As has been a tradition with other shows that filmed in Hawaii (like Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0), production began for the latest NCIS spinoff with a blessing. NCIS: Hawai’i, premiering this fall on CBS and airing Mondays at 10/9c, kicked off production on its first season at Mokulē‘Ia Beach on Oahu with a traditional Hawaiian blessing in honor of its host Hawaiian culture on Wednesday, June 16. It was held in line with the same filming safety protocols in place for the series; as you can see in the photos, everyone’s wearing masks.
Series stars Vanessa Lachey, Noah Mills, Jason Antoon, Yasmine Al-Bustami, and Tori Anderson, and the producers and the crew participated. Kahu (Officiant) Ramsay Taum officiated the ceremony, which included traditional royal maile leis, Oli Aloha (welcoming chant), and Pule Ho’oku’u (closing prayer). To honor the drama’s first season, the ceremony focused on “the constant motion of the ocean and how the moving ocean waters, driven by the winds and tides, connects the entire planet.” NCIS: Hawai’i follows the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor, Jane Tennant (Lachey), and her team of specialists. Tennant has thrived and risen through the ranks with her confidence and strategy.
When NCIS: Hawai’i kicked off production for its latest season, they didn’t just shout “action.” Instead, they began with something far more meaningful—a traditional Hawaiian blessing. In a world where shows often jump straight into filming, this powerful ceremony stood out like a lighthouse on a foggy coast. But what exactly went down, and why does it matter so much? Let’s dive into the real story behind the blessing, what it means, and how this show continues to blend Hollywood with the heart of Hawai’i.
More Than Just Ritual—It’s Sacred
A traditional Hawaiian blessing, or pule, isn’t just ceremonial fluff. It’s deeply spiritual, designed to clear paths, invite positive energy, and honor the land—something that carries real weight in Hawaiian culture.
Why Start With a Blessing?
Starting production with this ritual is about showing respect for the land (ʻāina) and the local culture. It sets the tone for the season, reminding everyone on set that they’re guests on sacred ground.
Meet the Kahu (Spiritual Leader)
Every blessing is led by a kahu, a Hawaiian spiritual leader who guides the ceremony with chants, prayers, and deep intention. These leaders often call on the elements—earth, water, wind, and fire—to create spiritual harmony on set.
So there you have it—NCIS: Hawai’i doesn’t just film on the islands, it lives and breathes the spirit of aloha from the very first day of production. By embracing Hawaiian traditions like the blessing, the show reminds us that storytelling isn’t just about scripts—it’s about soul. In a time when authenticity is everything, NCIS: Hawai’i proves that respecting culture isn’t a gimmick—it’s the secret to creating something truly powerful.
