Photo courtesy of E+ / Art Wager
Enjoy a very Brady Hawaiian getaway
The Brady family had a lot of zany adventures in three very special episodes of “The Brady Bunch” where the entire gang (including Alice, of course) went to Hawaii. More specifically, they went to the island of Oahu, concentrating a lot of their time in Honolulu.
The 1972 Hawaii episodes opened the fourth season of “The Brady Bunch,” and they have become a beloved part of pop culture. From Cindy and Bobby meeting Don Ho to the boys getting kidnapped by a villain portrayed by Vincent Price, the shenanigans were pretty outrageous. (Spoiler alert: There really aren’t tarantulas in Hawaii like the one who climbed on Peter!) And who can forget when Alice’s “hu” went one way when her “la” went the other?
Here are the top 10 places where the Hawaii episodes of “The Brady Bunch” were filmed. Grab a buddy or the whole family and get in on the tropical fun.
Photo courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki
Sheraton Waikiki
Location: 2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
The entrance to the Sheraton Waikiki has not changed all that much from when the Bradys drove up to the grand entrance way. You can start your Oahu vacation like the Bradys did and drive up for a stay at this lovely hotel.
All of its original charm remains, yet the beautiful hotel has been updated to include the luxuries and amenities that guests may expect today. You can even book an oceanview room like the Brady family would have enjoyed. Be sure to also check out the breathtaking infinity pool. There’s no chance of wiping out there!
Halona Blowhole Lookout
Location: 8483 Hawaii Route 72, Honolulu, Hawaii 96825
During their tour of Hawaii, the Bradys looked in wonder at the still-active Hālona Blowhole. It’s one of Hawaii’s many natural wonders. The rock formation and blowhole shoots ocean water spray high into the air when the waves roll in.
Although there are no active volcanoes on Oahu now, their effects on the island linger. This blowhole was created when molten lava tubes formed here in the aftermath of volcano eruptions. The lookout also happens to be a lovely place for sunrise watching. The best time to come here is when winds are strong and the tide is high.
View Rabbit Island from Makapu’u Beach Park
Location: 41-095 Kalaniana’ole Highway, Makapu’u Point, Hawaii 96795
The Brady girls enjoyed their view of Rabbit Island. Although it’s referred to by its nickname in the episode, the real name of Rabbit Island is Mānana Island. It got its nickname because many rabbits used to inhabit the area. It’s now an uninhabited islet on the eastern end of Oahu.
For an incredible view of Rabbit Island and a quintessential Oahu experience, go to Makapu’u Beach Park about a half-hour before sunrise and watch the sun come up.
Photo courtesy of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
Hula dancing on the Ocean Lawn of the Royal Hawaiian
Location: 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
It’s believed that the Brady ladies enjoyed their hula lesson on the Ocean Lawn of the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. Nearly 50 years since the Brady episode first aired, you can still enjoy time on the lawn. This part of the hotel is open to guests, and it’s often used for special events. Also, the ocean lawn is a great place for a selfie because you can see the ocean, Diamond Head and other beautiful sights in the background.
The Royal Hawaiian does offer hula lessons to guests, but they aren’t held on the Ocean Lawn. If you and your family decide to try hula dancing, try not to get your hula skirts mixed up like Alice and Cindy did! The Royal Hawaiian is conveniently right next door to the Sheraton Waikiki, so you could easily split your vacation between both hotels.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor Memorial
Location: 1 Arizona Memorial Plaza, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818
While exploring Oahu with their tour guide David, the Bradys take some time for serious reflection at the USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor Memorial. You can take the USS Arizona Memorial Tour and see what millions of other visitors have witnessed over the last several decades.
This memorial was built over the remains of the sunken battleship. It’s the resting place of 1,102 marines and sailors who died there in the surprise attack. As the place where the United States entered World War II on December 7, 1941, the battleship’s remains were designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1989.
Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside
Location: 2760 Round Top Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
The Brady family goes to Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park together and they get to see a beautiful lookout of downtown Honolulu. They don’t let a little trouble with saying the park’s name correctly get in their way of appreciating its beauty.
You can go to the lookout and enjoy the view of southern Oahu. This is also a great place to bring a picnic lunch because picnic shelters, a water fountain, bathrooms and trash cans are available here. Hikers who want to do a little more exploring can find the beginning of the trailhead for the ‘Ualaka’a Loop Trail here.
Although the bunch savored the daytime view, it’s also gorgeous at night with the shining lights of the city to enjoy.
King Kamehameha statue
Location: 447 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
There are actually a few King Kamehameha statues in Hawaii. The one that the Brady bunch visits, and the most recognized one in the state, is the King Kamehameha statue in front of Aliiolani Hale (home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court). This statue was dedicated in 1883. It’s only a short walk from the statue to the State Capitol and the historic Kawaiahao Church.
The Iolani Palace
Location: 364 South King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
The ʻIolani Palace is a place of royalty and tragedy. The Brady Bunch look at it with their tour guide David while they’re standing by the King Kamehameha Statue. Take care of two Brady locales with one stop by simply walking across the street from the statue to the palace. Although a tour of the palace isn’t shown in the episode, it is very much worth taking the time to enjoy one. Learn all about the fascinating history of the royal rulers of what used to be known as the Kingdom of Hawaii.
Photo courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki
Outrigger canoe ride
Location: Waikiki Beach Services, 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Outrigger canoe rides were once reserved just for Hawaiian royalty. However, the Brady family got to enjoy one together, and you too can enjoy this fun experience. Easily rent an outrigger canoe from Waikiki Beach Services.
Its founder is Ted Bush, and he’s also one of the founders of the Waikiki Beachboys Canoe Club, a non-profit canoe racing team that is well-known on the island. Just make sure to wear your life jacket! According to Brady legend (and “Growing Up Brady” by Barry Williams), no member of the bunch was wearing a life jacket on their canoe ride because of costuming considerations.
Waikiki Beach and view of Diamond Head
Location: Waikiki, 96815
One of the great views of Diamond Head is from the balcony of an oceanfront room at the Royal Hawaiian. When Bobby asked about the lump that is Diamond Head, Peter called him “dumb head.” You may want to explain it to your family with a Brady-like sweetness that’s more typical of the bunch! Also, you can access Waikiki Beach directly from the hotel. When Greg tries his hand at surfing, it’s on the beaches of Waikiki.
