“Book ’Em, Danno! Travel Through Honolulu & Beyond”

When you think of Hawaii, you picture beaches, palm trees, and paradise—but for fans of Hawaii Five-0, the islands hold an extra layer of excitement. On my trip to Honolulu, I explored locations featured in the show’s reboot (and yes, longtime fans of the original series will recognize many of them too). It was a journey that blended tropical beauty with small-screen memories.

Hawaii Five-0 Headquarters – Aliʻiōlani Hale

No stop is more iconic than the Five-0 headquarters at Aliʻiōlani Hale, with the striking King Kamehameha I statue standing guard out front. Fans will instantly recognize it from the opening credits.

Diamond Head

The sweeping crater that dominated so many aerial shots is just as breathtaking in real life. Whether you hike it or admire it from Waikīkī, it’s an essential Five-0 landmark.

Tropics Bar & Grill – Hilton Hawaiian Village

This beachfront bar and grill made frequent cameos on the show. Sitting there, drink in hand, waves rolling nearby, felt like I’d stepped right into a scene.

Wailana Coffee House

This beloved 24-hour diner was a cast and crew favorite, often seen on-screen. When we visited, the employees shared stories of when the actors and crew would come in—some even got to be extras! Sadly, this local haunt closed in 2019, but they served coconut syrup - a local, unforgettable specialty - on their pancakes, so if you're in Hawaii, you'll have to try it!

Kamekona’s Shrimp Truck (North Shore Shrimp Trucks)

In the show, the lovable Kamekona served up shrimp from his bright truck. In real life, the North Shore shrimp trucks dish up the same garlicky goodness. Messy and delicious, it’s a fan pilgrimage you can eat.

La Mariana Sailing Club

This tiki-style waterfront spot hosted the scene celebrating Carol Burnett’s birthday when she guest-starred as McGarrett’s mom. Stepping inside felt like both a set visit and a trip back to vintage Hawaiʻi.

History Meets the Screen

Pearl Harbor

A deeply moving stop, Pearl Harbor connects you to Hawaiʻi’s real history. Touring the USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri was humbling, and gave context to the military themes woven throughout Five-0.

From Here to Eternity Beach (Halona Beach Cove)

Famous from the classic film and used in Hawaii Five-0, this cove is a breathtaking blend of cinematic history and natural wonder.

Flavors of the Islands

Dole Plantation

From gardens to the world’s largest maze, the Dole Plantation is as fun as it is flavorful. Of course, we had to indulge in the iconic Dole Whip.

Macadamia Nut Farm

Sampling fresh-roasted macadamias while overlooking Oʻahu’s lush greenery was a tasty reminder of why these nuts are such a Hawaiian staple.

JoJo’s Shave Ice

No Hawaiian trip is complete without shave ice, and JoJo’s Shave Ice is one of the best places to try it. Light, refreshing, and piled high with tropical flavors, it’s the perfect sweet treat after a day of sightseeing. And given the fact that Jojo is my daughter's nickname, the owners made the visit extra special for her.

Liliha Bakery – Cocoa Puffs

A Honolulu legend, Liliha Bakery is famous for its irresistible Cocoa Puffs—cream-filled pastries topped with a rich, buttery frosting. They’ve even been mentioned in Hawaii Five-0 episodes, making them both a foodie must-try and a delicious bite of TV nostalgia.

Buiding the Perfect Vacation

The best part? We tied all of these stops into a Norwegian Pride of America inter-island cruise, which made it easy to balance sightseeing, relaxation, and a dash of TV magic. This ship offers the perfect way to sample Hawaii as it’s the only cruise ship that sails round-trip from Honolulu year-round, giving you the chance to explore four Hawaiian islands in just one week.