Main Cast of the Original Hawaii Five O
Jack Lord starred as Steve McGarrett, the leader of the elite state police task force Hawaii Five O, from the series premiere in 1968 through the final episode in 1980. James MacArthur played Danny Williams, McGarrett's right-hand detective, and became one of the most recognizable faces of the original run. Forbes provides a detailed look at the original cast and their later careers. The show aired for 12 seasons and 278 episodes, making it one of the longest running police dramas of its era.
Kam Fong Chun portrayed Detective Chin Ho Kelly, a role later recast with Daniel Dae Kim in the reboot series. Zulu played Kono Kalakaua, the sole female member of the Five O team in the original show. The ensemble structure of the original series established a template for ensemble crime dramas, with each character filling a distinct investigative role within the task force.
Key Characters and Recurring Figures
Steve McGarrett and the Task Force Structure
Steve McGarrett, played by Jack Lord, reported directly to the governor and operated outside normal bureaucratic channels, a premise that justified the team's autonomy in solving high-profile crimes. The Five O headquarters was depicted as a modern, well-equipped office that reflected the show's production values during its run.
Notable Recurring Characters and Guest Stars
Herb Edelman appeared as Detective Chester Grainger, and other recurring roles included medical examiners, informants, and government liaisons who appeared across multiple episodes. IMDb lists the full cast and crew credits for the original Hawaii Five O series. The show featured guest appearances by actors who later became major stars, reflecting the broader television landscape of the 1970s and late 1970s.
Hawaii Five O Reboot Cast and Characters
Alex O'Loughlin and Scott Caan in the Modern Series
Alex O'Loughlin took over the role of Steve McGarrett in the 2010 reboot, playing the character through the series finale in 2020. Scott Caan portrayed Danny Williams, a detective with a sharp wit and a complex personal life, mirroring the dynamic established by James MacArthur in the original series. Deadline covered the final season and cast reactions in detail. The reboot ran for 10 seasons and 240 episodes on CBS.
Supporting Cast and New Additions
Daniel Dae Kim played Chin Ho Kelly, Grace Park portrayed Kono Kalakaua, and Michelle Borth appeared as Catherine Rollins, a recurring military liaison and love interest for McGarrett. The reboot expanded the team's composition to include forensic specialists and intelligence analysts, reflecting modern policing methods. The Hollywood Reporter tracked the major cast changes across the reboot's run.