Aloha from the 80’s: Magnum P.I.  in Hawaii

The 1980’s were a golden age for TV, and no show captured that carefree vibe quite like Magnum, P.I. in Hawaii did. Starring the ever-charming Tom Selleck, it wasn’t just a crime drama – it was a window into the dreamy, sun-soaked world of island living.  As the show’s popularity soared, Hawaii became synonymous with adventure, relaxation and just a little bit of mystery. It was this same Hawaii that my dad fell in love when he first started sending clients to the islands back in 1982.

Magnum, P.I.  featured dreamy locations, incredible acting talent, famous guest stars and intriguing plot lines. From its first episode on December 11, 1980, to its series finale on May 8, 1988, Magnum, P.I.  lasted an impressive eight seasons and 162 episodes. The show was a defining part of 80’s TV, and Thomas Magnum’s red Ferrari, tropical shirts, and love for adventure became staples of the decade. Not to mention, Magnum’s close ties to the military gave the character a depth that resonated with audiences long after the final episode.

Before we get too far in, I must confess that this is a 100%-biased blog. I love this show. I remember my dad watching it when I was little. When our clients called to say that they saw the show filming, he got as excited as they were. It was a big deal! Since Magnum P.I., many other shows and movies have filmed in Hawaii, but none have captured the imagination quite like Tom Selleck’s portrayal of the lovable rogue, Thomas Magnum. His performance left an indelible mark, making Magnum a timeless character.

Tom Selleck: The Face of Magnum P.I.  in Hawaii

Tom Selleck’s portrayal of Thomas Magnum wasn’t just legendary for his acting – it was his whole vibe. Magnum’s signature look became just as famous as the character himself. That classic mustache, the Detroit Tigers ball cap, the red Aloha shirt and short-shorts became style icons of the 80’s. It’s a look that’s still instantly recognizable today, a mix of casual island living and rugged masculinity.

But it wasn’t just his look – Magnum’s laid-back sense of humor and that contagious laugh of his made him all the more lovable. Selleck brought the perfect blend of action and comedy to the role, making his character tough and relatable to men, and sexy and charming to women. Not to mention, Magnum would often break the fourth wall, giving us a sly look as if we were in on the joke. It was a clever touch that made the show even more fun and engaging.

We Can’t Forget Higgins, TC and Rick

Of course, Magnum wasn’t solving his cases alone. His loyal buddies, each with their own unique quirks, were essential to the show’s dynamics. Take Higgins, for example – the prim and proper British caretaker of Robin’s Nest. His uptight personality was the perfect foil to Magnum’s laid-back persona. Higgins seemed perpetually put out by Magnum, and often sicced his dogs, Zeus and Apollo, on him. Although Higgins and Magnum were constantly sparring with each other, mainly over house rules and wine cellar privileges, underneath it all was an unspoken friendship. Despite their bickering, there was undeniable affection between them, making their relationship one of the most endearing aspects of the show.

Then there were Magnum’s best buddies from his time in the Vietnam War: TC and Rick. TC, the skilled helicopter pilot who owned Island Hoppers, was always there to save the day – even if Magnum never coughed up gas money. Rick, the connected manager of the King Kamehameha Club, could dig up information from almost anywhere, but usually from his underworld connection, “Icepick”. Magnum usually owed Rick money too…always promising to pay his bar tab but never quite getting around to it.

The Iconic Intro: Helicopters and Action

No mention of Magnum, P.I. in Hawaii would be complete without a nod to its unforgettable opening sequence. The theme song’s energetic beat set the tone as the camera followed a helicopter diving down along the stunning east Oahu coastline. That helicopter belonged to Island Hoppers, TC’s charter company, which Magnum often enlisted (sometimes unwillingly) to help solve cases. Actually, the pilot episode through episode 11 did not feature the famous tune so many of us associate with Magnum, P.I. The original intro had a jazzier feel, but starting with episode 12, they replaced it with the upbeat and electric tempo most of us are familiar with. This new intro became an instant classic, and it became a top 40 hit when it peaked on the pop charts at #25 in 1982.

Did you know? You can book a helicopter tour with Magnum Helicopters and fly in a replica of the iconic Island Hoppers chopper from Magnum, P.I.

The Red Ferrari: The Ultimate 80’s Ride

One of the hottest elements of Magnum, P.I. was Thomas Magnum zooming around Hawaii in that red Ferrari 308 GTS. It became an undeniable symbol of his carefree, adventurous lifestyle. The car, with its sleek design and roaring engine, perfectly matched Magnum’s larger-than-life personality. Its license plate – ROBIN1, reminded the audience that although Magnum lived the glamorous life, it was on Robin Master’s dime. It kept Magnum relatable and humble, and very likable.

While the car was often a source of envy, what viewers didn’t know is that the Ferrari was leased by the production because they couldn’t afford to buy it outright!

Hawaii Filming Locations for Magnum, P.I.

If the incredible cast and premium machines were the heartbeat of the show, Hawaii was the soul. Each episode wove Hawaii’s stunning and diverse scenery and rich history into the story, enchanting viewers around the world. Many of the most memorable episodes took advantage of Hawaii’s extraordinary landscapes.

Some of the most iconic locations include:

• Robin’s Nest (The Anderson Estate): Owned by the mysterious Robin Masters, this luxurious beachfront home is where Magnum lived and worked. Higgins was the caretaker of the property, and presumably Magnum earned his rent by providing security for the estate. The windward Oahu beach location with a perfect view of Rabbit Island still exists, although the house was recently demolished.
• Kualoa Ranch and Chinaman’s Hat (Mokoli’i Island): Kualoa Ranch, with the famous Chinaman’s Hat offshore, has been featured in many episodes, showcasing Hawaii’s lush, dramatic landscapes. This area was a favorite for outdoor adventure scenes.
• Byodo-In Temple: This stunning Buddhist temple nestled in windward Oahu’s Valley of the Temples was the backdrop for one of the shows most famous (and my favorite) episodes. (Ep: “The Arrow That Is Not Aimed”)
• The Kamehameha Club: The club where Magnum frequently relaxed and gathered intel was actually filmed at a few locations. The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu was a prominent one. Other locations were also used for the club, including the Elks Honolulu Lodge and the Clarence H. Cooke House. Featured heavily in the show, it became one of the most recognizable and recurring locations.
• Crouching Lion Inn: Although this location was not featured heavily, it was visible in a Season 2 episode. New owners restored and reopened it after it had been closed for several years. One of the only places to enjoy dinner and cocktails on that side of the island.
• Waikiki: This iconic beach and tourist playground was in too many episodes to count.

Exploring these filming sites in Hawaii today is like stepping into the world of Magnum, P.I. Each location carries a bit of that vintage, laid-back magic that made the show so special.

Why the 80’s Hawaii Vibe Still Lives On

What makes Magnum, P.I. in Hawaii so timeless is how it embodies the effortless cool of the 80’s, a style that never really went out of fashion. These days, that retro aesthetic is more popular than ever. People seem to be embracing the nostalgic, sun-soaked look of the 80’s at every turn. Even though it’s been decades since Magnum, P.I. first aired, the spirit of the islands that it captured still lives on. Hawaii remains just as beautiful, just as laid-back, and just as full of adventure as it was in the 1980’s. The same beaches, lush landscapes, and relaxed atmosphere that Magnum explored on-screen are waiting for you today.

Your Magnum, PI-Inspired Hawaii Adventure Awaits

By booking one of our all-inclusive Hawaii vacation packages, you can experience that nostalgic charm firsthand. Whether you’re visiting Waikiki, exploring the lush valleys of Kualoa, or simply daydreaming on the beach, you’ll be living your own version of Magnum, P.I. in Hawaii. We developed our first package, the All-Inclusive Waikiki Beach Vacation during Magnum, P.I.‘s heyday. It has endured as one of our most popular vacations, proof that some things – like the perfect Hawaiian getaway – never go out of style.

Ready to relive the iconic 80’s and step into the world of Magnum, P.I .in Hawaii? Whether you’re a long-time fan of the show or just love the idea of exploring vintage Hawaii, our all-inclusive vacations offer the perfect way to experience these classic settings in style. Contact us today to start planning your adventure in paradise – just like Magnum would.