Magnum P.I.: Robin’s Nest to Kualoa
STOP 1 OF 11
Hanauma Bay
East side · Paid entry
A sheltered bay inside a volcanic crater, now a reef nature preserve with timed entry.
EThe editors · 3 Five-0 and Magnum on Oʻahu lists — switch
Magnum P.I.: Robin’s Nest to Kualoa
Magnum’s two Robin’s Nests, T.C.’s pier, the lighthouse and Kualoa, on the east and windward coast.
11 placesA full dayRead the guide ↓
- 1. Hanauma BayA sheltered bay inside a volcanic crater, now a reef nature preserve with timed entry.Hawaii Five-O (1968) · Pilot, “Cocoon” +1East sidePaid entry2–3 hours$25 for visitors over 12, plus $3 parking
2. Hālona Blowhole lookout and coveA roadside lookout over a lava-tube blowhole and the small cove beside it.Magnum P.I. (2018) · S2E16 “Farewell to Love” +1East sideFrom outside15 minutesFree
3. Koko Crater Railway TrailThe old tramway up Koko Crater: about 1,000 railroad-tie steps straight up, with a big view at the top.Hawaii Five-0 (2010) · Season 2East sideFree to visit1½–2 hoursFree
4. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse TrailA paved trail to the cliffs above the Makapuʻu lighthouse, with Rabbit Island below and whales in winter.Magnum, P.I. (1980) · S3E23 “Faith and Begorrah” +1East sideFree to visit1½ hoursFree
5. Makapuʻu BeachThe body-surfing beach under the Makapuʻu cliffs, where the highway swings round toward Waimānalo.Magnum, P.I. (1980) · S3E19 “Legacy from a Friend” +2East sideFree to visit30 minutesFree
6. Makai Research PierA research pier across the road from Sea Life Park. In the 1980s it was T.C.’s helicopter charter base.Magnum, P.I. (1980) +1East sideFrom outside10 minutesFree
7. Kaiona Beach ParkA quiet beach park a short walk along the sand from Pahonu, the estate that was Robin’s Nest in the 1980s. The main house was torn down in 2018; the land is private.Magnum, P.I. (1980) +1East sideFree to visit1 hour with a swimFree
8. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical GardenA free botanical garden under the Koʻolau cliffs. The reboot built a copy of the Robin’s Nest gate here as a set.Magnum P.I. (2018) · Season 1WindwardFree to visit1 hourFree
9. Byodo-In TempleA replica of a 950-year-old Kyoto temple in the Valley of the Temples cemetery.Magnum, P.I. (1980) · S2E7 “Tropical Madness” +2WindwardPaid entry45 minutes$10 adults, less for seniors and children
10. Kualoa Regional ParkA beach park facing the islet Mokoliʻi, with the Kualoa cliffs behind. The reboot’s aerial shots of Robin’s Nest were filmed over this spot.Magnum P.I. (2018) +1WindwardFree to visit45 minutesFree
11. Kualoa RanchA working ranch in the Kaʻaʻawa and Kualoa valleys, private land seen only on its tours.Hawaii Five-0 (2010) · S1E1 “Pilot” +2WindwardTour only2–3 hours with a tourTours from about $60
Watch before you go
Official clips and trailers from the studios’ own channels. They load only when you tap play.
The guide
How to do it: Magnum P.I.: Robin’s Nest to Kualoa
There were two Robin’s Nests. The 1980s series used Pahonu, a real beachfront estate in Waimānalo; its main house was torn down in 2018, and the land is private. The 2018 reboot built a new estate from pieces: aerial shots over Kualoa Regional Park, the Kualoa cliffs behind, a gate built as a set and a house finished by computer. Neither can be visited, but you can see the coast both of them belonged to.
This drive follows Kalanianaʻole Highway round the east end of Oʻahu, past the cove from the original Five-O pilot, the lighthouse where Magnum’s foe went over the edge and the pier T.C. flew from, then up the windward side to the Byodo-In temple and Kualoa.
- The order to do it in
- Hanauma Bay first (it needs a booking), then the Hālona lookout, Koko Crater, Makapuʻu lighthouse and beach, the Makai pier and Kaiona Beach Park in Waimānalo, then over to Kāneʻohe for Hoʻomaluhia and Byodo-In, and Kualoa at the end.
- When to go
- Start early: Hanauma Bay slots and the Makapuʻu trail are best before 9am, and Kualoa’s tours run through the day. Hanauma Bay is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Getting there
- A car is needed. Every stop has parking; Hālona and Makapuʻu lots fill by mid-morning.
- What to bring
- Water and sun protection for the unshaded trails, reef-safe sunscreen, swimsuit, and walking shoes.
- What it costs
- Free apart from Hanauma Bay, Byodo-In and a Kualoa Ranch tour.
Worth knowing
- The Waimānalo estates are private: look from the public sand and don’t climb walls or enter the turtle pond.
- Kualoa is a sacred place as well as a film set. Call the islet Mokoliʻi and don’t climb it.
- Car break-ins happen at scenic lookouts. Leave nothing in view.
Researched and written by us from Wikipedia — Hawaii Five-0 (2010 TV series), Wikipedia — Pilot (Hawaii Five-0), production notes, Wikipedia — Hawaii Five-0 season 3 episode list, Wikipedia — Hawaii Five-0 season 4 episode list, Honolulu Star-Advertiser — On location in Hawaii (Five-0 Redux, 2015) and Honolulu Star-Advertiser — Hawaii’s iconic destinations (Five-0 locations), among others. Episodes checked against episode guides; places and access checked October 2026. Private homes are view-only from the street.