By Noreen Kompanik
I’ve been a fan of the movie 50 First Dates since I first saw it in 2004. And I admit, I’ve watched this romantic comedy cult classic many times since. Why? Well, I happen to love Oahu where the movie was filmed and because Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore were perfectly cast in their roles, as were the supporting cast.
50 First Dates follows the story of Henry (Adam Sandler), a marine biologist playboy who falls for a lovely art teacher named Lucy (played by Drew Barrymore). Henry has never been one for commitment. That is, until he meets Lucy in a local restaurant and is immediately smitten. Unfortunately, due to a car accident, Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss. Each day when she wakes up it’s Groundhog Day all over again. She remembers nothing that happened the day before or anyone new that she met.
Henry eventually convinces Lucy’s overprotective father that he has her best interest at heart, and of course, like any good romantic comedy, Henry’s efforts to woo Lucy day after day culminate in one very happy and fascinating ending.
Kaneohe Bay
50 First Dates was filmed on the beautiful North Shore side of Oahu, a much quieter, more remote, and picturesque part of the island. Kaneohe Bay is a relatively calm bay that serves as the outdoor setting for Lucy’s family home. Though the pier now sits on private property, visitors can still see it and the iconic offshore rock formation of Chinaman’s Hat from the shoreline.
Dillingham Ranch
A setting for many films and TV programs, the 2700-acre equestrian Dillingham Ranch was where Lucy’s car crashed into a tree resulting in her amnesia. Today it’s affectionately called the ‘50 First Dates tree.’ Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, hiking, surfing, and parasailing, and take in the history of the ranch.
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse
As a lover of lighthouses, I can tell you that it was worth the enjoyable 30-minute trek up to view the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse, one of the places Lucy and Henry share one of their many ‘first kiss’ locations on the easternmost point of Oahu. It’s also the most picturesque of the ‘first kiss’ sites with its stunning panoramic ocean views.
Kualoa Ranch
Day after day, Henry waits for Lucy’s car to come down the dusty road of the ranch and respond to his calls for help. Kualoa Ranch is where you can find that road. It also serves as a magnificent setting for other blockbusters such as Jurassic Park and Jurassic World. In the gift shop, there is a myriad of photos showcasing the movies filmed at the ranch, including some great 50 First Dates shots. (Editorial note Kualoa Ranch offers a 90-minute tour where you can experience Ka’a’awa Valley, known as Hollywood’s “Hawaii Backlot,” to see where over 300 of Hollywood’s biggest blockbuster movies and TV shows were filmed, including Jurassic Park, Jumanji and 50 First Dates; $51.95 per adult.)
Halona Blowhole
This amazing geological wonder is located just off Hanauma Bay. At high tide, water shoots up to 30 feet through a lava tube providing quite a spectacle. It’s no wonder this stunning rocky site set against the azure waters of the Pacific was used as a setting in the film. First, when Henry is knocked unconscious while golfing, then in minor scenes later in the film. The blowhole is a ‘honey, stop the car’ moment, and one of my favorite natural wonders on the island.
Sea Life Park
In the movie, Henry works at a marine life park. Sea Life Park is located near picturesque Makapu’u Point north of Hanauma Bay, set against a stunning mountain backdrop. There’s an aquarium, and plenty of marine life in the park including penguins, dolphins, and walruses. The park also serves as a bird sanctuary. Tickets start at $44.99.
After coming back from Hawaii, my husband and I rewatched 50 First Dates. It was even better after visiting the spectacular filming sites on Oahu. Not only does the film have its share of ‘quirky’ moments intertwined with feel-good romance, but you’ll also look far and wide to find a more stunning setting for a film than on one of Hawaii’s magical islands.
