Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dated sexual dynamics, stereotypes in Elvis musical comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Blue Hawaii
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BLUE HAWAII, Chad Gates (Elvis Presley) returns home from the army and hides out with his girlfriend, Maile (Joan Blackman), surfing and relaxing with friends until his parents discover he's back in town. Keen to avoid joining his wealthy family's pineapple business, he gets a job as an island tour guide through Maile's company, but his first party—an adoring teacher and her four 17-year-old students—prove more of a handful than expected.
Is It Any Good?
There's a kind of fantasy element to the picture-postcard view of Hawaii at the heart of this Elvis musical. Filmed in vibrant Technicolor and Panavision, the titular location in Blue Hawaii certainly provides a romantic backdrop, even as it overlooks much of the socioeconomic issues of the time. Elvis himself plays a familiarly lovable cad, full of mischievous twinkle and the sexual spark that caused so much swooning on-screen and off. Aspects of his behavior toward women haven't aged particularly well—using others to make his girlfriend jealous, joking about infidelity, and spanking a 17-year-old in a strangely sexual punishment for her partly welcome advances. But otherwise, the formula here is a consistent one, and fans of his charismatic persona and playful musical numbers won't be disappointed. A box office hit back on its 1960s release and featuring one of the star's most memorable songs, "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You," Blue Hawaii is a light, Sunday afternoon musical that would prove an easy introduction to Elvis' work or a reliable addition to a fan's back catalog.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of finding your own path in Blue Hawaii. How did Chad deal with parental pressure to join the family business? What did he prioritize in his own life?
The film includes musical numbers. Which ones stood out to you? How do you feel about combining music with movie narratives? Does it add to the story or take you out of the moment? How did this compare to other musicals you've seen?
Did the movie feel dated in any way? How might it be different if it was made today?
How were sex and relationships portrayed in the movie? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How was smoking and drinking depicted in the film? Was it glamorized? How has our behavior when it comes to smoking changed from when the movie was set and filmed?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 22, 1961
- On DVD or streaming : May 2, 2000
- Cast : Elvis Presley , Joan Blackman , Angela Lansbury
- Director : Norman Taurog
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Musical
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild sensuality
- Last updated : January 20, 2026
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