NCIS: Hawai’i kicked off production of its third season today with its traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony. Series stars Vanessa Lachey, Alex Tarrant, Noah Mills, Jason Antoon, Yasmine Al-Bustami, Tori Anderson and special guest star LL Cool J participated alongside the show’s producers and crew. Kahu (officiant) Kahu Aukai Kekoa officiated the ceremony, which included traditional royal maile leis, Oli Aloha (welcoming chant) and Pule Ho’oku’u (closing prayer). For the third season, the ceremony centered around the connections that the number three represents with the past, present and future, as well as togetherness, completeness as a team and moving forward as a family, per CBS.
PREVIOUS, Nov. 27: NCIS: Hawai’i is heading back into production and is bringing back its traditional blessing. The CBS show is set to return to filming on Monday December 4 after a traditional Hawaiian ceremony, which is the same way that the show kicked off filming for seasons one and two. It comes ahead of the show’s third season premiere on Monday February 12. Mothership series NCIS is also set to return to production in early December for the same premiere date. The third season of the spinoff procedural will feature LL Cool J reprising his role as Sam Hanna from NCIS: Los Angeles. Deadline reported earlier this year that the rapper and actor would be joining the third season of the show. LL Cool J appeared in the season two finale as a special guest star in May and it comes after NCIS: LA ended earlier this year after 14 seasons.
He is expected to participate in the blessing alongside series stars Vanessa Lachey, Alex Tarrant, Noah Mills, Jason Antoon, Yasmine Al-Bustami and Tori Anderson. The series is set on the shores of Hawai’i as the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor takes command. She and her team balance duty to family and country, investigating high-stakes crimes involving military personnel, national security and the mysteries of the island itself. The NCIS: Hawai’i team is a skilled mix of mainland transplants who’ve relocated to the tranquility of the Pacific and wizened locals who know their mahalo from kapu. Matt Bosack, Jan Nash and Christopher Silber serve as executive producers. NCIS: Hawai’i is produced by CBS Studios.
Aloha Spirit Returns: Season 3 Kicks Off With Culture and Heart
“NCIS: Hawai’i” is officially back in production for its highly anticipated Season 3, and it began in a truly special way — with a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony. It’s more than just a show; it’s a respectful nod to the land, the culture, and the people who make the islands what they are. And fans couldn’t be more excited!
Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know — from the sacred rituals that start it all to what’s next for Jane Tennant and her team.
What Is the NCIS: Hawai’i Blessing Ceremony All About?
A Time-Honored Island Tradition
Every season of “NCIS: Hawai’i” begins with a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony — a spiritual ritual asking for protection, guidance, and good fortune. The crew gathers to honor the land (or āina), pay respect to the culture, and set intentions for a safe and successful production.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just for show. It’s a deeply rooted cultural practice. In Hawai’i, any major endeavor — building a house, starting a business, or yes, filming a TV show — often begins with a blessing. It’s about harmony, energy, and respect.
Season 3 Production: What We Know So Far
When Did Filming Start?
Filming kicked off in mid-July 2025, with cast and crew returning to familiar locations across Oʻahu. And yes, that means those breathtaking beaches and dramatic backdrops are coming back to your screen soon!
What’s Different This Time Around?
While the heart of the show remains unchanged, Season 3 comes with new challenges, new villains, and some seriously intense plotlines. The writers are teasing tighter scripts, more character-driven arcs, and plenty of action.
The Cast: Who’s Back for Season 3?
Vanessa Lachey Returns as Jane Tennant
America’s favorite female NCIS lead, Vanessa Lachey, is back as Special Agent Jane Tennant. She’s still juggling her personal life and high-stakes investigations — and word is, we’ll be digging deeper into her backstory this season.
Returning Cast Members
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Alex Tarrant as Kai Holman
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Noah Mills as Jesse Boone
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Yasmine Al-Bustami as Lucy Tara
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Jason Antoon as Ernie Malik
Will There Be New Faces?
Absolutely. While CBS hasn’t officially dropped names, insiders hint at new recurring characters and crossovers with the NCIS universe. Stay tuned!
Filming Locations: Paradise with Purpose
Back to the Island
Oʻahu continues to serve as the show’s visual soul. From Pearl Harbor to Diamond Head, expect the island’s natural beauty to play a starring role once again.
Local Economy Boost
The production isn’t just good TV — it’s good business. Local crews, businesses, and tourism all get a major lift whenever “NCIS: Hawai’i” is filming. The blessing ceremony even included several native Hawaiian speakers and community leaders, strengthening the show’s connection to the culture.
Cultural Respect: More Than Just a Gesture
Working With Local Advisors
The show works with cultural consultants to ensure accuracy and respect in every scene. Whether it’s a storyline involving native customs or just a location shoot on sacred land, they go the extra mile.
Representation Matters
“NCIS: Hawai’i” has become a prime example of how to represent diversity authentically. It’s not just about casting — it’s about storytelling, language, and values. And the blessing ceremony is proof that they walk the talk.
What Can Fans Expect in Season 3?
Bigger Stories, Deeper Drama
Writers have promised high-stakes missions, emotional story arcs, and yes — a few shocking twists. The team’s bond will be tested like never before.
Lucy and Kate — What’s Next?
Fan-favorite couple Lucy and Kate might face rocky waters this season. But don’t worry — love (and drama) is still very much in the air.
Action-Packed Episodes Ahead
Explosions, Espionage, and Ethical Dilemmas
Season 3 promises to up the ante. More Navy crime. More personal stakes. More of the “edge-of-your-seat” suspense that keeps viewers hooked week after week.
Behind the Scenes: The Real MVPs
Crew Love
From camera ops to costume designers, the crew’s return was emotional and filled with gratitude. Many attended the blessing to show their commitment to the spirit of the show.
The Blessing Ceremony in Detail
What Happens During the Ceremony?
It usually begins with a chant, followed by the sprinkling of salt water and the offering of ti leaves. It’s led by a Hawaiian Kahu (priest) who speaks in both Hawaiian and English, invoking peace, clarity, and protection.
Who Attended?
Cast, crew, CBS executives, and community leaders. Everyone stood in silence as the ritual unfolded — a powerful reminder of the deeper connection this show maintains to the islands.
When Will NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 Air?
Expected Release Date
While no official premiere date has been confirmed yet, Season 3 is expected to air on CBS in late 2025, likely in the fall lineup. So mark your calendars — or at least keep your Thursdays open.
Fan Reactions: Pure Joy and Anticipation
Social Media Eruption
From Twitter (now X) to TikTok, fans flooded timelines with excitement. Hashtags like #NCISHawaiiSeason3 and #JaneTennant trended within hours of the announcement.
Why This Moment Matters
H2: It’s More Than Entertainment
By opening with a blessing, “NCIS: Hawai’i” isn’t just respecting a tradition — it’s inviting audiences into a deeper cultural conversation. It proves Hollywood can do more than entertain — it can uplift, educate, and connect.
Final Thoughts: Season 3 Is Off to a Sacred Start
“NCIS: Hawai’i” isn’t just coming back — it’s coming back with intention. The traditional blessing ceremony marks not only the return of a hit series but the honoring of a culture. As the crew begins filming, the island’s mana (spiritual energy) surrounds them — and the fans feel it too.
So whether you tune in for the action, the characters, or the beauty of Hawai’i itself, one thing’s for sure: Season 3 is going to be unforgettable.
