35 College Campuses Where Hollywood Movies Were Secretly Filmed

23. University of Hawaii at Mānoa: Jurassic Park (1993), 50 First Dates (2004)

The University of Hawaii at Mānoa is a tropical paradise that seamlessly blends academics with stunning natural beauty, making it an irresistible filming location. Perhaps the most famous film to feature UH Mānoa is Jurassic Park (1993). While much of the movie was shot on Hawaii’s Kauai Island, the university’s dense, jungle-like areas provided additional footage to help create the illusion of Isla Nublar, the fictional dinosaur-inhabited island. The university’s rich biodiversity and exotic flora made it an ideal match for the film’s prehistoric setting. On a much lighter note, 50 First Dates (2004) used the scenic campus to enhance its Hawaiian love story. The film, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, capitalized on the university’s idyllic atmosphere to establish its warm, laid-back setting. Whether it's doubling as a prehistoric jungle or a romantic island retreat, UH Mānoa’s lush campus has proven to be a versatile and visually captivating filming location.