When you think of Elvis Presley, you probably picture his swiveling hips and dazzling jumpsuits. But Elvis in Hawaii? That’s its own chapter in pop culture history. From legendary concerts to dreamy beach movies, the King’s connection to the islands was deep, lasting, and iconic.

Elvis’s Hawaii Concerts

In 1973, Elvis made music history with Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite. Broadcast live from Honolulu’s Blaisdell Arena (then the Honolulu International Center), it reached over a billion people around the globe – long before viral was even a thing. He wore a white jumpsuit with an American eagle design and belted out hits like “Suspicious Minds” and “Burning Love”.

But his history with the islands started long before that. In 1961, Elvis performed a benefit concert to help build the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor – raising over $60,000 in one night. His presence helped connect Hawaii’s beauty with patriotism, showmanship, and heart.

Elvis Movies Filmed in Hawaii

Of course, Elvis in Hawaii wasn’t just about music. The islands were his backdrop for several films, most famously Blue Hawaii (1961). The movie was filmed around Oahu, including iconic Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay, and also on Kauai, at the now-legendary Coco Palms Resort. With its tropical scenery and laid-back story, it helped define Hawaii’s image in the early ’60’s.

Then came Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962), which spotlighted Maui’s seaside charm. The film blended lighthearted fun, vintage aloha shirts, and Elvis’s easy charisma.

He returned again for Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966), filmed mostly on Oahu and the Big Island. In this one, Elvis plays a helicopter pilot, giving viewers a bird’s eye view of Hawaii’s lush, cinematic beauty – with plenty of playful musical numbers along the way.
If you’ve ever dreamed of island life with a retro twist, these movies probably had something to do with it.

Island-Inspired Songs and Style

Elvis recorded several Hawaiian-themed songs, many featured in his movies. “Hawaiian Wedding Song”, “Blue Hawaii”, and “Aloha ‘Oe” still feel timeless, weaving island instrumentation with that signature Presley croon. The soundtracks didn’t just sell records – they helped spread Hawaii’s dreamy vibe across the globe.

There are still stylish throwback dinner shows and lounge acts in Waikiki, where Elvis impersonators croon his island hits in all their nostalgic glory. Some of these performances can even be added as experiences in our Waikiki-based all-inclusive Hawaii vacations – just ask us when you book!

More Than Just a Legend

The King’s ties to Hawaii weren’t just a moment – they became part of the island’s history. Elvis loved Hawaii. He visited often, filmed here, vacationed here, and performed some of his most important shows on these islands. Although he passed away in 1977, the world wasn’t quite ready to let him go.

If you were a kid in the ’80’s, you probably remember standing with your mom in the checkout lane in the grocery store, spotting Elvis on the cover of the tabloids – again. Another “Elvis sighting”. Another rumor that he was out there, living quietly somewhere (or abducted by aliens, depending on the tabloid).

He became more than a rock star. He became a symbol – a myth wrapped in rhinestones and aloha shirts.

When you’re in Hawaii and you hear “Blue Hawaii” floating from a beachside cafe, or “Can’t Help Falling in Love” playing during a quiet wedding on the sand, it sinks in. Somehow, the King still lingers in the soundtrack of the islands.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Blue Hawaii or just want to soak in a little of Elvis’s aloha spirit, contact us to start planning your Hawaiian getaway!