For more than 20 years, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch has captured hearts around the world with its message of ʻohana (family), Hawaiian culture, and a lovable blue alien. While the original animated movie was set on the island of Kauaʻi, the 2025 live-action version brought the story to life on the island of Oahu, using real Hawaiian beaches, towns, and landscapes as the backdrop.
The best part? Many of these filming locations are places you can visit in real life — and some are even stops on our Dolphins and You and Island and You tours.
Let’s take a closer look at where Lilo & Stitch was filmed on Oahu, the Hawaiian beauty behind each location, and how you can see them for yourself.
Makaha Beach
In the live-action Lilo & Stitch, some of the most memorable scenes take place in the water — especially the surfing sequences that capture Hawaiʻi’s ocean culture. Makaha Beach, on Oahu’s west coast, was the perfect choice for these moments.
Why Makaha?
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Known as the birthplace of big wave surfing, Makaha has hosted legendary competitions like the Mākaha International Surfing Championships.
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Its wide sandy shore, consistent waves, and backdrop of the Waiʻanae mountain range create cinematic views.
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Unlike Waikīkī, Makaha offers a more local, uncrowded feel — just like the community portrayed in Lilo & Stitch.
How to Experience It?
Our Dolphins and You tour departs from Waiʻanae Boat Harbor, only minutes from Makaha Beach. Before or after your dolphin tour, you can stroll along the same shoreline seen in the film. It’s the perfect way to blend movie magic with real-life marine adventure:
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Watch Hawaiian spinner dolphins leap beside the boat in their natural habitat.
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Snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish.
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Learn about mālama i ke kai — caring for the ocean — from our knowledgeable, STAH-certified crew.
Haleiwa Town
While Lilo & Stitch takes place in a fictional Hawaiian town, the film’s production team needed a real location to capture that laid-back, small-town island vibe. They found it on the North Shore of Oahu in Haleʻiwa.
Why Haleiwa?
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Colorful wooden storefronts, surf shops, and shave ice stands make it a postcard-perfect Hawaiian town.
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The pace is relaxed, with locals and visitors mingling over plate lunches or strolling between boutiques.
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It’s a gateway to the famous North Shore beaches known for world-class surfing.
How to Experience It?
On our Island and You full-day circle island tour, we stop in Haleiwa so you can:
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Explore the town’s unique shops and galleries.
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Try famous treats like Matsumoto Shave Ice.
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Soak up the atmosphere that feels straight out of a movie set.
It’s an authentic slice of Oahu life — and if you’ve watched Lilo & Stitch, you’ll instantly recognize the same warmth and community spirit.
Other Oahu Filming Locations to Know
While Makaha and Haleiwa are standout spots, the live-action film also used other iconic Oahu locations to bring the story to life:
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Waikīkī Beach — Resort-style scenes and beachfront shots.
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Kualoa Ranch area — Provided lush, green backdrops similar to those in the animated film.
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The Kahala Hotel & Resort — Doubled as the fictional Ho’omāluhia Resort for hotel scenes.
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Local neighborhoods — Used for Lilo’s home exteriors and everyday island life scenes.
Why Oahu was Perfect for Filming?
The production team chose Oahu for its diverse landscapes and accessibility:
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Mountains, beaches, and towns are all within a short drive.
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The island has strong cultural representation — hula, surfing, and mālama ʻāina are part of daily life.
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Oahu’s mix of natural beauty and vibrant communities mirrors the heart of the Lilo & Stitch story.
Whether you’re a Disney fan, a nature lover, or both, visiting these filming locations can make your Hawaiian vacation even more special.
Dolphins and You
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Depart from Waiʻanae, near Makaha Beach.
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Watch dolphins, snorkel, and connect with the same ocean that inspired the film’s surfing scenes.
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Learn from our STAH-certified crew about Hawaiian culture, marine life, and eco-friendly travel.
Island and You
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Circle the island in one unforgettable day.
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Enjoy a stop in Haleʻiwa to experience the small-town charm captured in the movie.
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Visit scenic spots, sample local foods, and immerse yourself in authentic island life.
From the waves of Makaha to the colorful streets of Haleʻiwa, the magic of Lilo & Stitch lives on in Oʻahu’s landscapes and culture. And when you explore these places in person, you’ll find that the true star isn’t just Stitch — it’s the spirit of ʻohana, aloha, and mālama that makes Hawaiʻi so special.
Ready to make your own Hawaiian movie moment?
👉 Book your Dolphins and You tour or Island and You tour today, and step into the world of Lilo & Stitch — in real life.
