Exploring the Kauai Filming Locations of Six Days, Seven Nights

Discover the hidden gems of Six Days, Seven Nights filming locations and escape to a world of adventure and romance.

Released in 1998, “Six Days, Seven Nights” is an American adventure-comedy film starring Harrison Ford and Anne Heche. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the film tells the story of Robin Monroe, a magazine editor who gets stranded on a deserted island with a gruff cargo pilot named Quinn Harris. As they try to survive and find their way back to civilization, they also find themselves falling in love. Set in the breathtaking landscapes of Kauai, Hawaii, the film takes viewers on a thrilling journey through lush jungles, rugged coastlines, and turquoise waters.

Kauai is featured in Six Days, Seven Nights perhaps more than any other major movie.

The movie is set in French Polynesia and was filmed on location in Kauai, showcasing some of the most beautiful spots on the island. Kauai was the perfect location for the film, providing a stunning backdrop for the on-screen romance and adventure. From the epic remoteness of Kipu Kai Beach, the tropical beauty of Papaa Bay Beach and the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, Kauai’s natural beauty shines through in every scene.

Whether you are a fan of the movie, or a fan of Kauai (or both), here are some of the locations used in the film for your own Six Days, Seven Nights adventures.

Filming Locations for Six Days, Seven Nights

(Time stamps are from the Amazon Prime movie rental and may be different with other viewing options. Watch the movie at Amazon Prime Video.)

Lihue Airport

Robin and her boyfriend (played by David Schwimmer) fly into Lihue Airport at the start of their vacation.

Six Days Seven Nights Kauai Filming Locations
Lihue Airport – 4:45 – Google Maps

The runway at Lihue Airport, with Kalalea Mountain as a picturesque backdrop, establishes the tropical setting of the movie.


Lihue Airport – 4:50 – Google Maps

The open-air Lihue Airport works well for an airport in French Polynesia.

Papaa Bay Beach


Papaa Bay Beach – 9:25 – Google Maps

Papaa Bay Beach was used extensively as a filming location for the movie Six Days, Seven Nights. Today, there is more vegetation behind the beach as well as a huge mansion built by movie producer Peter Gruber. Gruber bought the property after filming of the movie. Several over-the-water huts were built at Papaa Bay Beach to give it the appearance of French Polynesia. The resort hotel in the movie was a set built at Papaa Bay Beach and was torn down after filming.

Despite the movie fame, the beach is one of the least-known (and least-visited) beaches on Kauai. The beautiful beach can be reached via a short hike from the North Aliomanu Beach parking area.

Aliomanu Estates


Aliomanu Estates – 19:05 – Google Maps

Kalalea Mountain (also known as Kong for its resemblance to King Kong) is prominent in the background when the character Quinn Harris prepares to fly Robin Monroe to Tahiti for an unplanned work assignment. This location in Aliomanu Estates is very near Papaa Bay Beach.

Kipu Kai Beach


Kipu Kai Beach – 28:05 – Google Maps

Kipu Kai Beach, on Kauai’s south shore, is the perfect setting for the crash landing on a deserted island. The beach is one of the most remote on Kauai with public access being very difficult. Located on private land in a valley framed by jagged cliffs, there are no trails to the beach for visitors. And the area’s often turbulent waters make kayak landings difficult except for the calmest days. The beach can be seen with distant views on some boat tours, including Kipu Kai Cruises that are an alternative to Na Pali Coast cruises. A glimpse of Kipu Kai Beach can be seen when flying into Kauai on some flights, and also on an ATV tour that looks down into the valley.

Kipu Falls


Kipu Falls – 36:45 – Google Maps

The scene where Harrison Ford pulls a snake from Anne Heche’s shorts was filmed at Kipu Falls in eastern Kauai. Due to safety concerns, Grove Farms (the owner of the land where the falls are located) has prohibited access to the falls due to numerous injuries and deaths. The falling water creates a powerful undertow that can drown even the strongest swimmers.

Na Pali Coast


Nualola Trail – Lola Vista Point – Na Pali Coast – 49:25 – Google Maps

This spectacular view of the Na Pali Coast was filmed at Lolo Vista Point on the Nualolo Trail. The trail is a somewhat difficult 7.5 mile out-and-back trail in Kokee State Park, but the views are well worth it for those fortunate enough to make it to the end. Watch out for loose and slippery soil at the viewpoint, as a fall could be deadly. In the movie, Ford and Heche hike down to the beach from the point, however, that is not possible and should not be attempted.


Na Pali Coast – 54:33 – Google Maps

The stunning Na Pali Coast features prominently in Six Days, Seven Nights. Visitors can take a boat, kayak, airplane or helicopter tour to see the coastline up close or hike the Kalalau Trail for a truly personal experience. The Na Pali Coast can also be seen from several lookouts in Kokee State Park, including the Kalalau Lookout and the Puu O Kila Lookout.


Honopu Beach – 58:23 – Google Maps

The Na Pali Coast’s incredible Honopu Arch at Honopu Beach provides a fantastic visual when Ford and Heche escape pirates. Another notoriously difficult location from the movie to reach, land access to Honopu Beach is virtually impossible and boat landings are prohibited. The only way to set foot on the beach is by swimming from an offshore boat or from Kalalau Beach. Boat and helicopter tours are the best ways to see this incredible natural beauty.

Airplane Tours That Include the Na Pali Coast

Helicopter Tours That Include the Na Pali Coast

Na Pali Coast Boat Tours

Shipwreck Beach


Shipwreck Beach (Shipwrecks Beach) – 1:02:35 – Google Maps

The iconic cliff jump scene in the movie Six Days, Seven Nights was filmed at Shipwrecks Beach in Poipu. Situated next to the Grand Hyatt Kauai at the end of Shipwreck Beach, the cliff is a popular destination for sightseers and cliff jumpers. (We do not recommend recreating the scene from the movie as there have been several deaths and numerous injuries at the cliff from jumping into the water. The jump is at least 40 feet, depending on the tide.) The coastal Mahaulepu Trail starts at the cliff and was used in the scene before the cliff jump where Ford and Heche elude the pirates.

Huleia River


Huleia River/Haupu Mountain Range – 1:04:39 – Google Maps

After the cliff jump, a quick shot of the Huleia River is used to establish the exotic locale that Ford and Heche must navigate to get back to the plane. A glimpse of the Menehune Fishpond can be seen in the right of the frame and this view can be taken in at the Menehune Fishpond Overlook on Hulemalu Road very near Nawiliwili Harbor.

Papaa Bay Beach


Papaa Bay Beach – 1:22:57 – Google Maps

Towards the end of the movie, Papaa Bay Beach is featured again when a ceremony is held to honor the presumed passing of Quinn and Monroe. Like the scene depicted earlier in the article, over-the-water beach hut sets were also built on the sound end of the bay to give the location a French Polynesian feel.

Final Thoughts

Kauai’s diverse terrain, stunning natural beauty and easy accessibility make it a popular choice for filmmakers. The island is home to a wide range of landscapes, including lush jungle, towering waterfalls and pristine beaches, making it a versatile location for a variety of different genres. Additionally, Kauai’s film-friendly policies and experienced local crews make it an attractive location for productions of all sizes.

In conclusion, Kauai’s natural beauty and diverse landscape provided the perfect setting for the movie “Six Days and Seven Nights.” From the stunning beaches to the rugged jungle, Kauai showcased its natural beauty and proved to be the perfect location for this adventurous movie.

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