5 Shocking Secrets About The 'Full House' Hawaii Episode: Why The Cast Called 'Tanner's Island' A 'Disaster'

Are you ready to revisit paradise? The two-part *Full House* Hawaii episode, officially titled "Tanner's Island," remains one of the most memorable and talked-about adventures in the Tanner family's history. Airing as the Season 3 premiere on September 22, 1989, this episode took the beloved San Francisco family out of their Victorian home and stranded them on a seemingly deserted Hawaiian island. However, as of late 2024, new revelations and behind-the-scenes stories have surfaced, painting a picture of a production that was far from a tropical vacation, with the cast and even the show's creator admitting it was a "disastrous" and "worst" experience.

The episode’s enduring popularity is often overshadowed by the chaos that unfolded off-camera. From creator regrets to cast members sharing their harrowing memories decades later on their popular podcast, the story of "Tanner's Island" is a fascinating blend of on-screen family fun and off-screen production nightmares. This deep dive uncovers the freshest details and trivia about the most controversial *Full House* vacation of all time.

The Cast and Crew Who Survived the "Disastrous" Shoot

The "Tanner's Island" episode brought the entire core cast to Hawaii. The sheer logistics of moving a large ensemble, including young children, to an international location contributed to the chaos that ensued. Here is a brief profile of the key figures involved in the infamous episode:

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• Jeff Franklin (Creator/Executive Producer): The mastermind behind *Full House* and *Fuller House*. He has publicly stated that "Tanner's Island" is one of the show's "worst" episodes, expressing regret over the execution.
• Bob Saget (Danny Tanner): The family patriarch and co-star. He often spoke about the challenges of filming on location, especially with the younger cast members.
• John Stamos (Jesse Katsopolis): The cool Uncle Jesse. His character was central to many of the outdoor, high-energy scenes in the episode.
• Dave Coulier (Joey Gladstone): The comedian and co-star. His scenes, often involving slapstick or trying to entertain the children, were filmed amidst the production turmoil.
• Lori Loughlin (Rebecca "Becky" Donaldson): The co-host and eventual Aunt Becky. She has been vocal about the difficulties, describing the shoot as "disastrous" due to the weather and logistics.
• Candace Cameron Bure (D.J. Tanner): The eldest daughter. Her character's storyline often focused on her teenage antics during the trip.
• Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner): The middle daughter. She has recently shared behind-the-scenes stories on her podcast, *How Rude, Tanneritos!*, providing a fresh look at the shoot.
• Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (Michelle Tanner): The youngest star. Filming with toddlers on a remote location presented unique challenges for the production team.
• Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler): Although her character, Kimmy Gibbler, did not appear in the episode, Barber was present in Hawaii with the cast, a fun piece of trivia that shows the family-like nature of the production.

5 Reasons Why 'Tanner's Island' Has a Cursed Legacy

The episode is titled "Tanner's Island" and follows Danny's surprise two-year anniversary gift for Jesse and Joey: a week-long trip to Hawaii. After a detour on a small boat, the family—minus Kimmy Gibbler—gets stranded on a seemingly deserted island. While the plot is classic sitcom fare, the production was anything but smooth. Here are the top five reasons why this episode is considered one of the most controversial in *Full House* history:

1. The Creator Called It One of the "Worst"

In a surprising admission that provides a fresh, modern perspective on the classic show, *Full House* creator Jeff Franklin openly criticized his own work. He stated that "Tanner's Island" is one of the show’s "worst" episodes. This strong condemnation from the person who wrote the show's blueprint immediately elevates the episode from a simple vacation special to a production mistake, fueling the curiosity of fans who are now re-watching it with a critical eye.

2. Lori Loughlin Described the Shoot as "Disastrous"

Aunt Becky herself, Lori Loughlin, has been candid about the miserable conditions during the location shoot. She went on record to call the experience a "disastrous" shoot, citing various production difficulties. Filming on a beach and in a boat proved far more complicated than the controlled environment of the Warner Bros. soundstage, leading to long hours, unexpected weather issues, and general chaos that tested the patience of the cast and crew.

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3. Recent Behind-the-Scenes Revelations on the 'How Rude, Tanneritos!' Podcast

The most recent and freshest information comes from the cast themselves. In a June 2024 episode of the podcast *How Rude, Tanneritos!*, hosts Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie) and Andrea Barber (Kimmy) took a hilarious look back at the season 3 premiere. Their discussion provides a contemporary, first-hand account of the shoot, including the logistical nightmares of filming with children on location, which reinforces the "disastrous" label. These new details are what is driving the current resurgence of interest in the episode.

4. The Plot's Logical Flaws and the Island Setting

The episode’s central premise—the family getting stranded on a deserted island—strains credulity even for a sitcom. The island, which turns out not to be deserted at all, was criticized for its weak execution. The goal of a vacation episode is to showcase the location, but by stranding the characters, the episode missed the opportunity to truly explore and celebrate Hawaii, a point that likely contributed to Franklin's "worst" assessment. The plot was thin and relied heavily on the novelty of the setting.

5. The Kimmy Gibbler Paradox

A curious piece of trivia that speaks to the oddity of the episode is the "Kimmy Gibbler Paradox." While the character Kimmy Gibbler was not written into the episode—meaning she didn't join the Tanners on their vacation—the actress who played her, Andrea Barber, was still flown out to Hawaii with the rest of the cast. This decision, likely to keep the young actress engaged or as a gesture to the ensemble, is a strange, costly footnote in the episode's history, further highlighting the unusual production decisions surrounding "Tanner's Island."

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The Lasting Legacy of 'Tanner's Island'

Despite the behind-the-scenes drama and the creator’s harsh assessment, "Tanner's Island" remains a pivotal episode for several reasons. As the Season 3 premiere, it marked a significant moment of growth for the show, demonstrating its ability to handle ambitious location shoots, even if they were fraught with difficulty. The episode is a fan favorite for its sheer escapism and the rare sight of the entire Tanner family outside of their San Francisco bubble.

The episode established a recurring theme of family vacations that would appear in later seasons, such as the trip to Disney World. It also solidified the bond between the core cast members, who, through surviving a genuinely challenging shoot, strengthened their off-screen relationships. The recent discussions on the *How Rude, Tanneritos!* podcast have revived interest in the episode, proving that even the "worst" installments of a beloved show can have the most compelling stories.

You can find "Tanner's Island" as the first episode of Season 3 on various streaming platforms where *Full House* is available. It’s a must-watch for any fan looking to appreciate the on-screen magic while now knowing the full story of the off-screen "disaster."