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With its beachfront views, iconic Rainbow Tower, and a legacy steeped in music and movie history, the Hilton Hawaiian Village<\/a> at Waikiki Beach has long been more than just a luxury resort — it\u2019s a living piece of Hollywood history.<\/p>\n During a recent visit, our entertainment reporter Courtney Tezeno had an exclusive inside look<\/a> at the legendary property while staying in the presidential suite called the Niumali Suite, located in the Rainbow Tower, a space frequently occupied by the King of Rock’ n\u2019 Roll himself, Elvis Presley.<\/p>\n Presley famously made the Hilton Hawaiian Village his home away from home during visits to Hawaii and while filming the 1961 classic \u201cBlue Hawaii,\u201d which helped cement both the film and the hotel as pop culture staples.<\/p>\n Walking through the resort feels like stepping onto a soundstage where generations of stars have left their mark. The Hilton Hawaiian Village has hosted some iconic entertainers over the decades, spanning music, film, and television.<\/p>\n Michael Jackson stayed at the hotel in the Alii Tower\u2019s Mahele Suite when he traveled to Hawaii for his sold-out HIStory World Tour at Aloha Stadium on January 4, 1997. This was the King of Pop\u2019s only U.S. stop where he delivered a memorable concert that remains a historic moment for fans.<\/p>\n Music legends like the Godfather of Soul have also graced the hotel\u2019s stages. James Brown performed at the Coral Ballroom on December 31, 2001, ringing in the new year with his soulful energy and unforgettable sound.<\/p>\n Pop royalty also made waves on the resort\u2019s famous beach in 2000. During a Britney Spears television special, Beyonc\u00e9 performed with the original members of Destiny\u2019s Child, belting out one of their first major songs, \u201cSay My Name.\u201d The live beachfront performance on April 24, 2000, turned Waikiki into a global stage.<\/p>\n The resort\u2019s ties to the small screen are just as impressive. From 2010 through 2020, the Hilton Hawaiian Village served as a major filming location for the hit CBS series \u201cHawaii Five-0,\u201d starring Alex O\u2019Loughlin (Detective Steve McGarrett) and Scott Caan (Detective Danny \u201cDanno\u201d Williams).<\/p>\n Over the course of 10 years, scenes were shot at Tropics Bar & Grill, Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, Paradise Pool, Hau Tree and the Rainbow Tower, showcasing the scenic appeal of the poolside eats and oceanfront dining for millions of viewers worldwide. <\/p>\n More recently, the Hilton Hawaiian Village continues to attract major productions, including on-site filming on Waikiki Beach for the live-action adaptation of \u201cLilo & Stitch\u201d (2025<\/a>), further proving its enduring appeal to Hollywood.<\/p>\n From Elvis\u2019 suite to Beyonce\u2019s beachfront performance, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki stands as a rare destination where luxury, hospitality, and entertainment history collide. Follow @tnndentertainment<\/a> for more exclusive entertainment news. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n“Blue Hawaii” Filming Location<\/h2>\n
Michael Jackson\u2019s Sold-Out World Tour Stop<\/h2>\n
Beyonce Opening for Britney Spears Concert<\/h2>\n
Where “Hawaii Five-0” Filmed for 10 Years<\/h2>\n
Key Location for Live-Action “Lilo & Stitch”<\/h2>\n