Blue Hawaii: More Than Just a Pretty Movie

Blue Hawaii dazzles viewers with its lush scenery and unforgettable soundtrack. But beyond the tropical charm, it hides bloopers and behind-the-scenes moments that only deepen our love for Elvis Presley.

A Charmer With a Few Slip-Ups

Elvis ruled the screen in the 1961 musical. Yet a few funny mistakes managed to slip past the editors. While debates about his best film continue, Blue Hawaii always holds a special place in fans’ hearts.

Hilarious Mistakes and Big Laughs

Despite mixed reviews, the film soared to become the 10th highest-grossing movie of 1961, earning $4.2 million. It showcased Elvis’s comedic chops alongside veteran funny actors. His role as Chad Gates—a former G.I. turned tour guide—was both funny and charming.

And the soundtrack? It delivered timeless hits like “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” which hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The First Movie With Surprise Songs

Interestingly, Blue Hawaii was the first time Elvis played a character who wasn’t a professional singer. Still, he belted out tunes spontaneously—whether relaxing on a beach or paddling a canoe. It may sound cheesy, but it added to the movie’s playful magic.

A New Formula for Presley’s Films

After Blue Hawaii became a hit, Colonel Tom Parker had a lightbulb moment. He decided to copy its formula: send Elvis to an exotic location, add a few pretty co-stars, and pack in enough songs for a soundtrack album. It worked—Elvis stayed on the Top Ten Box-Office Stars list seven times in the 1960s.

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Crowd Screams in the Background

Turn up the volume when Chad steps off the plane. You’ll hear actual fans screaming in the background—an unscripted moment captured during filming, according to IMDb.

Juliet Prowse Walks Away

Juliet Prowse, originally cast as Maile, demanded a personal makeup artist and travel for her secretary. The studio declined. She quit. Joan Blackman got the role—and gave a memorable performance.

Elvis Wasn’t Always Happy

According to Anne Fulchino, a publicist who knew him well, Elvis seemed ashamed during filming. She sensed his discomfort and left the set early. “He was frustrated and disgusted—it was all in his face,” she recalled.

Fun and Mischief on Set

Elvis Yelled “CUT!” for Golf Legend

Golf pro Gary Player visited the set after winning the Masters in 1961. Elvis shouted “CUT!” just to greet him properly. He asked for swing tips, and after a hilarious first try, Player adjusted his grip. Elvis replied, “Baby, you’re talking to the right man,” and gave a signature hip shake.

He Played Dead as a Prank

Elvis and his girlfriend Anita Wood once faked his death just to see his entourage’s reaction. Everyone panicked—until Elvis casually explained he was just messing around. Classic Elvis mischief.

Cars, Locations, and Romance

Elvis Bought the Red MG

During filming, Elvis fell in love with a red 1960 MGA 1600 MkI roadster. He bought it. Today, you can find that car in his Graceland collection, parked among Cadillacs and motorcycles.

An Iconic Wedding Scene Location

That beautiful overlook from the picnic scene? It’s off Tantalus Drive in Hawaii—and now a popular wedding spot. Elvis stayed at the Coco Palms Resort during filming. It later appeared in the movie as the wedding location, where he sang “Hawaiian Wedding Song.” The resort, once visited by stars like Sinatra and Crosby, was destroyed by a 1992 hurricane.

Elvis Wanted to Marry Joan Blackman

On-screen chemistry wasn’t just for show. Elvis truly connected with co-star Joan Blackman. He begged her to star in more films. She declined, saying, “I wanted parts because of my ability, not because I was dating Elvis.”

Spot These Bloopers!

The Magic Arm and Steering Wheel

In the “Almost Always True” car scene, Maile’s hand positions jump between cuts. So does Chad’s arm. It’s a noticeable editing blunder.

Ellie Teleports in the Car

Ellie starts in the back seat during the pineapple field scene. When Chad returns, she’s suddenly in the front passenger seat. Classic continuity slip.

The Ukulele That Never Changes Chords

When Chad strums the ukulele, the chords don’t change—even though the music does. Fun fact: Elvis later gave that ukulele to his friend Hank Garland, a legendary guitarist.

The Patch on Chad’s Uniform

Keep an eye on Chad’s uniform patch. Fans have noticed inconsistencies, but those minor flaws just make Blue Hawaii all the more charming.