This Victorian cottage at the Los Angeles County Arboretum served as Mr. Roarke's residence in the original series. The bell tower featured in the famous 'Ze Plane! Ze Plane!' opening sequence. Today the cottage stands inside the arboretum, which is open to the public during regular hours. A general admission fee applies, and guided tours sometimes include the cottage. Visitors can walk the grounds and see the exterior used on screen.
The Short Answer
The original 1977-1984 TV series was mainly filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, with exterior island shots from Kaua'i, Hawaii. The 2020 film used Taveuni in Fiji, and the 2021 series used multiple sites across Puerto Rico, including the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve and Old San Juan.
Fantasy Island has been filmed in several locations across different productions. The original series relied on California studio backlots and Hawaiian exteriors, while later versions moved to Fiji and Puerto Rico.
The story is set on a fictional Pacific island, but the real filming sites include public beaches, a botanical garden, a working studio, and a luxury resort. Many of these places can be visited today.
Every Location At A Glance
| Location | Where | What was filmed | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Anne Cottage, Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden | Arcadia, United States | Mr. Roarke's residence and bell tower scenes including 'Ze Plane! Ze Plane!' | Ticketed |
| Warner Bros. Studios backlots and jungle sets | Burbank, United States | Interior sets and most episode filming | Ticketed |
| Kaua'i | Kaua'i, United States | Opening credits and island exterior shots including Na Pali Coast and Wailua Falls | Free to see |
| Taveuni Island | Taveuni, Fiji | Main island resort and jungle scenes; Viani Bay for mansion | Free to see |
| Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico | Río Grande, United States | Main resort headquarters and beach scenes | Ticketed |
| Escambrón Marine Park | San Juan, United States | Beach and outdoor scenes | Free to see |
| Bouma National Heritage Park (Tavoro Falls) | Taveuni, Fiji | Waterfall and jungle scenes | Ticketed |
| Old San Juan | San Juan, United States | City and historic scenes | Free to see |
Filming Locations Map
8 locations. The map loads when it scrolls into view.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Location By Location
Most episode filming for the original series took place on the Warner Bros. Studios backlots and jungle sets in Burbank. Interior scenes were built and shot here, away from the Hawaiian exteriors. Today the studio offers a ticketed tour that takes visitors through working backlots and soundstages. Specific sets from Fantasy Island may not always be standing, because production needs change. The tour still provides a look at the facility where the show was made.
Kaua'i supplied the opening credits and island exterior shots for the original series. Aerial footage of the Na Pali Coast and Wailua Falls established the tropical setting. These locations remain public today. Beaches and trails along the coast are open, and Wailua Falls can be reached by car or a short walk. Hikes and guided tours offer closer views of the same landscapes seen in the show.
The 2020 film used Taveuni Island as its primary location. Main resort and jungle scenes were shot across the island, and Viani Bay stood in for the mansion. Taveuni is remote, reached by flying into Matei Airport. Public beaches and waterfalls, including Tavoro Falls, are open to visitors. The island's natural landscape matches what appears in the film, though the mansion was enhanced with CGI.
The 2021 series used this luxury resort as its main headquarters and beach setting. The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Río Grande stood in for the island resort where guests arrived. Today the property operates as a high-end hotel. Visitors can book overnight stays, and day passes may be available depending on resort policy. The beach and pool areas seen on screen are part of the guest experience.
Escambrón Marine Park in San Juan provided beach and outdoor scenes for the 2021 series. This public beach park sits near the city and is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. No admission fee is required, and the shoreline is open daily. Visitors can walk the same sand and rocks that appeared in the show. The park's calm waters make it a practical stop for anyone exploring San Juan.
Bouma National Heritage Park on Taveuni contains Tavoro Falls, which appeared in waterfall and jungle scenes for the 2020 film. The park charges an entry fee, and marked trails lead to the falls. Guided tours are available for visitors who want local insight. The lush rainforest and cascading water match the film's setting. Swimming is possible in some pools, though conditions vary.
Old San Juan served as the city and historic backdrop for the 2021 series. Its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and Spanish colonial architecture appear in several episodes. The district is open to the public at all hours, with no admission fee. Walking tours are popular and cover the same streets used on camera. Visitors can explore forts, plazas, and shops while recognizing locations from the show.
Where It Is Set Versus Where It Was Filmed
The story places Fantasy Island on a fictional mysterious island in the Pacific. In reality, filming locations changed with each production. The original series used California studios and backlots for interiors, with Hawaii supplying exterior shots. The 2020 film moved to Fiji, and the 2021 series shot entirely in Puerto Rico.
The Studio Side
Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, hosted most of the original series filming. The facility is open to the public through the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, a ticketed experience that includes working backlots and soundstages. Specific Fantasy Island sets may not be on display, but the tour shows the production environment where the show was made.
Tours That Visit These Locations
A single bookable tour appears below, offering a visit to a filming location connected to the 1998 Fantasy Island series.
Oahu Film Locations Tour
Oahu: Kualoa Ranch Hollywood Film Locations Tour
A guided tour of Kualoa Ranch covers multiple Hollywood film sets, with a stop linked to the 1998 Fantasy Island series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the original Fantasy Island TV series filmed?
The original 1977-1984 series was mainly filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. Exterior island shots, including the opening credits, were filmed on Kaua'i, Hawaii, at locations like the Na Pali Coast and Wailua Falls.
Where was the 2020 Fantasy Island movie filmed?
The 2020 film was shot primarily on Taveuni Island in Fiji. Main resort and jungle scenes used local beaches, bays, and waterfalls. Viani Bay stood in for the mansion, which was a real vacation home enhanced with CGI.
Where was the 2021 Fantasy Island TV series filmed?
The 2021 series filmed entirely on location in Puerto Rico. Key sites included the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Río Grande, Escambrón Marine Park, and Old San Juan. The production employed hundreds of locals and boosted the economy by an estimated $54 million.
Can you visit the Queen Anne Cottage from the original series?
Yes. The Queen Anne Cottage is inside the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia, California. The arboretum is open to the public during regular hours, and a general admission fee applies. Guided tours sometimes include the cottage.
Is Fantasy Island a real place?
No. The story is set on a fictional mysterious island in the Pacific. Filming took place in California, Hawaii, Fiji, and Puerto Rico, depending on the production. None of these locations is an actual island called Fantasy Island.
What is the difference between where Fantasy Island is set and where it was filmed?
The show is set on a fictional Pacific island, but filming locations changed by production. The original series used California studios and Hawaiian exteriors, the 2020 film used Fiji, and the 2021 series used Puerto Rico.
Visiting these filming locations offers a look at the real places behind the fictional island. From a California arboretum to a Fijian waterfall and a Puerto Rican resort, each site has its own access rules and atmosphere. Check opening hours and ticket requirements before planning a trip.





