Main Characters and Cast Overview
Hawaii Five-0 follows an elite state task force led by Steve McGarrett, a decorated Navy SEAL turned detective. The series ran for ten seasons and starred Alex O'Loughlin as McGarrett and Scott Caan as Danny Williams. The show aired on CBS from September 20, 2010, to April 3, 2020, and was filmed primarily in Honolulu, Hawaii. The reboot drew from the original 1968 series created by Leonard Freeman and Peter Radford, while updating the format for modern audiences. The ensemble cast included Daniel Dae Kim as Chin Ho Kelly, Grace Park as Kono Kalakaua, and Michelle Borth as Catherine Rollins in recurring and lead roles. The series was produced by CBS Television Studios and K/O Paper Products, and its episodes often highlighted real Hawaiian locations and law enforcement procedures. Hawaii Five-0 characters were designed to reflect the state's multicultural population, with many actors of Asian, Pacific Islander, and local Hawaiian heritage. The show's creative team included executive producers Peter Lenkov and Rob Hanning, who oversaw storylines involving organized crime, cybercrime, and homeland security. The series was canceled after its tenth season, with the finale airing on April 3, 2020. The reboot became one of the longest-running police procedurals in American television history and remains in syndication worldwide. For background on the original series, see the overview on CBS's official page for the franchise Hawaii Five-0 CBS.
The main characters operated under the umbrella of the Hawaii State Department of Public Safety, with McGarrett reporting directly to the Governor. The task force's remit included murder investigations, terrorism threats, and major felony cases across the Hawaiian Islands. The show's opening credits and theme song, a reworked version of the original by The Ventures, became iconic elements of the series. Each episode typically balanced high-stakes investigations with personal storylines for the team members. Hawaii Five-0 characters also interacted with real Hawaiian cultural practices, including traditional protocols, language, and local customs. The series was praised for its representation of Asian American and Pacific Islander actors in lead roles. The show's production supported local businesses and employed hundreds of Hawaii-based crew members. Its filming locations included Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the Hawaii Film Studio, boosting local tourism visibility. The reboot's success helped sustain interest in the original 1968 series, which continued to air on digital platforms. The series also generated spin-off media, including novels and video games that expanded on the characters' backstories. The show's writers incorporated real Hawaii statutes and law enforcement terminology into dialogue and plotlines. This attention to detail contributed to the series' credibility among viewers familiar with Hawaiian culture and legal processes.
Key Character Profiles and Story Arcs
Steve McGarrett, portrayed by Alex O'Loughlin, was the central figure of the reboot, known for his tactical leadership and moral code. Danny Williams, played by Scott Caan, provided comic relief and a New York-centric perspective that contrasted with the local team. Chin Ho Kelly, played by Daniel Dae Kim, was a former Honolulu Police Department detective whose backstory involved corruption allegations and family legacy. Kono Kalakaua, played by Grace Park, was a skilled surfer and rookie officer who earned respect through physical prowess and intelligence. Catherine Rollins, played by Michelle Borth, served as a Navy intelligence officer and McGarrett's recurring love interest. Other notable Hawaii Five-0 characters included Lou Grover, played by Chi McBride, a Chicago Police Department transfer who became the team's weapons expert. Jerry Ortega, played by Jorge Garcia, was a conspiracy theorist and consultant who often provided unconventional insights. Max Bergman, played by Masi Oka, was the medical examiner whose quirky personality and forensic expertise advanced many investigations. The show also featured