State authorities have decided to let a film company perform a stunt at a site that was considered sacred by Hawaiian royalty.

But the makers of the as-yet-untitled film, which stars American wrestling celebrity The Rock, will have to adhere to strict guidelines.

The stunt involves flipping a jeep from a rock outcropping beside Kapena Falls and into the water below.

"The jeep will be steam-cleaned, have no engine, transmission or glass and will be removed after the stunt by helicopter to avoid damage to surrounding areas," Hawaii's board of land and natural resources said in a news release.

Californian film-maker Helldorado Productions will also be required to keep the falls and pool open to the public during the two weeks of filming.

The company must take appropriate safety measures during rigging and filming.

Sacred site

In ancient times Kapena Falls, which is located just outside the centre Honolulu, was considered a sacred bathing site for members of the Hawaiian royalty.

The Rock spent part of his youth in Honolulu

World Wrestling Entertainment star The Rock, whose real name is Dwayne Johnson, lived in Hawaii when he was growing up.

He made a successful transition into movies when he appeared in The Mummy Returns.

He then went on to appear in The Scorpion King.

The spin-off from The Mummy topped US box office charts and established him as a bankable action star.

The Rock said he may also star in another film on the life of Hawaiian warrior king Kamehameha the Great.