes to visit all the places Elvis was? Can you do it in one day? Where do you suggest to start the trace of Elvis in Honolulu?

If Hard Rock Cafe isn’t open right now, check out the similarly named Rock Island Cafe on Waikiki which has a great collection of memorabilia on display, including a larger-than-life statue of Elvis and Marilyn on their front lanai, and an Elvis fortune teller booth.

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Elvis Presley Finally Arrives in 4K With Paramount's Excellent 'Blue Hawaii' (Review)

By Daniel S. Levine - November 15, 2022 03:09 pm EST

While Elvis Presley 's films of the 1960s may not be examples of high cinematic art, they are perfect for the high-quality home video formats we have today. The Technicolor photography pops and Elvis' iconic songs sound crystal clear thanks to the available sound systems. That's why it's surprising that it took so long for any of these films to reach the 4K UltraHD format. Blue Hawaii , easily Elvis' most famous movie from the decade, is the perfect choice to get the treatment. 

Blue Hawaii , like many of Elvis' films from this period, does not have a deep plot. Presley stars as Chadwick "Chad" Gates, who is returning home from his Army service. While his parents ( Angela Lansbury  and Ronald Winters) want him to stay in the family business, Chad just wants to hang out on the Hawaii beaches with his girlfriend, Malie Duval (Joan Blackman). He eventually realizes that he can't be lazy for the rest of his life, so he decides to become a tour guide. 

While this plot is as simple as it gets, an understanding of where Elvis was at this period of his career, both professionally and personally, as well as 1960s pop culture, can bring a greater appreciation of the final product. Producer Hall B. Wallis (whose incredible career included everything from Casablanca and The Adventures of Robin Hood to many of Elvis' other '60s hits) understood exactly how to craft a film to please audiences. While we may think of today's blockbusters as over-engineered to become "four-quadrant" hits, Blue Hawaii is an example of that kind of thinking years before today's soulless $200 million products. Wallis, director Norman Taurog, and writers Hal Kanter and Allan Weiss developed a film that would appeal to everyone in a theater. Many who saw this film could understand what it was like to come home from Army service, while parents could see themselves in Chad's parents who were frustrated by their son's search for meaning. Elvis fans got their fill of The King singing a slew of classics, including the immortal " Can't Help Falling In Love ."

Since Blue Hawaii is only Elvis' second musical-comedy since he came back from the Army, Elvis is still clearly enjoying himself in front of the screen. His charisma comes forth in every scene. Even when he doesn't have any dialogue in a shot, it's hard to look away from him. He may have had no professional acting training, but he naturally knew how to work in front of the camera. His supporting cast is also an excellent collection of 1960s character actors. His leading lady, Joan Blackman, gives a charming performance as well. Jenny Maxwell is also the standout among the young girls Elvis takes on a tour of Hawaii.

This is not only Blue Hawaii 's first 4K Ultra HD release. It is also the film's first Blu-ray release! For some unknown reason, Paramount never released Elvis' most popular 1960s film in the format before. This is likely why Paramount included a Blu-ray disc with this set, unlike some of its other recent 4K releases. (For example, Fatal Attraction 's recent 4K release doesn't include a Blu-ray.) Unfortunately, the only extras are a new commentary track from historian James L. Neibaur, a photo slideshow, and the trailer. Neibaur's excellent track makes up for the lack of a documentary or any interviews with the surviving cast. Still, it would be nice to see more about the songs and the film's influence. This release also only includes a 5.1 sound mix, with no option to switch to a restored original mono track. (It would also have been really cool if another, lesser Paramount Elvis movie was included as a bonus, but that might be too much to ask.)

Blue Hawaii is a wonderful example of what made Elvis so appealing and how he remained a superstar even after his days at Sun Records. Paramount's new release of the film, under the Paramount Presents  line, will hopefully lead to more '50s and '60s widescreen Technicolor classics on 4K in the future. The release also comes at a great time, as Baz Luhrmann's Elvis has reinvigorated interest in Presley. If you want to see why Elvis remains a fascinating figure to this day, Blue Hawaii is a good place to start.

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Elvis Presley in 1970 / Tzali, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Elvis Presley's Special Love with Hawaii

June 30, 2023

Shaka Guide

Listen to audio sample:

Hawaii and the island of Kauai have tons of  history lessons! However, for the next few minutes, why don’t we talk about a man that had a huge impact on Hawaii’s influence around the world. Can you guess? Here's a hint… a hunk a hunk of burning love…

That’s right, none  other than the legendary Elvis Presley! Elvis had a special love for Hawaii. With his music, films and concerts, he introduced Hawaii into every American home and beyond, from the mid 1950s through the 1970s. His closest friends said that there were only two places where Elvis felt at home - Memphis and Hawaii.

From a 2017 blog post on  Graceland.com : “Elvis loved the beauty of Hawaii and the state’s laid-back atmosphere so much that he brought it home to Graceland. The lush greenery, peaceful waters and island feel fueled Elvis to redecorate the den at Graceland – a room we know today as The Jungle Room. Not only did it become a favorite place to hang out, but Elvis also recorded music in that room, too.”

He first vacationed in Hawaii in November 1957, and truth be told, he was smitten with this tropical paradise. He was so inspired; he filmed three movies here, starting with “Blue Hawaii”  in 1961. The movie Blue Hawaii was the first major motion picture to showcase Kauai. This touched off a wave of paradise frenzy. Suddenly tropical floral prints, ukuleles, hula skirts and flip flops became the rage.

Along with the movies, the king of rock and roll wrote and performed a number of Hawaiian-inspired songs. His most famous are “Blue Hawaii” and “the Hawaiian wedding song.” These were off-the-chart blockbusters. He also introduced Aloha Oe  into mainstream America. 

Elvis, in his love for Hawaii, also gave back big time. In 1961, Elvis’ manager read about the struggling campaign to raise funds for a Pearl Harbor Memorial for the USS Arizona. They learned that the memorial had only raised about $150,000 of the necessary $500,000 to build the memorial. It was natural for Elvis to help, since he was also a patriot who genuinely believed in the cause.

In march 1961, Elvis  held a benefit concert for the memorial with 4,000 in attendance. He was in peak form in his shiny gold sparkle jacket with silver sequined lapels. And he finished the show with a rollicking version of Hound Dog, and at the song’s end, slid across the stage on his knees.  The  15-song concert was among the longest of his careers. The benefit brought in $60,000 ($5,000 donated from Elvis himself). With all the publicity, soon after, money began to flow in. They met their goal of $500,000  just six months later. Today, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Oahu welcomes more than a million visitors a year. Partially thanks to the king of rock and roll... Elvis Presley.

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It continues in our Poipu and Koloa Tour!

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In the steps of Elvis- your own Blue Hawaii Experience

In the steps of Elvis- your own Blue Hawaii Experience by Kate Blake Admin Aerotravelplus and iCruise.com agent

The 1961 classic film Blue Hawaii starring Elvis Presley stands out from other beach movies of the era because it was filmed on location in Hawaii. Hawaii had just begun really growing as a tourist destination with daily flights from the mainland bringing tourists to Honolulu to experience the south Pacific they had heard so much about from GIs who had been through there or stationed there during World War II and beyond.

Here is Elvis being kind of a jerk to his girlfriend who meets him at the airport with a lei courtesy of Waihila played by Hilo Hattie. Hattie is the same woman whose name graces the fun Hilo Hattie Hawaiian clothing shops  http://www.hilohattie.com/pages/store-locations  which can be found on Maui, Kauai and in Honolulu at the Ala Moana Mall.

When you reserve a Hawaii hotel and cruise combo with iCruise.com , HawaiiCruiseOutlet.com and WMPH Vacations- you will be met by a greeter who will drape you with a lei upon landing at the airport! Your greeters then take you to baggage claim and your driver who will take you to your hotel. Upgrade your hotel experience to the Hilton Hawaiian Village and you will walk in the steps of Elvis! This landmark hotel has undergone a number of renovations over the years but its prime location in the heart of Waikiki remains the same. There is no place better to shop, have lunch on the beach or try your luck at surfing! Make sure you are up EARLY to ensure you can get some amazing views as the sunrises over the water.

One thing not shown in the movie- the Hilton has a fantastic tradition- on Friday nights they have a fireworks show! This is every week once the sun goes down.

Elvis’s character in Blue Hawaii Chad Gates really does not want to go into the family business and work for the pineapple company- but he does take his group of tourists to see pineapples being farmed. You can see the world famous Dole Pineapple Plantation on Oahu with a tour or it is an easy drive from the Honolulu airport and makes part of a great day trip on your own if you have a late night flight and time to kill. Rent a car and go! http://www.dole-plantation.com/

Need ideas on how to spend a day driving around Oahu? See my post- Make the most of your Honolulu layover http://www.aerotravelplus.com/2015/11/04/make-the-most-of-your-honolulu-layover/

If you want to snorkel where Elvis and Maile do in Blue Hawaii- you can go where the Obamas went just this week- head to beautiful Hanauma Bay State Park. You can get inexpensive shuttle service from Waikiki hotels so this is a great way to spend an afternoon without spending a fortune- and perfect if your hotel is not right on the beach. The snorkeling is amazing and the park looks pretty much the same as it did 50 years ago. http://hanaumabaystatepark.com/

If you want to experience an authentic Hawaiian Luau you can spend a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center- it was featured in the movie. If you prefer a beach front luau- go off script and either book one under the stars on the roof of the Hilton Hawaiian Village or go to the west side of the island for a beachfront toes in the sane experience at Paradise Cove. Your travel agent can help you pre-book a luau- just ask.

The second half of the movie moves to Kauai. If you take a cruise around the Hawaiian islands on the Pride of America – you get to spend a day and half on this lovely island.

The Coco Palms hotel where the Kauai scenes were shot was destroyed by hurricane Iniki in 1992- this was the same year that Jurassic Park was being filmed on the island and Steven Spielberg and the cast had to hunker down as the hurricane whirled around them. There is a current project under way finally to redevelop the resort. It is scheduled to re-open in 2017. http://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Hawaii/Kauai-s-Coco-Palms-Resort-to-Reopen-in-2017/#.VoSJYPkrKUk

Blue Hawaii wedding scene

Need more Elvis? You can book a night of Elvis impersonator fun in Maui with the Burnin’Love dinner show ( you do an overnight on the Pride of America cruise)  http://www.hawaiiactivities.com/en/hawaii/maui/a/109524 You can have a night of more Elvis fun in Honolulu at the RockaHula event at the Royal Hawaiian Theater – the Legends in Concert Waikiki includes Elvis and friends http://www.rockahulahawaii.com/

To get in the mood- I recommend picking up Blue Hawaii on DVD- which makes a great gift for anyone heading to Hawaii for the first time or returning for the first time in a long time.  http://amzn.com/B00AEFXK44

Best time to visit Hawaii? Value season is fall before Thanksgiving and the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Christmas and New Years are peak season- rates dip again after easter and through May. Summer rates from June – August are at the highest for the year when the kids are out of school. End of August is a great time for families rates drop a little and airfare drops a lot once you are past the first week of August.

To make the most of your Elvis Hawaii experiences check out a Hawaii Cruise Combo ! http://www.hawaiicruiseoutlet.com/promos/hawaii-cruise-deals.html

Source: In the steps of Elvis- your own Blue Hawaii Experience

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