Film Office
The State of Hawaii ranks among the Top 10 film destinations in the United States. Hawaii’s stunningly diverse locations, talented crews and special tax incentives are often cited by filmmakers and television producers as rationales to locate productions here.
As of July 1, 2013, Hawaii has a new, expanded production tax credit, now known as Act 88/89. This is a refundable tax credit based on a production company’s Hawaii expenditures while producing a qualified film, TV, commercial, or digital media project. The credit equals 20 percent of qualified production costs incurred on Oahu, and 25 percent on Hawaii Island. Contact us for details on additional amendments. The credit’s sunset date is extended to Dec. 31, 2018.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, filmed in part on location on Hawaii Island, was created by George Lucas, directed by Steven Spielberg and starred Harrison Ford. Grossing over $786 million worldwide, the film’s Executive producer Kathleen Kennedy named old-growth jungle locations as a rare attribute found on Hawaii Island. The production generated close to $17 million in local spending, making it the biggest film event on island since Waterworld in 1995.
Other recent and notable film events include the feature films The Tempest, Predators, Honokaa Boy, and 20 episodes of the world’s leading syndicated television show, Wheel of Fortune.
Location. Location. Location.
As the largest, most diverse island in the chain, Hawaii Island boasts a multitude of microclimates and wide open spaces, and features 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones making it a truly unique location destination.
Diverse Locations
| •Breathtaking coastlines | •Dense tropical jungles |
| •Rolling pastures | •Huge cattle ranches |
| •Arid deserts | •Beautiful beaches |
| •Surreal lava fields | •Magnificent waterfalls |
Economic Impact of Film Production in the State of Hawaii Calculations by Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and its Research and Economic Analysis Division:
INDICATOR for 2006-2011 (PDF DOWNLOAD)
Film Festivals on Hawaii Island
Hawaii International Film Festival
Big Island Film Festival
Kona Surf Film Festival
Waimea Ocean Film Festival
Contact – John L Mason (Film Commissioner)
Big Island Film Office – West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy Bldg C-204
Kailua-Kona HI 96740 P: 808-323-4705
jmason@co.hawaii.hi.us
www.filmbigisland.com
