Where It Is Set Versus Where It Was Filmed
Magnum, P.I. is a straightforward case: the show is set in Hawaii on Oahu, and it was filmed primarily on Oahu as well. The production committed to real locations across Honolulu and the windward side, though some interior scenes were shot on soundstages in California despite the Hawaii setting.
The Studio Side
The Hawaii Film Studio in Honolulu served as the production's studio base on the island, handling interior work and some nearby exteriors. The facility is not open to the public. Some interior scenes were also filmed on soundstages in California rather than in Hawaii, a common cost-saving practice for network productions of the era.
Tours That Visit These Locations
No dedicated Magnum, P.I. tour operates on Oahu, but several general film location tours pass through sites connected to the series and its filming world. These options trade Magnum-specific focus for a broader look at Oahu's screen history, and one includes stops in areas where Magnum filmed.
Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites Tour
Oahu Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites and Ranch Tour
A ranch tour covering various valley and ranch sites at Kualoa Ranch, rated 4.6 from 1846 reviews, for travelers who want Oahu's most established movie location experience.
★ 4.6 out of 5 · 1,846 reviewsOahu
Valley Film Locations Tour
Oahu: Kualoa Ranch Hollywood Film Locations Tour
A Kualoa Ranch Hollywood film locations tour that passes through Magnum P.I. filming areas throughout the valley, priced at $62.77 and rated 4.6 from 809 reviews.
★ 4.6 out of 5 · 809 reviews
Hummer Tour With Byodo-In Stop
Oahu: 'Lost' and Movie Sites Hummer Tour
A Hummer tour of Lost and movie sites that stops at Byodo-in Temple, used for estate scenes, rated 4.6 from 105 reviews, and a good fit for fans of multiple Hawaii productions.
★ 4.6 out of 5 · 105 reviewsHonolulu
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit the Robin's Nest from Magnum, P.I.?
The Anderson Estate, which played Robin's Nest, was demolished in April 2018. The property is private and not accessible, but the shoreline can be viewed from Kalanianaole Highway in Waimanalo.
Where was the King Kamehameha Club filmed?
The club moved during the series. Season one used the Elks Honolulu Lodge, outdoor scenes were shot at the Marks Estate, and later beach bar scenes were filmed at Waialae Beach Park, which is free and open to the public.
Was Magnum, P.I. really filmed in Hawaii?
Yes. The series was set and primarily filmed on Oahu, Hawaii, using real estates, beaches, and piers. Some interior scenes were filmed on soundstages in California.
Is there a Magnum, P.I. tour on Oahu?
No dedicated Magnum tour exists. General film location tours of Kualoa Ranch pass through Magnum P.I. filming areas, and other movie site tours include stops connected to Hawaii productions.
What car did Magnum drive?
Tom Selleck's character drove a red Ferrari 308 GTS with the license plate ROBIN1, a nod to living on Robin Masters' money. The production leased the Ferrari rather than buying it due to high costs.
Is Hanauma Bay worth visiting for fans?
Yes. The bay appeared in aerial and coastal shots in the opening credits and episodes. It is a state park with an entry fee, popular for snorkeling, and visitors should arrive early.
Oahu remains one of the most rewarding destinations for classic television location hunting, and Magnum, P.I. covered nearly every corner of it. The Robin's Nest may be gone, but the beaches, piers, and coastal highways look much as they did from 1980 to 1988. Pair a drive along Kalanianaole Highway with a Kualoa Ranch film tour for the fullest picture of the island's screen legacy.
