Hawaii Five-0: A Look at the Cast of the Iconic CBS Reboot
The CBS reboot of Hawaii Five-0, which aired from 2010 to 2020, centered on an elite state police task force led by Detective Steve McGarrett. According to CBS official records, the series spanned 10 seasons and 240 episodes, successfully reimagining the original 1968 police procedural for a modern audience. The show is frequently recognized for its ensemble cast, which balanced veteran actors with rising talent to anchor its procedural format.
Who Comprised the Main Cast?
The core team of the Five-0 task force underwent several changes over its decade-long run, but the central dynamic remained anchored by the partnership between McGarrett and Detective Danny “Danno” Williams. The primary cast members throughout the series included:
- Alex O’Loughlin as Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett
- Scott Caan as Detective Sergeant Danny “Danno” Williams
- Daniel Dae Kim as Lieutenant Chin Ho Kelly
- Grace Park as Officer Kono Kalakaua
- Chi McBride as Captain Lou Grover
- Jorge Garcia as Jerry Ortega
- Masi Oka as Dr. Max Bergman
- Taylor Wily as Kamekona Tupuola
- Dennis Chun as Sergeant Duke Lukela
While O’Loughlin and Caan remained with the series until its conclusion in 2020, other original cast members, such as Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park, departed the show following the seventh season. According to reports from Variety, these departures were linked to contract negotiations regarding pay parity with their co-stars.
How Did the Cast Evolve Over Ten Seasons?
The series maintained its procedural rhythm by rotating supporting characters and adding new series regulars to fill gaps left by departing stars. Chi McBride, who originally appeared as a guest star, was elevated to a main cast member in season four. Similarly, Jorge Garcia joined as a series regular in season five after recurring roles in earlier seasons. These additions allowed the show to maintain its “task force” structure even as individual character arcs concluded.
Comparison of Primary Cast Tenures
| Actor | Role | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Alex O’Loughlin | Steve McGarrett | Seasons 1–10 |
| Scott Caan | Danny Williams | Seasons 1–10 |
| Daniel Dae Kim | Chin Ho Kelly | Seasons 1–7 |
| Grace Park | Kono Kalakaua | Seasons 1–7 |
Why Does the Cast Legacy Matter?
The Hawaii Five-0 reboot is often cited for its commitment to filming on location in Hawaii, a practice that required the cast to relocate and integrate with the local community. The inclusion of actors like Dennis Chun—the son of Kam Fong, who played Chin Ho Kelly in the original 1968 series—provided a link between the two iterations of the show. According to The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, the production’s long-term presence in the state provided a significant economic boost to the local film industry and created long-standing employment for local performers and crew members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the original cast members return for the finale?
While many main cast members stayed for the series finale in April 2020, actors who had departed in earlier seasons, such as Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park, did not return for the final episode.
Is the show available for streaming?
As of 2024, the complete series is available on various streaming platforms, including Paramount+, which hosts the full catalog of CBS-produced content.
What was the reason for the show’s conclusion?
CBS announced the conclusion of Hawaii Five-0 in early 2020. In a statement released to Deadline, network executives noted that the decision to end the show was reached after the completion of the 10th season, with the production team feeling it was the natural time to conclude the story.