Beachfront resort pool deck with palm trees, loungers, and Pacific waves under afternoon sun.

Where Was Forgetting Sarah Marshall Filmed?

The Hawaii resort where Peter got dumped, plus the Los Angeles and studio locations from the 2008 comedy.

The Short Answer

Forgetting Sarah Marshall was mainly filmed at Turtle Bay Resort and other North Shore sites on Oahu, Hawaii, including Laie Point, Kawela Bay, and the Haleiwa shoreline. Additional scenes were shot in Los Angeles, California, at spots like the Dresden Restaurant, with interior work done on soundstages at Universal Studios.

The 2008 comedy follows Peter Bretter to Hawaii after a devastating breakup, and the film leans heavily on real Hawaiian scenery rather than studio fakery. Principal photography ran 33 days on Oahu in 2007, and the production lived at Turtle Bay Resort for more than a month while cameras rolled.

Jason Segel wrote the screenplay based partly on his own real-life breakup experience, which gives the settings an unusually grounded feel. About 60-70% of the dialogue was scripted, with the remaining 30-40% improvised on location. Most of the places shown on screen can still be visited today.

Every Location At A Glance

LocationWhereWhat was filmedAccess
Turtle Bay ResortKahukuMain resort sequences including lobby, rooms, pool, yoga class, and Peter’s arrivalTicketed
Laie PointLaieCliff jumping scene with Peter and RachelFree to see
Haleiwa shorelineHaleiwaSurfing scenesFree to see
Mokuleia BeachWaialuaBeach scenes before surfingFree to see
Kawela BayKahukuSurf lessons sceneFree to see
Keawaula Bay (Yokohama Bay)WaianaeAdditional beach scenesFree to see
1973 Palmerston PlaceLos AngelesPeter’s Los Angeles homeOutside only
The Dresden Restaurant & LoungeLos AngelesMen’s night out scene with Peter and brotherFree to see
Stage 29, Universal StudiosUniversal CityInterior sequencesTicketed
Le BarcitoLos AngelesInterior of Lazy Joe’s barClosed

Filming Locations Map

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

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Location By Location

Turtle Bay Resort, Kahuku
Location 01

Turtle Bay Resort

Oahu, Kahuku Ticketed

Filmed here: Main resort sequences including lobby, rooms, pool, yoga class, and Peter’s arrival

The main resort sequences were filmed here, including the lobby, rooms, pool area, the yoga class, and Peter's arrival. The cast and crew stayed on site during the shoot, so the production essentially lived in its own set. The resort has been renovated since filming, but it remains open to the public with paid stays and dining. Travellers hoping to book the same atmosphere should check current rates and availability before committing to dates.

Laie Point, Laie
Location 02

Laie Point

Oahu, Laie Free to see

Filmed here: Cliff jumping scene with Peter and Rachel

This dramatic coastal landmark on Oahu's northeastern tip stands in for the cliff jumping scene with Peter and Rachel. It is one of the most recognizable natural backdrops in the film. Access is free and public, with a viewing area along the point. The strong currents below make jumping genuinely dangerous, so visitors should use caution or simply enjoy the view rather than reenact the stunt. Parking nearby makes a short stop easy to combine with a North Shore drive.

Haleiwa shoreline, Haleiwa
Location 03

Haleiwa shoreline

Oahu, Haleiwa Free to see

Filmed here: Surfing scenes

The surfing scenes were shot along this stretch of the North Shore, the laid-back surf town area that anchors the region's beach culture. Public beach access is straightforward, and the waters here are calmer than many North Shore spots, making them suitable for beginners who want to try the sport themselves. The town of Haleiwa itself is a pleasant stop with shops and food, so film fans can build a half day around the location.

Mokuleia Beach, Waialua
Location 04

Mokuleia Beach

Oahu, Waialua Free to see

Filmed here: Beach scenes before surfing

The beach scenes before the surfing sequences were filmed at this relatively secluded public beach near Waialua on Oahu's northwestern coast. Unlike the busier resort areas, Mokuleia offers a quieter stretch of sand that reads on screen as an escape from the hotel crowds. Public access is free. Its distance from the main North Shore hub means it usually remains uncrowded, which suits travellers chasing the film's off-the-beaten-path mood.

Kawela Bay, Kahuku
Location 05

Kawela Bay

Oahu, Kahuku Free to see

Filmed here: Surf lessons scene

The surf lessons scene was filmed at this protected bay near Kahuku, close to Turtle Bay Resort. The calmer water here makes it a natural choice for a scene about learning to surf, and it remains a good spot for beginners in real life. Public access is available nearby. Because of its proximity to the resort, visitors staying at Turtle Bay can reach the bay easily on foot or by a short drive, making it a convenient add-on.

Keawaula Bay (Yokohama Bay), Waianae
Location 06

Keawaula Bay (Yokohama Bay)

Oahu, Waianae Free to see

Filmed here: Additional beach scenes

Additional beach scenes were shot at this public beach on Oahu's west shore, one of the quieter corners of the island far from the main resort corridors. The bay sits at the end of the leeward coast road, so reaching it takes some effort, but the isolation is part of the appeal. There is no entrance fee. Travlers combining it with a west shore drive should bring supplies, as services in the area are limited.

1973 Palmerston Place, Los Angeles
Location 07

1973 Palmerston Place

Los Feliz, Los Angeles Outside only

Filmed here: Peter’s Los Angeles home

Peter's Los Angeles home is a private residence in the Los Feliz neighborhood. Only the exterior appears in the film, and nothing about the interior was shot here. As with any private home, viewing is strictly from the street, and visitors should respect the residents' privacy. Los Feliz is a walkable area with cafes nearby, so a quick look at the facade fits easily into a broader neighborhood visit for film fans exploring the city.

The Dresden Restaurant & Lounge, Los Angeles
Location 08

The Dresden Restaurant & Lounge

Los Feliz, Los Angeles Free to see

Filmed here: Men’s night out scene with Peter and brother

The men's night out scene with Peter and his brother was filmed at this long-running Los Feliz restaurant and lounge. Unlike many filming locations that close or change hands, the Dresden remains open to the public for dining and drinks, so fans can sit in the same room where the scene played out. No special booking related to the film is required. It pairs naturally with a stop at the Palmerston Place house a few blocks away.

Stage 29, Universal Studios, Universal City
Location 09

Stage 29, Universal Studios

California, Universal City Ticketed

Filmed here: Interior sequences

The film's interior sequences were shot on Stage 29 at Universal Studios in Universal City, California. Notably, the Kapua Suite occupied by Peter was a custom-built set rather than a real room at the Hawaiian resort. The stage sits within the studio lot, which visitors can see as part of the studio tour experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. Check the park's schedule and tour availability when planning a visit.

Le Barcito, Los Angeles
Location 10

Le Barcito

Silver Lake, Los Angeles Closed

Filmed here: Interior of Lazy Joe’s bar

The interior of Lazy Joe's bar was filmed at this Silver Lake address in Los Angeles. The bar no longer operates at this location, so fans cannot go inside for a drink the way they can at the Dresden. The building still stands and can be viewed from the street in a neighborhood known for its dining and nightlife scene. Silver Lake makes for an easy add-on when touring other Los Angeles filming sites from the movie.

Where It Is Set Versus Where It Was Filmed

The story is set in Los Angeles and Oahu, Hawaii, and the film was shot on location in those exact places, supplemented by soundstages at Universal Studios. This is a rare case where the on-screen destinations and the real filming destinations match almost perfectly, so fans visiting Oahu's North Shore or Los Feliz are seeing the genuine locations rather than stand-ins.

The Studio Side

Universal Studios in Universal City, California, hosted the film's interior work on Stage 29, including the custom-built Kapua Suite set where Peter stayed. The studio is visitable today through the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour, which passes working soundstages. Check the park's schedule when planning, since tour content and access can vary by season.

Tours That Visit These Locations

Independent visits cover most of the Oahu locations, since they sit on public land or at an open resort. For travellers who prefer a guided approach, one bookable option from Honolulu covers North Shore filming stops connected to this movie and other productions shot on the island.

Hummer Tour From Honolulu

Oahu: 'Lost' and Movie Sites Hummer Tour

This Hummer tour from Honolulu covers North Shore movie and television filming sites, with stops where specific scenes from this film are pointed out along the way. With a 4.6 rating across 105 reviews, it suits fans who want film history paired with other island screen locations in one guided outing.

4.6 out of 5 · 105 reviewsHonolulu

PriceLive on listingCheck availability

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you stay at the resort where Forgetting Sarah Marshall was filmed?

Yes. Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku on Oahu's North Shore is an operating resort open to paid stays and dining. It has been renovated since filming, so rooms and common areas may differ from what appears on screen, but the lobby, pool, and grounds are still recognizable. Check current rates and availability when booking.

Is the Kapua Suite from the movie a real room?

No. The Kapua Suite occupied by Peter was a custom-built set constructed on Stage 29 at Universal Studios, not an actual room at Turtle Bay Resort. Visitors cannot book the suite because it never existed as a permanent space at the hotel.

Where was the cliff jumping scene filmed?

The cliff jumping scene with Peter and Rachel was filmed at Laie Point on Oahu's northeastern coast. Access is free and public, but the strong currents below make jumping dangerous. Visitors should enjoy the view from the point rather than attempt to reenact the scene.

Can you visit the Los Angeles locations from the film?

Several of them. The Dresden Restaurant and Lounge in Los Feliz, site of the men's night out scene, is open to the public for dining and drinks. Peter's home at 1973 Palmerston Place is a private residence viewable from the street only. The Lazy Joe's bar location in Silver Lake no longer operates.

How long did filming take on Oahu?

Principal photography took place over 33 days on Oahu in 2007, with the production living at Turtle Bay Resort for more than a month during the shoot. Interior scenes were completed later on soundstages at Universal Studios in California.

Are the Hawaii filming locations free to visit?

Most of them. Laie Point, the Haleiwa shoreline, Mokuleia Beach, Kawela Bay, and Keawaula Bay all have free public access. Turtle Bay Resort is a private property, so access means a paid stay, a meal, or other on-site spending. The Universal Studios soundstage requires a theme park ticket.

Oahu makes this an unusually easy film to chase, since the headline locations cluster along one coast and most are free to visit. A rental car and a day or two on the North Shore covers the resort, the beaches, and Laie Point, while Los Angeles adds a compact cluster in Los Feliz and Silver Lake plus the studio lot where the interiors were built. For those who would rather ride than drive, the guided Hummer option from Honolulu strings the island's film sites together with stops tied to specific scenes.

Sources