Victorian cottage with gingerbread trim beside a lagoon, palms, mountains, and a peacock

Where Was Fantasy Island Filmed?

The original series filmed at Warner Bros. Studios with Kaua'i exteriors, the 2020 film on Taveuni Fiji, and the 2021 series across Puerto Rico.

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

LocationWhereWhat was filmedAccess
Queen Anne Cottage, Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic GardenArcadia, United StatesMr. Roarke's residence and bell tower scenes including 'Ze Plane! Ze Plane!'Ticketed
Warner Bros. Studios backlots and jungle setsBurbank, United StatesInterior sets and most episode filmingTicketed
Kaua'iKaua'i, United StatesOpening credits and island exterior shots including Na Pali Coast and Wailua FallsFree to see
Taveuni IslandTaveuni, FijiMain island resort and jungle scenes; Viani Bay for mansionFree to see
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto RicoRío Grande, United StatesMain resort headquarters and beach scenesTicketed
Escambrón Marine ParkSan Juan, United StatesBeach and outdoor scenesFree to see
Bouma National Heritage Park (Tavoro Falls)Taveuni, FijiWaterfall and jungle scenesTicketed
Old San JuanSan Juan, United StatesCity and historic scenesFree to see

Filming Locations Map

8 locations. The map loads when it scrolls into view.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Location By Location

Queen Anne Cottage, Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Arcadia
Location 01

Queen Anne Cottage, Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

California, Arcadia, United States Ticketed

Filmed here: Mr. Roarke's residence and bell tower scenes including 'Ze Plane! Ze Plane!'

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.

Warner Bros. Studios backlots and jungle sets, Burbank
Location 02

Warner Bros. Studios backlots and jungle sets

California, Burbank, United States Ticketed

Filmed here: Interior sets and most episode filming

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, Kaua'i
Location 03

Kaua'i

Hawaii, Kaua'i, United States Free to see

Filmed here: Opening credits and island exterior shots including Na Pali Coast and Wailua Falls

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.

Taveuni Island, Taveuni
Location 04

Taveuni Island

Northern Division, Taveuni, Fiji Free to see

Filmed here: Main island resort and jungle scenes; Viani Bay for mansion

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.

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, Río Grande
Location 05

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, Río Grande, United States Ticketed

Filmed here: Main resort headquarters and beach scenes

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, San Juan
Location 06

Escambrón Marine Park

Puerto Rico, San Juan, United States Free to see

Filmed here: Beach and outdoor scenes

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 (Tavoro Falls), Taveuni
Location 07

Bouma National Heritage Park (Tavoro Falls)

Northern Division, Taveuni, Fiji Ticketed

Filmed here: Waterfall and jungle scenes

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, San Juan
Location 08

Old San Juan

Puerto Rico, San Juan, United States Free to see

Filmed here: City and historic scenes

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.

4.6 out of 5 · 809 reviews

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.

Sources