NCIS: Hawai’i, now well into its second season, follows the excellent team led by Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) — Kai Holman (Alex Tarrant), Jesse Boone (Noah Mills), Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami), and Ernie Malik (Jason Antoon) — as they investigate crimes involving naval officers from their Pearl Harbor base in beautiful Hawai’i. In their downtime, most of the agents (sans Jesse) have well-balanced and emotional relationships that drive their personal journeys. For Jane, more often than not, these stories revolve around her son Alex (Kian Talan) as he reaches adulthood and plans to jet off to the Naval Academy after high school. For Lucy, it is her blossoming romance with FBI agent Kate Whistler (Tori Anderson). Over the last season and a half, Kai’s story outside of work has been centered around his father Wally (Moses Goods) and their incredibly strained relationship following the death of Kai’s mother and Kai’s long absence from the island afterward. However, as Season 2 continues, it’s showing us what we already knew: Kai is ready for romance.
Let’s Talk About Kai — The Underrated Star of NCIS: Hawai’i
If you’re watching NCIS: Hawai’i, chances are you’ve already noticed Kai Holman (played by Alex Tarrant) is a total fan favorite. He’s tough, driven, loyal, and—let’s face it—easy on the eyes. But while the show has done a solid job building his character professionally, there’s one major thing missing: romance. Seriously, why hasn’t this guy had a decent love interest yet?
It’s Not Just About the Action
We get it—NCIS is known for its crime-solving, high-stakes action. But what keeps fans coming back? The characters. More specifically, the relationships between them. Adding romance isn’t about fluff. It’s about depth. A well-developed romantic arc gives us a window into who these characters really are.
Emotional Stakes Make Us Invested
When a character has someone to lose, suddenly every danger feels more real. Imagine Kai chasing down a suspect while his significant other’s safety hangs in the balance. Instant tension, right?
A Strong Backstory Needs a Soft Side
Kai’s background is compelling—he’s a local boy returning to his roots, wrestling with loyalty to family and duty. But romance could help peel back another layer of his personality. What does love look like for someone who’s all about honor and protection?
He’s Got All the Makings of a Leading Man
Let’s be real: Alex Tarrant oozes charisma. He’s got the intensity, the humor, the smolder. So why not lean into that and let Kai have his own love story? He’s more than ready to carry a romantic arc.
Social Media Is Thirsty for Kai Content
Scroll through Twitter or Reddit and it’s clear: people want to see Kai fall in love. There are entire threads speculating about who he could be paired with. That kind of buzz is marketing gold. Writers, are you listening?
Representation Matters
Kai is a Pacific Islander, and having him lead a thoughtful, authentic love story could be huge. It’s not just about the feels—it’s about visibility, nuance, and storytelling that reflects real life.
A Fellow Agent? The Classic Workplace Romance
Workplace romances are a tried-and-true TV formula. Maybe there’s a spark with someone on the team? Imagine the tension of sneaking glances during stakeouts or keeping things professional while catching criminals.
A Civilian With Secrets? Instant Drama
Or maybe Kai falls for someone outside the agency—a civilian with a mysterious past. That could open the door for drama, trust issues, and killer plot twists.
Let’s wrap this up: Kai Holman is a standout character with depth, complexity, and major romantic potential. NCIS: Hawai’i has the chance to give him a storyline that makes fans swoon, cry, and cheer—all at once. Romance wouldn’t just spice things up; it would complete the character arc he deserves. So come on, writers—give the people what they want. Let’s see Kai fall head over heels in Season 2.
