The pilot of NCIS Hawaii premiered on Monday night, and now the series is off and running on the most successful television franchise currently running. It films for the most part in Hawaii with the “NCIS offices” located at the Diamond Head Film Studios, pretty much using the same lot that “Hawaii Five-0″ was using during their 10 seasons. There’s lots of visually exotic scenery, what you would expect from a NCIS Hawaii series, but what I didn’t expect was the explosive opening that Hawaii actress Danielle Zalapony made on the show.
It was a “whoa!” moment. She plays the ex-girlfriend of Kai “the new guy” on NCIS: Hawaii and she makes a statement right away with the first time you see her on camera. She has lines and did a great job. The scene looked like it was right on Duke Kahanamoku Beach fronting the Hilton Hawaiian.
Kai’s house is in what looks like Waimanalo and when Kai walks in the house, there’s hot food on the table with his Dad cooking. Home sweet home. Just that sight in itself is enough to make you homesick. My question is: Who is the actor playing Kai’s dad?! He looks like the classic Uncle you would find in almost every Hawaiian home. The pidgin is real. He is a caring guy, but you can feel the tension between Kai and his dad. I’m looking forward to seeing their story develop.
And by the way: Kai plays someone who has grown up in Hawaii and played baseball. You heard ‘Jesse Boon’ rattle off some stats. Played ILH and holds the record for most strikeouts, born in Waimanalo. Kamehameha? That would be first guess for me. Punahou? Former Marine. Hoorah! Nice. Can’t wait to see more character “flashbacks” to learn history.
Another character you’ll meet in the premiere is Mr. Ernie and he’s hilarious. He is geeky. I identify with some of that. I want all of his monitors and computers, and I notice he likes wearing aloha shirts. I have a feeling I will enjoy laughing at his character throughout the series. I have no idea on how they did the ocean filming fight scene. Doing that all in the ocean, at night ― pretty intense. I know they had their own ocean safety crew but other than one particular wave, the rest looked real and it looked rough. Good scenes and very hard to shoot IMHO.
Near the end of the show you’ll hear John Cruz’s hit song “Island Style” and it was performed by Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner Kala’e Camarillo! Cruz is an amazing singer/composer with hit songs and albums; and his whole family is musical and well known in Hawaii. Cruz himself a Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner several times over. Kala’e has just won his first awards and is of the younger side of Hawaiian music today. Congratulations to both for making it on the show.
I’m guessing Jane Tennent’s house is somewhere in Kaimuki from the beauty show with Diamond Head in the background. Beautiful as the “wena” of that day … when the light changes in the sky from day to dark (or dark to day in the early morning) to take us to the end of the show.
When a beloved TV franchise launches a new spin-off, fans are quick to judge. With NCIS: Hawaii, the expectations were sky-high, and let’s be honest—nobody wanted another forgettable entry. But Billy’s take? This show isn’t just running—it’s sprinting, diving, and kicking down doors with a bang. Let’s break down why this premiere has everyone buzzing.
The Legacy of NCIS and the Challenge Ahead
Before diving into NCIS: Hawaii’s explosive debut, it’s worth remembering the shadow it stands under. NCIS isn’t just a show—it’s a legacy. With multiple spin-offs like NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans, the franchise has tested the waters before. Some thrived, others fizzled. Hawaii had to prove it could bring something fresh while honoring the brand.
A Premiere That Packs a Punch
From the opening scene, NCIS: Hawaii wastes no time. Explosions, tension, and high-stakes drama grab viewers by the throat. The pacing feels relentless—in a good way. Billy describes it as, “a rollercoaster ride that never slows down, even when you think you’ve caught your breath.”
The Power of Setting: Hawaii as a Character
Let’s face it: Hawaii isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a star. The lush landscapes, turquoise waters, and cultural richness give the series a unique flavor. Unlike the steel-blue tones of D.C. or the gritty streets of New Orleans, this show radiates sunlight and danger all at once.
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Visual Appeal: The cinematography highlights Hawaii’s natural beauty, but it’s not all postcard-perfect. Dark corners, remote military bases, and hidden coves hint at the threats lurking beneath paradise.
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Cultural Layers: Local traditions and community life are woven into the story, grounding it in authenticity rather than turning it into a tourist brochure.
Jane Tennant: A Bold New Leader
Enter Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant, portrayed with charisma and grit. She’s not a watered-down copy of Gibbs or Pride. She’s her own force—commanding, compassionate, and fearless. Billy notes, “Jane doesn’t just lead; she inspires. She’s the type of character that makes you want to stand taller in your own life.”
Team Chemistry That Clicks
A crime procedural lives or dies by its ensemble cast. Thankfully, NCIS: Hawaii delivers. The team’s banter feels organic, the camaraderie unforced. Unlike some spin-offs where secondary characters feel like filler, every team member here pulls their weight.
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Fresh Faces, Strong Impact: The supporting cast isn’t just background noise. They bring humor, depth, and tension to each scene.
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Diversity Done Right: Representation isn’t a gimmick—it’s natural, making the show resonate with today’s audience.
Action Sequences Worthy of the Big Screen
If you thought you were watching just another procedural, think again. NCIS: Hawaii brings action that rivals blockbuster films. Chase scenes weave through island roads, fight sequences are intense yet polished, and the explosions—let’s just say the stunt budget wasn’t wasted.
Balancing Action With Heart
One thing Billy emphasizes is the balance. For every adrenaline-fueled chase, there’s a heartfelt moment that reminds viewers these characters are human. Jane juggling leadership with family responsibilities grounds the show in relatable struggles.
Hawaii’s Unique Military Connection
Unlike other NCIS branches, Hawaii sits at a strategic crossroads for U.S. military presence in the Pacific. This adds a layer of realism and urgency. The cases aren’t just about local crimes; they tap into international threats, espionage, and global stakes.
Why Billy Thinks This Spin-Off Works
Billy boils it down to three things:
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Authenticity – It doesn’t feel like a carbon copy of previous shows.
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Energy – The pacing and tone keep viewers hooked.
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Relatability – Characters feel genuine, not cookie-cutter.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Buzz
Within minutes of the premiere, hashtags exploded. Fans raved about Jane’s leadership, the stunning visuals, and the high-octane opening sequence. Billy highlights how the online buzz signals something rare: a spin-off that actually excites the fanbase.
Potential to Outshine Its Predecessors
Dare we say it? With its bold direction and strong debut, NCIS: Hawaii could eventually rival the original. Billy admits, “It’s early days, but this spin-off has the bones to become the crown jewel of the franchise.”
Comparisons to Other NCIS Spin-Offs
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NCIS: Los Angeles leaned heavy on tech and undercover ops.
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NCIS: New Orleans thrived on southern grit and music culture.
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NCIS: Hawaii? It’s a fusion of action, culture, and heart.
That blend sets it apart and gives it long-term potential.
Storytelling That Keeps You Guessing
While the premiere was packed with action, the writers cleverly left breadcrumbs for larger arcs. Conspiracies, personal struggles, and unresolved mysteries hint at a layered story to unfold across the season.
Billy’s Final Verdict
In Billy’s eyes, NCIS: Hawaii is a slam dunk. The explosive debut sets the stage for a series that respects its roots but boldly charts its own path. It’s not just another spin-off—it’s a refreshing reinvention that might just redefine the franchise’s future.
Conclusion
NCIS: Hawaii didn’t just start—it exploded onto our screens. With a strong lead in Jane Tennant, stunning Hawaiian backdrops, and action that never lets up, the show is poised for greatness. Billy’s take? This isn’t just a promising spin-off; it’s a must-watch event. If the premiere is any indication, we’re in for a wild, sun-soaked ride.
