A Fresh Chapter for a Paradise Production
When NCIS: Hawai‘i began filming its third season, it wasn’t just another television milestone—it marked a key revival for Hawai‘i’s film industry after months of Hollywood strikes. Production restarted in a locale famous for its natural beauty and challenging logistics: the island of Oahu, Hawai‘i. Filming for Season 3 officially began on December 4, 2023.
In this article we’ll explore how this production matters—how it impacts the island, its people, its economy, the environment, and why the timing couldn’t have been better.
The Strike-Pause and Why It Matters
The Hollywood disruption
In recent years, the U.S. film and television industry was significantly disrupted by strikes — which pushed many productions into hiatus or delay. The ripple effects touched locations around the globe, including Hawai‘i. As reported, Season 3 of NCIS: Hawai‘i was delayed in part because of both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes.
This meant that when filming resumed, it signalled more than just another season—it signified resilience and restarting momentum for productions that rely heavily on location filming outside of the continental U.S.
Hawai‘i’s film industry in the waiting
For Hawai‘i, the pause meant local crews, vendors, service providers, and tourism-linked production services faced a period of reduced activity. When a major network show finishes filming, the impact is felt locally. So when production of NCIS: Hawai‘i picked back up, it represented a boost—not just for the show, but for the local industry ecosystem.
Why Hawai‘i — Location, Incentives, Unique Appeal
O‘ahu as the filming ground
Most of the series is filmed on O‘ahu, particularly around Honolulu and the island’s beautiful natural landscapes.
Locations such as Joint Base Pearl Harbor‑Hickam and iconic beaches like Waikīkī Beach play host to scenes of investigation, drama and action.
Aloha meets production infrastructure
Hawai‘i is not only beautiful, it has an established film infrastructure thanks to past productions. The local film office confirms that seasons 1–3 of NCIS: Hawai‘i were shot on O‘ahu.
This means equipment, crew, permits, and local services are somewhat ready and attuned to big productions.
Economic incentives and local benefit
The production of television series like this generates jobs—crew hires, extras, vendors and support services. One article noted that when NCIS: Hawai‘i began filming earlier seasons, the Honolulu Film Office emphasized how network-based series often employ 250–300 mostly local crew members and involve over 500 vendors in a six-to-nine-month run.
That translates into meaningful income and ripple effect for local businesses.
Season 3 Filming Starts — Key FactsH3: Official kick-off date
Production for season 3 of NCIS: Hawai‘i commenced on December 4, 2023.
This marked the official return to set after delays.
Episode count and scale
According to announcements, due to strike-related disruptions, the season was expected to be shorter than earlier ones—somewhere between 10-13 episodes rather than the 22 of prior seasons.
That means the production schedule is tighter, which affects crew workload, location availability, and budget.
Familiar cast and production team
The show continues to be led by Vanessa Lachey as Special Agent Jane Tennant and includes core cast members. At the same time, production continues out of the same footprint in Hawai‘i, keeping some continuity for the local infrastructure.
What the Production Means for Hawai‘i’s Film Industry
Boosting jobs in epidemic-recovery mode
After pandemic disruptions and strike delays, local crews and vendors are hungry for steady work. A multi-month production like this provides consistent employment, offering security and boosting confidence in local industry capacity.
Stimulus to local economy and tourism
When TV shows shoot on-location, there are multiplier effects: hotels, transportation, catering, local rentals, extras. The Honolulu Film Office noted that a significant portion (~67%) of a show’s budget gets spent in outside business sectors.
Beyond the shoot itself, a show set in Hawai‘i advertised around the world can inspire tourism. Viewers associate the drama with the locale—“that island with crime and surfing and paradise” makes for a unique attraction.
Training and skill-building for local crew
Large productions bring in experienced professionals who work with locals, transferring knowledge and training that can raise the standard of local production work. That strengthens Hawai‘i’s long-term prospects as a filming destination.
Challenges Behind the Sunshine
The cost of island logistics
Shooting on an island like O‘ahu comes with transport costs, shipping gear, dealing with weather and natural conditions, and sometimes limited local availability of specialized equipment. As one article noted, productions must plan for “unpredictable weather conditions, such as sudden rain showers or high surf” which can disrupt schedules.
The strike shadow
The earlier strikes compressed the filming schedule for season 3, which may lead to longer working days and tighter location windows. A shorter season means less time but likely same complexity of scenes.
Environmental and cultural considerations
Filming in sensitive natural environments and culturally significant locations means productions must coordinate with local authorities, indigenous groups and respect the land. Hawai‘i demands high standards for sustainability and community impact.
Why Season 3 Specifically Matters
Continuity and momentum
With two seasons already completed, returning for season 3 allows the show to maintain momentum—and for Hawai‘i’s film infrastructure to keep rolling. It sends a signal: production hasn’t abandoned the island.
Franchise synergy and visibility
The show is part of the broader NCIS franchise, which draws attention. That means filming in Hawai‘i gets national and international spotlight. According to reporting, season 3 included cross-franchise appearances which help visibility.
Industry signalling
When Hawai‘i hosts a high-profile series again, that sends a message to other productions: the location is viable, the infrastructure is there, the crew is capable. It helps future bookings.
Local Community and Crew Voices
Real streets, real impact
One local Redditor observed:
“NCIS: Hawaii was filmed on the street where I live.”
That shows how filming touches everyday lives in Hawai‘i—stages are not isolated studios, they’re part of neighborhoods.
Big-picture community benefit
The local film office’s remarks when earlier filming began:
“A network-based television series like NCIS will typically employ 250-300 mostly local crew members … according to Olsberg SPI … average of 67 % of a project’s budget is spent in business sectors outside of the production.”
That means community businesses—caterers, set-rentals, transport providers—directly benefit.
What to Watch As Season 3 Rolls Out
Location choices and scenic value
Pay attention to how the show uses O‘ahu’s landscapes. From busy Honolulu streets to remote beaches and military bases like Pearl Harbor, the “paradise” backdrop remains a character in its own right.
That aesthetic appeal helps differentiate the series from other crime procedurals.
Episode count and structure
With fewer episodes than previous seasons, each installment may carry more weight. Viewers can anticipate tighter story arcs or more intense pacing.
Economic ripple effects
Watch for more stories about local hiring, vendor contracts and any new productions that cite this season’s filming as a catalyst. This season could serve as a benchmark.
The Bigger Picture for Hawai‘i’s Film Future
Building momentum for more productions
If season 3 succeeds smoothly, it strengthens Hawai‘i’s case for attracting more productions. A successful run means future shows will consider O‘ahu confident of infrastructure and crew capacity.
Diversification beyond one show
While one show doesn’t define an industry, the broader goal is diversifying Hawai‘i’s economy with sustainable filming rather than episodic spikes. Filming of NCIS: Hawai‘i helps contribute to that vision.
Cultural and environmental stewardship
As filmmakers continue to operate in Hawai‘i, maintaining respect for the land and culture is vital. Production models that succeed will be those that balance glitz with local priorities.
Final Thoughts — A Production With Meaning
What’s happening with NCIS: Hawai‘i season 3 is more than entertainment. It’s a micro-cosm of how location-based productions impact communities, industries and economies. For Hawai‘i, the return of a major series carries hope, job opportunities and a chance to shine on a global stage.
For viewers, it means a fresh season filled with action, drama and the unique beauty of the islands. For local crew and vendors, it means work, exposure and longer-term possibilities. If all goes well, this could be the start of a renewed chapter for Hawai‘i’s film industry.
Conclusion
Filming for season 3 of NCIS: Hawai‘i marks a standout moment for the islands—bringing glitz back to Hawai‘i’s film scene, delivering jobs, boosting local business, and putting O‘ahu in the spotlight again. Amid the fade of strike delays and production halts, this restart is a signal: the cameras are back rolling, the crew is ready, and paradise is once again in production. Let’s hope this season helps build momentum—locally, culturally and financially—for years to come. Mahalo to all involved—and here’s to strong storytelling under the Hawaiian sun.
