It looked like paradise. Gorgeous beachfronts, sweeping ocean views, a team of crime-fighters on the job. That was NCIS: Hawai’i—the spinoff of the long-running NCIS franchise that brought its brand of military-crime procedural to the Aloha State. But fast forward to today, and the vibrant production hub that once buzzed with cameras and crews now sits silent: a studio lot overgrown with weeds, equipment gone, and the sound of action replaced by the rustle of grass. In this article we plunge deep into the cancellation, the ripple effects, the human and economic fallout—and the haunting image of the abandoned lot that stands as a monument to what was.
What Was NCIS: Hawai’i?
A Fresh Face for the NCIS Franchise
NCIS: Hawai’i launched in 2021 as the franchise’s first series with a woman at the helm—Vanessa Lachey starred as Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant. The show sought to blend the signature naval-crime investigations of NCIS with the lush backdrop of Honolulu.
Production in Paradise
The show was filmed on location in Hawaiʻi, at the iconic Hawaii Film Studio in Honolulu, among other spots. That location had hosted prior series like Hawaii Five‑0 and Magnum P.I., making it something of a TV destination.
A Three-Season Run that Ended Short
In April 2024, the network announced the cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i after three seasons and 54 episodes. The series finale aired on May 6, 2024.
Why Did It Get Cancelled?
Ratings vs. Reality
At first glance, the show wasn’t lacking viewers. Some sources report it averaged millions of linear and multi-platform viewers. But despite that, the networks often consider not only ratings but also production costs, streaming deals, and strategic realignment.
The Cost of Filming in Hawaiʻi
One of the principal reasons offered: filming in Hawaiʻi is expensive. Local crews, logistics, travel, and the island environment all add up. A casting director estimated the show cost roughly $75 million per season.
Tax Incentives and the Business Crunch
Even though Hawaiʻi offers tax incentives (such as refunds of 22 % on Oʻahu productions), other states and countries offer more generous support. That puts the cost-benefit calculus at a disadvantage.
Strategic Shift for the Franchise
The cancellation also came amid a broader reshuffling of the NCIS franchise, with new series being green-lit (e.g., NCIS: Origins) and older ones ending. Networks sometimes pivot to fresh projects rather than keep older spin-offs running.
The Studio Lot: From Busy to Barren
The Video That Sparked the Eye-Opener
In June 2025, actor Jason Antoon (who played Ernie Malik on NCIS: Hawai’i) posted a short video on X (formerly Twitter) showing the Hawaiʻi Film Studio lot. His caption read:
“Hawaii Film Studios — Empty and full of weeds. #NCISHawaii #MagnumPI #Hawaii50 #Lost 😢”
Visuals That Haunt
In the footage and accompanying photos, you can see buildings once humming with lights standing silent, fences rusting, grass and weeds overgrowing pavement. For fans and local workers alike, it’s a stark visual symbol of a production economy paused.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just an idle scenic snapshot. The well-used lot once provided steady employment, local support services, and a connection-point for Hawaiʻi in the television industry. Its abandonment signals more than just one show ending.
The Human & Economic Impact
Jobs Lost, Local Businesses Hurt
When the show left, jobs disappeared: crew members, local extras, casting directors, support services. One casting director noted that the show “employs so many people,” from actors to stunt doubles. A Honolulu business owner in design said the show had brought him $50,000 just the prior year.
Local Economy Feels the Blow
TV production brought in over $320 million to Hawaiʻi’s economy in 2024. With no ongoing series production on the islands for the first time in more than 20 years, according to industry reports, the impact is significant.
Emotional Toll for Cast & Crew
While business metrics dominate the decisions, the human side matters too. Vanessa Lachey expressed that she felt “gutted, confused, blindsided” by the cancellation. The community of cast & crew that had become a family faced an abrupt end—cliffhanger and all.
What Does This Mean for Hawaiʻi’s Film & TV Future?
A Production Void in Paradise
With the departure of NCIS: Hawai’i, and the earlier end of other local productions, Hawaiʻi finds itself without a major TV series filming—an anomaly given its two-decade plus run of regular production.
Incentive Wars & Competitive Pressures
States and countries compete for production dollars. Hawaiʻi’s incentives are generous but not top-tier. Rising costs and talent competition mean the island is challenged to maintain its spot.
Emotional & Cultural Cost
Beyond economics, the departure signals a cultural shift—an entire community in Hawaiʻi built around TV production must pivot. For viewers, it’s the end of seeing familiar landscapes on-screen in serial dramas.
Did the Show Deserve a Better Farewell?
The Cliffhanger That Stayed Open
Fans and critics alike pointed out that NCIS: Hawai’i’s season 3 final episode was never intended to serve as a series finale—it ended with unresolved threads. Many viewers voiced disappointment that the show ended without closure.
Fan Reactions & Petitions
Online, fans rallied:
“I absolutely loved Hawaii, but hated the ending.” — Reddit user
Another added:
“Mostly because Hawaii is very expensive to film in.” — Reddit comment
Despite petitions and widespread disappointment, the business decision stood.
Lessons Learned: What This Teaches TV-Production & Local Industries
Costs Trump Popularity
High ratings alone don’t guarantee survival. Production location, logistics, and profits play major roles. NCIS: Hawai’i had viewership, yet the cost factors tipped the decision.
Location-Risk Matters
Filming in exotic or remote locations brings prestige for viewers, but risks for producers: higher travel costs, local labour, shipping gear, weather complications. Hawaiʻi’s case highlights that reality.
Representation vs. Production Realities
The show broke ground with a female lead in the NCIS universe and showcased Hawaiʻi’s landscapes and multicultural cast. Yet even meaningful representation must contend with financial bottom-lines.
Could NCIS: Hawai’i Return?
Revival Talks? Unlikely but Not Impossible
While nothing official has surfaced, fans continue to hope for a revival. A decade ago, other shows have been rebooted or moved platforms. The possibility remains—but hurdles are steep.
What Would It Take?
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A platform willing to absorb higher production costs (e.g., streaming vs. network).
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Improved incentives or cost-sharing in Hawaiʻi (or a partial relocation).
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A compelling narrative hook that offsets costs and attracts a broad audience.
Realistic Alternatives
If a full revival is too ambitious, the cast, crew, or setting could appear in specials, spin-off episodes, or be re-imagined in a different format (e.g., a miniseries). The empty studio lot now stands as a reminder: time is of the essence.
What Fans & Locals Are Saying
Fan Grief & Disappointment
“It sucks. I absolutely loved Hawaii… but they told everyone that it was cancelled to make room for ‘Origins’.” — Reddit user
That sentiment echoes across forums: disappointment, betrayal, and a sense of loss.
Local Industry Voices
Local casting directors and crew have spoken of lost incomes and halted opportunities. One local business owner called the cancellation “very, very surprising” because the show had become a regular source of revenue.
The Emotional Visuals of an Abandoned Set
The image of the once-bustling studio lot, now overgrown and silent, resonates. It’s not just about a TV show ending—it’s about a community, a location, and a sense of momentum being paused.
Conclusion
The story of NCIS: Hawai’i isn’t just about a show being cancelled—it’s about the ripple effects of that cancellation: on the cast and crew, on an island economy, on a place that once held cinematic promise. The abandoned studio lot in Honolulu, overgrown with weeds and devoid of activity, is the physical manifestation of that ripple. It serves as a cautionary tale for how even successful shows can abruptly end when production economics don’t align. Hawaiʻi lost more than a TV series—it lost a hub of creative and economic energy. For fans who loved the show, the cast and crew who gave it their all, and the island that hosted it, the echoes of “what could’ve been” continue to linger.
Now, for those wondering about the future: Will NCIS: Hawai’i come back? Possibly—but only if the stars align in terms of cost, platform, and passion. Until then, the lot sits quiet, the cameras have stopped rolling, and the story remains on pause.
