NCIS will soon be saying “aloha” to a new spin-off, NCIS: Hawaii. As NCIS: New Orleans is set to end this season, the CBS franchise will launch a new show, which if casting reports are to be believed it will have a major difference from the NCIS shows that have preceded it.
When will NCIS: Hawaii air?
No release date for the show has been released yet. However, with NCIS: NOLA on its way out, the show would be the ideal candidate to take its timeslot at 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT on Sunday nights, directly after NCIS: Los Angeles. This also means that the show could be introduced via a crossover episode between NCIS Hawaii and Los Angeles, especially as the L.A. team previously headed to the island for a Hawaii Five-O crossover.
Deadline, however, reported that a so-called “backdoor pilot” that would see the Hawaii team first appear on another show first will not happen, with the difficulties of mixing two casts during the pandemic a likely reason why. The Hollywood Reporter wrote in February 2021 that a writers’ room was being assembled for the show, which suggests they may be aiming for a fall 2021 release—though casting for the leads has not happened yet. The show is believed to be at pilot stage, with a full season yet to be ordered. Though the show seems primed for a pick-up, a previous NCIS spin-off was not ordered to series after its pilots, so there are no guarantees.
Who is in the cast of NCIS: Hawaii?
Per TV Line, casting is currently underway for the Special Agent in Charge of the Hawaii team, which is set to be called NCIS Pearl. Unlike the three previous NCIS shows, which have as their leads Mark Harmon (NCIS), Scott Bakula (New Orleans) and LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell (Los Angeles), Hawaii looks set to be led by a woman, with the lead character currently called Jane Tennant. This will be a disappointment to many NCIS fans, who have been campaigning online for this new show to be the return to the franchise for Tony DiNozzo (played by Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo).
If you thought the “NCIS” franchise had peaked, think again. The latest addition, “NCIS: Hawaii,” brings fresh energy, an ocean breeze, and a fierce female lead to the table. Set against the backdrop of paradise, this spin-off mixes sun-soaked beauty with high-stakes investigations—just what fans have been craving. In this guide, we’ll unpack every exciting detail about NCIS: Hawaii, from the cast and setting to storylines, behind-the-scenes secrets, and what makes this show stand apart.
What Is “NCIS: Hawaii”?
The show is the fourth spin-off of the long-running NCIS franchise, following the success of NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Sydney.
It launched on September 20, 2021, and quickly gained traction for its bold storytelling, cultural respect, and empowered representation.
What Makes “NCIS: Hawaii” Unique?
Unlike its predecessors, NCIS: Hawaii is the first in the franchise to feature a female lead, Special Agent Jane Tennant, played by the incredible Vanessa Lachey. She’s not just any agent—she’s the boss, the heart of the team, and a mom balancing danger and duty.
Add in the show’s tropical setting, authentic casting, and cultural integration, and you’ve got a recipe for TV gold.
Meet the Leading Lady — Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant
Jane Tennant is a trailblazer—the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor. She’s sharp, resilient, and deeply human. Lachey brings warmth and edge, and her performance is one of the show’s biggest draws.
Quick Fact: Vanessa Lachey made history as the first woman to headline an NCIS show.
Who Else Is in the Cast?
The ensemble cast includes a mix of local and international talent:
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Alex Tarrant as Kai Holman – A local boy with a complicated past.
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Noah Mills as Jesse Boone – Tennant’s second-in-command, loyal and grounded.
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Yasmine Al-Bustami as Lucy Tara – Smart, fearless, and openly queer.
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Jason Antoon as Ernie Malik – A cybersecurity genius with a heart.
Where Is “NCIS: Hawaii” Filmed?
Authenticity matters. The show is actually filmed on location in Oahu, Hawaii. The scenic landscapes you see? They’re real. From Pearl Harbor to lush beaches, the setting becomes a character itself.
What’s the Plot of “NCIS: Hawaii”?
Think military investigations, cyber threats, international espionage, and local crimes. The team tackles a range of high-stakes cases—all with Hawaii’s cultural richness woven in.
The writers focus on character depth, family dynamics, and teamwork, making it more than just a procedural.
Cultural Representation and Diversity
NCIS: Hawaii stands out for embracing Hawaiian culture and native voices. From traditional protocols to local myths and modern issues, the show ensures cultural authenticity and pays respect to its setting.
Why Fans Love “NCIS: Hawaii”
Here’s what’s clicking with audiences:
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Strong female leadership.
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Stunning cinematography.
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Character chemistry and layered backstories.
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A balance of action, heart, and mystery.
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LGBTQ+ and diverse representation.
Crossovers and Franchise Tie-Ins
Will Tennant bump into Gibbs? Not yet—but never say never.
While direct NCIS crossovers haven’t been front and center, there are mentions, Easter eggs, and the potential for future franchise moments.
The NCIS Format with a Fresh Twist
If you love the NCIS structure—crime of the week, character arcs, smart dialogue—this delivers. But with a Hawaiian flavor and new types of cases, it feels fresh, modern, and emotionally richer.
How Many Seasons Are Out So Far?
As of 2025, NCIS: Hawaii has wrapped up three seasons and was recently renewed for a fourth season. The series shows no signs of slowing down.
Where to Watch “NCIS: Hawaii”?
Catch full episodes on:
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CBS (live and on-demand)
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Paramount+ (streaming)
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Amazon Prime Video (past seasons)
Who Created the Series?
The minds behind the show include:
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Christopher Silber (NCIS: New Orleans alum)
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Jan Nash (showrunner and EP)
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Matt Bosack (SEAL Team vet)
Together, they bring grit, heart, and insider know-how to the storytelling.
Fan Reactions and Critic Reviews
So far, critics have praised its cinematography, representation, and story arcs. Meanwhile, fans are loving:
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The chemistry between Lucy and Kate.
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The realistic family dynamics.
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The tightly written cases.
Rotten Tomatoes gives it a solid 80% audience score.
How It Compares to Other NCIS Shows
NCIS: Hawaii is often described as:
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More character-focused than LA.
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More culturally integrated than New Orleans.
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More modern and inclusive than the original.
It’s not just another spin-off—it’s its own identity.
Behind the Scenes — Production Insights
Fun fact: The show hires local crews and consultants to stay grounded in the island experience. Cast members have also spoken about their connection to the culture and community during filming.
Is “NCIS: Hawaii” Worth Watching?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a long-time NCIS fan or a new viewer, this series offers high drama with a human touch. It’s about justice—but also about identity, belonging, and balance.
Final Thoughts on “NCIS: Hawaii”
NCIS: Hawaii proves that even in a long-running franchise, new stories, voices, and perspectives matter. With a strong female lead, diverse characters, and a location that breathes life into every frame, this show hits all the right notes.
