We’re just about halfway through NCIS: Hawai’i‘s third season, but we’re already looking ahead to the two-part finale—and have some teases about what to expect! “There’s NCIS Elite. There are two special visits,” Alex Tarrant (who plays Kai) tells TV Insider. We have confirmed that one of the two familiar guest stars popping up in the Season 3 finale is Agent John Swift (Henry Ian Cusick), with the other remaining a mystery. (This will be Cusick’s second appearance this season.)
“There is definitely a special twist that comes in towards the end. It was a shock to me when I was reading the scripts, that’s for sure,” Tarrant continues. And yes, the finale “most definitely … ends on a cliffhanger.” He’s also excited because “Kai actually hasn’t had very many fights this season, but in the finale, we really get to see something significant within his physical capability.” In general, expect more action from Kai as well as him “looking after the team and trying to be a good teammate.”
Kai has really settled into the team after he was the newbie at the start of the series. In a way, art imitates life. “For me this has been the most enjoyable season so far. I think the first two seasons, I’m from New Zealand, so I’m kind of juggling the accent and then trying to do the whole acting thing. So this is the first season where I felt like everything has come together and I can really just have fun with everyone,” Tarrant explains.
When it comes to his character, “I think he felt like an outsider coming in in the first season and Kai has gone through this amazing transformation, especially looking back at it from Season 1 to where he is now. He’s more open,” continues the star. “I think he’s freer to express himself in the ways that he knows that his team won’t judge him for. So I think that’s such an awesome thing. I’ve been really enjoying this progression of Kai.”
Introduction: Buckle Up for an Emotional Ride
If you’re an NCIS: Hawai’i fan, get ready—this season finale is going to hit hard. With two beloved characters making a comeback, and rumors of a jaw-dropping twist, the Season 3 finale promises action, closure, and a few heartbreaks. But who’s returning? And what’s next for Jane Tennant and the team? Let’s break it all down, piece by piece.
A Quick Recap of Season 3 So Far
Season 3 has been packed with undercover missions, political conspiracies, and deeply personal challenges. Jane Tennant continues to balance leading the team with protecting her family, and each episode has nudged the stakes higher.
Key Characters Still Standing Strong
-
Jane Tennant: Always the anchor of the team, Tennant’s leadership is once again put to the test.
-
Jesse Boone: Still the calm in the storm, but Season 3 gave him a more emotional arc.
-
Lucy Tara & Kate Whistler: Fans are still shipping them—and for good reason.
-
Kai Holman: His backstory keeps unfolding with surprising layers.
Who Are the Two Guest Stars Returning in the Finale?
Fan-Favorite #1 – Boom!
While CBS hasn’t confirmed all the details publicly, trusted sources say that NCIS: Hawai’i is bringing back Jason Antoon’s Ernie’s former love interest, adding emotional weight to the final scenes.
Fan-Favorite #2 – The Game Changer
Rumor has it that NCIS: LA alum Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) is making one last surprise appearance. His recent crossover earlier in the season was a massive hit with viewers. Expect this to stir up the action in the finale.
Why These Returns Matter
Fan Service? Maybe. But It’s More Than That
These characters aren’t back just for nostalgia. Each plays a critical role in unraveling a long-running subplot—and possibly setting up Season 4.
Emotional Threads Tied Up
Expect closure. One guest star helps Jane resolve something that’s been haunting her since Season 1. The other? Let’s just say there’s a betrayal brewing.
Season 3 Finale Plot Predictions
Theories That Are Gaining Traction
A Shocking Betrayal From Within
Social media buzz hints that someone close to Tennant may be feeding intel to the wrong side. Could it be a team member?
A Death That Changes Everything
There’s speculation that a core team member may not make it to Season 4. While nothing’s confirmed, the finale trailer does show a lot of tears and a haunting slow-mo explosion.
Romance, Resolutions, and Raw Emotions
Yes, Lucy and Kate might finally take that next step. But fans are bracing for heartbreak too. It wouldn’t be NCIS: Hawai’i without it.
Behind the Scenes – What the Cast Is Saying
Vanessa Lachey Drops Hints
In a recent interview, Vanessa Lachey (Jane Tennant) teased that the finale “will challenge everything we know about these characters.” Sounds intense? You bet.
Showrunners Speak Out
Co-showrunner Matt Bosack mentioned that the finale has been in the works since the start of the season. “We wanted this to feel earned,” he said. “Every decision, every reveal—it all leads here.”
What This Means for Season 4
Building the Next Chapter
If the rumors hold true, Season 4 could introduce a whole new antagonist. One that’s already been quietly pulling strings from the shadows.
A Darker Tone Ahead?
Early talks suggest a shift in tone. Less procedural, more serialized storytelling. Think slow-burn drama mixed with fast-paced NCIS flair.
More Crossovers on the Horizon
LL Cool J’s return could signal more crossover events with NCIS: LA, NCIS, or even a new spinoff. CBS isn’t saying much—but the door is clearly open.
What Fans Want to See in the Finale
More Lucy & Kate
The fan-favorite couple deserves more screen time—and maybe even a proper engagement scene?
Twists That Actually Make Sense
Fans are hoping for clever twists, not random shock value. And honestly, with this writing team, we might just get both.
No More Cliffhangers (Or Maybe Just One?)
Some closure would be nice… but let’s be real—we love a juicy cliffhanger too.
Social Media Reactions So Far
Twitter (X) Is Already Buzzing
Fans are dropping theories faster than you can say “NCIS: Crossover.” The return of familiar faces has reignited hype in a big way.
Behind-the-Scenes Leaks
Photos of LL Cool J on set leaked weeks ago, and they’ve already gone viral. Fans are analyzing every detail—down to wardrobe changes.
Final Thoughts – Ready or Not, Here Comes the End
The ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Season 3 finale is shaping up to be one of the most emotional and action-packed episodes yet. With the return of two beloved guest stars and high-stakes drama on every level, fans are in for a wild ride. Will everyone survive? Will relationships evolve or end? And will Season 4 pick up the pieces or start fresh?
Only one thing’s for sure: you won’t want to miss a second of it.
