“Lost” spotting: The hotel haunts of our favorite desert islanders

See recent posts by Kelsey Blodget

Scenes from Lost have been filmed at Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore of Oahu.
Scenes from Lost have been filmed at Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore of Oahu.

It’s almost here, so close you can taste it. Lost’s final season, the one that will finally answer all of your lingering questions, kicks off tonight with a two-hour premiere. To the Lost superfans who dream of getting stranded with Sawyer or Jack, this may be your last chance to head to the real-life Lost island and make it happen.

It’s probably old news to most Lost fans that the show’s desert island (or alien landscape, or dream scenario) is in fact none other than Oahu, Hawaii – which has considerably more inhabitants, and considerably fewer monsters, than the setting of the show. The only legendary creatures here are the show’s stars, who over the past several years could be spotted filming at the island’s hotels, or eating at the hotel restaurants, in the flesh. Flashback with us, if you will, to the places they have been before.

Turtle Bay Resort

  • Price: $248/night
  • Rating: 4.0 Pearls
  • Location: Oahu, Hawaii

Numerous scenes from the show have been filmed at this 880-acre resort on Oahu’s scenic, isolated North Shore. The resort’s five miles of beachfront include Kawela Bay Beach, which has appeared in the show, and dozens of miles of hiking and bike trails, where several jungle scenes have been shot. When Jack, Kate and Charlie flee toward the beach after watching a monster devour the plane’s pilot in the first episode, they’re running through one of the resort’s wooded paths.

The Kahala Hotel and Resort

  • Price: $581/night
  • Rating: 5.0 Pearls
  • Location: Oahu, Hawaii

In the episode “Do Not Harm,” the flashback sequence to Jack’s wedding day was filmed at the Kahala Hotel and Resort wedding gazebo. A celebrity retreat since 1964, the newly renovated Kahala is quite possibly the best hotel in Oahu. Hoku’s, regarded as one of the finest restaurants on the island, serves innovative Asian fusion and is reportedly one of the favorite restaurants of Lost actor Yunjin Kim.

The Ilikai

  • Price: $155/night
  • Rating: 3.0 Pearls
  • Location: Oahu, Hawaii

The once-historic Ilikai has the makings of a great hotel — massive, clean rooms, an elegant open-air lobby, a newly refurbished pool, and a well-equipped fitness center. But the hotel is far from the heart of Waikiki, and recent financial problems have left it feeling like a ghost town. Guess that’s why Lost is able to frequently use its public spaces, suites, and rooms for filming.

JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa

  • Price: $263/night
  • Rating: 4.0 Pearls
  • Location: Oahu, Hawaii

This elegant resort and occasional Lost setting is situated on the largest of Ko Olina’s man-made lagoons and has perfect turquoise water, impeccably groomed grounds, and swaying palm trees.

Waikiki Parc Hotel

  • Price: $165/night
  • Rating: 3.5 Pearls
  • Location: Oahu, Hawaii

This well-priced boutique is home to one of the best restaurants on the island: An outpost of the world-famous haute Japanese restaurant Nobu, where Lost actor Daniel Dae Kim has been spotted dining.

All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.