The 1958 movie South Pacific was filmed primarily on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, with additional work done on studio soundstages in Hollywood.

Main filming locations

  • Kauai, Hawaii – Most of the on-location shooting was done here, especially on the lush north shore.
  • Hanalei Bay & Hanalei Pier – Used prominently near the beginning of the film and in several scenic beach shots.
  • Lumahai Beach – The spot where Mitzi Gaynor’s famous “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” scene was filmed.
  • Mount Makana / “Bali Hai” area (near Tunnels/Haena Beach) – The distinctive peak that represented the mystical island of Bali Hai in the film.

Studio work

  • Interior and more technically complex scenes were completed on Hollywood soundstages , then edited together with the Kauai location footage to create the film’s tropical setting.

TL;DR: When people ask “where was the movie South Pacific filmed,” the quick answer is: mostly on Kauai, Hawaii (Hanalei Bay, Lumahai Beach, Mount Makana/Bali Hai), plus some studio shooting in Hollywood.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.