If you’re a Full House fan, you probably remember the Hawaii episode — the one where the entire Tanner family escapes to the tropical islands for sunshine, surfing, and a whole lot of chaos. But while the episode seemed like paradise on-screen, Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner) recently shared that filming it was far from a vacation.
The Hawaii Episode: A Quick Recap
The episode, titled “Tanner’s Island,” kicked off Season 3 and took the family on a trip to Oahu, Hawaii. What starts as a dream vacation quickly spirals into one disaster after another — from bad camping experiences to DJ’s superstition that they disturbed a tiki god. It’s one of the most beloved episodes in the series, especially for fans who love when sitcom families go on big trips.
10 Days in Paradise (Sort Of)
According to Jodie Sweetin, the cast and crew spent ten full days in Hawaii for filming. But it wasn’t all luaus and leis. Behind the scenes, things were hectic. The production faced delays, schedule changes, and even an injury to the show’s creator, who tore his Achilles tendon while on location.
Jodie recalled that while the trip was memorable, it was also “kind of chaotic.” Between navigating the logistics of filming on a beach and trying to stick to tight shooting schedules, it definitely wasn’t a relaxing getaway for anyone involved.
Dolphins & Motion Sickness
One scene involved the cast swimming with dolphins — something that sounds like a dream come true, right? Not quite. Jodie confessed that although the idea of swimming with dolphins was exciting, the actual experience was a little terrifying, especially for a kid. The ocean was rough, and more than one person on the crew suffered from motion sickness during filming.
Andrea Barber Almost Missed Out
Andrea Barber, who played Kimmy Gibbler, wasn’t originally supposed to be part of the Hawaii storyline. But thanks to some behind-the-scenes maneuvering, she joined the trip anyway — even though her character didn’t appear in the episode. She just came along for the ride and soaked in the Hawaii experience with the rest of the cast. Now that’s a dream job perk.
No Glamorous Trailers Here
Forget the image of glamorous trailers and catered meals. The Hawaii shoot was raw and rugged. Most of the cast spent long days in the heat, dealing with bugs, sand, and unpredictable weather. According to Jodie, it was one of the more physically demanding episodes they ever shot.
Bonding Time for the Cast
Even with all the challenges, the trip brought the cast closer together. Being far from the studio back in Los Angeles gave everyone a chance to bond like a real family. Jodie remembers hanging out at the hotel, exploring the island, and spending time with her on-screen siblings — experiences that helped build the strong chemistry fans saw on camera.
Filming with Tourists Around
Another challenge? Filming on public beaches meant dealing with actual tourists. Locals and visitors alike would often gather to watch the cast shoot scenes, making it harder to stay focused. Some fans even tried to sneak into the background of shots!
Why This Episode Still Stands Out
For many fans, the Hawaii episode is unforgettable. It had all the ingredients of a perfect family sitcom — slapstick comedy, heartfelt moments, and the novelty of seeing the Tanners out of their comfort zone. But for the cast, it was also a learning experience — about patience, professionalism, and rolling with the waves (literally).
Jodie’s Favorite Memory?
Despite the stress, Jodie Sweetin said one of her favorite memories was watching the sunset on the beach after a long day of filming. For a kid actor, moments like that didn’t come around often. And even if the work was hard, being in Hawaii with your TV family was a memory she’ll never forget.
Conclusion: A Bit of Chaos, A Lot of Heart
The Hawaii episode of Full House might have looked picture-perfect on screen, but the reality was much messier — and more fun — than anyone watching could imagine. From seasickness to surprise appearances, it was a wild ride that cemented its place in TV history. And thanks to Jodie Sweetin’s candid reflections, fans now have an even deeper appreciation for everything that went into making it happen.
FAQs
1. Where was the Hawaii episode of Full House filmed?
It was filmed on location in Oahu, Hawaii — specifically around the beach and resort areas.
2. Was the episode hard to film?
Yes, Jodie Sweetin described it as chaotic and physically demanding, but also memorable and fun.
3. Did all cast members appear in the episode?
No. Andrea Barber (Kimmy) didn’t appear in the episode, but she did travel to Hawaii with the cast.
4. What made this episode special?
It was one of the few Full House episodes filmed outside the studio and showcased the Tanners in a unique, tropical setting.
5. Did the cast enjoy the trip overall?
Yes, despite the production challenges, the cast had a lot of fun and bonded during the 10-day shoot.
