Hawaii is now officially the fourth location to get its own NCIS franchise as the new season gets underway tonight. NCIS: Hawai’i starts on CBS at 10pm ET/PT and will air weekly on Mondays. The new series follows in the footsteps as NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans. NCIS as a franchise is itself a spin-off from the U.S. Navy themed legal drama JAG. The new show follows agents from the fictional Naval Criminal Investigative Service who are based out of the Pearl Harbor Field Office, investigating crimes related to the military and national security. The new season, starting tonight (September 20) features actress and model Vanessa Lachey in the lead role — but who does she play and who’s joining her in the cast? Here’s all of the core cast members for the new CBS show NCIS: Hawai’i.
Vanessa Lachey
Former beauty queen Lachey plays Jane Tennant, the first female Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS: Pearl. Jane has two kids, Julie and Alex Tennant. Lachey is a former beauty pageant winner-turned pageant host. She’s starred in television shows like Dads, Truth Be Told and Dancing with the Stars.
Sure, NCIS: Hawai’i offers stunning island views and gripping military investigations, but the real heart of the show? It’s the cast. At the center is Vanessa Lachey, making history as the first female lead in the NCIS universe. But she’s far from alone. The ensemble cast brings a perfect mix of grit, heart, humor, and humanity.
So, if you’re wondering who’s behind the badges and bulletproof vests on this tropical crime drama, buckle up—we’re diving deep into the NCIS: Hawai’i cast.
Vanessa Lachey as Special Agent Jane Tennant
The First Female Lead in the NCIS Franchise
Vanessa Lachey stepped into history when she took on the role of Jane Tennant, the Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor. She’s the show’s rock: a single mom, decorated field agent, and fierce leader who juggles parenting with military-grade investigations like it’s second nature.
Lachey’s Transformation into a Crime Drama Star
You might recognize Lachey from hosting gigs and romantic comedies, but NCIS: Hawai’i has shown off her serious acting chops. She brings both vulnerability and power, grounding the series with emotional depth and commanding presence.
Alex Tarrant as Kai Holman
The Local Boy With a Complicated Past
Kai Holman is the Hawaiian native who reluctantly returns home to join the NCIS team. Played by Alex Tarrant, Kai’s arc dives into the challenges of reconnecting with his roots while working high-stakes cases.
Tarrant’s Natural Fit
A New Zealander with Samoan heritage, Tarrant brings authenticity and nuance to the role. He perfectly captures the tension between loyalty to one’s past and duty to one’s future.
Noah Mills as Jesse Boone
The Right-Hand Man with Experience
Noah Mills plays Jesse Boone, Tennant’s second-in-command. Formerly a homicide detective in Washington, D.C., Jesse is calm under pressure and deeply loyal to his team.
More Than Just Muscle
While Mills’ chiseled jawline turns heads, it’s his grounded performance and natural chemistry with the rest of the cast that really stand out. Jesse’s the guy you’d want at your six in a crisis.
