Episode 17 of the second season is the perfect example of this, showcasing the potential for Kai if he were finally granted a love interest. Kai is tasked with, essentially, babysitting a witness in a pending criminal investigation against an untouchable billionaire: Adriana Velasco (Anna Grace Barlow). She’s a high-maintenance, Elle Woods type; pretty and pretty smart, too, which Kai begins to notice very early on while protecting her. As he spends more time with her, they form an unlikely bond and start to be quite flirty with one another. Of course, it’s doomed from the start considering she is playing a key role in taking down a crime boss and the remainder of her life is going to look much different after testifying. However, Adriana manages to bring out a new side of Kai, which is quite enjoyable.
With Adriana’s encouragement, Kai loosens up a bit. He dances with her while undercover at a party. He gets a pedicure with her (one of her many demands while being protected by NCIS). He flirts back, obviously developing some romantic feelings for her, too. He becomes the key to the case, breaking down Adriana’s walls and coming to understand how her mind works, even stopping her from killing the crime boss point-blank due to her feelings of loss after he had her boyfriend killed. While the story and relationship both come to a close with the episode, this offers a turning point for Kai and his development moving forward.
There’s something magical about unexpected chemistry. NCIS: Hawai’i Season 2 gave us action, drama, and an emotional twist we never knew we needed—Adriana and Kai. The typically reserved and tightly wound Kai Holman, portrayed by Alex Tarrant, found himself opening up in ways fans hadn’t seen before. And the reason? Enter Adriana.
Let’s dive deep into how this storyline developed, why it resonated with viewers, and what it means for Kai’s character arc moving forward.
The Rise of Kai Holman — Who Is He, Really?
The Lone Wolf of NCIS: Hawai’i
Kai Holman has always been the cool, quiet type. As a native Hawaiian and former soldier, he brings a rich background and deeply personal stakes to his work. He’s professional, cautious, and protective. But emotionally? He’s walled off.
Why Fans Connected with Kai
Viewers saw him as the silent warrior—a guy with a strong moral compass, who often carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. His stoic nature made him both mysterious and magnetic. But we all wondered—what’s behind those guarded eyes?
Introducing Adriana — The Spark That Lit the Flame
Who Is Adriana?
Adriana was introduced as a confident, intelligent, and emotionally intuitive character. While not a core part of the original NCIS: Hawai’i team, her presence became a game-changer.
A Fresh Dynamic
Unlike most characters Kai interacts with, Adriana wasn’t intimidated by his quiet intensity. Instead, she challenged him—emotionally, intellectually, and romantically.
Breaking Down the Shell — Kai’s Emotional Evolution
Small Steps, Big Impact
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. Adriana’s gentle persistence, combined with her authenticity, slowly chipped away at Kai’s defenses.
Scene by Scene — When Did Things Start to Change?
Some key moments include:
-
Their heart-to-heart about family in Episode 5
-
The shared beach walk in Episode 8
-
The emotionally charged moment during the investigation in Episode 11
Body Language Told the Story
Fans noticed the way Kai’s posture changed around Adriana—more relaxed, more engaged. His smiles came easier, his eyes softened.
The Chemistry That Set the Internet Ablaze
Why Fans Fell in Love with Adriana and Kai
It wasn’t just about romance—it was about vulnerability. Seeing someone as closed-off as Kai slowly open up created a powerful emotional payoff for the audience.
Social Media Reactions
Twitter, Reddit, and fan forums exploded with reactions. Fan edits, reaction videos, and tweets like “Kai and Adriana are my new OTP” filled timelines.
The Hashtag Craze
#KaiAndAdriana trended multiple times. The relationship caught fans by surprise—in the best way.
The Writing Behind the Romance
Subtle but Impactful Storytelling
Unlike forced TV romances, Adriana and Kai’s relationship developed naturally. The writers let the chemistry build slowly, trusting the audience to notice the nuances.
Using Dialogue to Reveal Character Growth
Kai’s words became more open and personal, especially when talking to Adriana. His lines shifted from short, guarded phrases to heartfelt admissions.
What Makes Their Relationship Stand Out?
A Refreshing Take on TV Romance
Most procedural shows throw in love interests as a distraction. But here, the relationship actually supported character development.
Emotional Depth Over Physical Attraction
Sure, they look great together—but it’s the emotional journey that made them stand out. Trust, growth, healing—that’s what fans connected with.
The Power of Representation
Native Hawaiian Love Story
Kai’s cultural identity matters. Seeing a character from a native community develop emotionally on screen, through a respectful and genuine relationship, is rare—and important.
Breaking Masculine Stereotypes
Kai’s vulnerability challenges outdated notions of masculinity. He’s strong, but not afraid to feel.
Behind the Scenes — What the Cast Had to Say
Alex Tarrant on Playing Kai
Tarrant has spoken in interviews about how meaningful this storyline is. “It’s not just a romance. It’s healing,” he said.
Guest Stars with Big Impact
The actress playing Adriana brought a grounded, warm energy to the screen. Producers praised the onscreen chemistry as “effortless and authentic.”
Fan Theories and What Comes Next
Will Adriana Return in Season 3?
Nothing’s confirmed yet—but fans are crossing their fingers. The door was left open for her return.
Possible Story Arcs
-
Adriana joins the team
-
Past secrets are revealed
-
Their relationship faces high-stakes challenges
Kai’s Future — A Changed Man
Growth Beyond Romance
While the love story is central, Kai’s development extends beyond it. He’s more present, more open with the team, and more confident in himself.
A New Chapter Begins
Whether or not Adriana returns, Kai’s journey is forever altered. The man who once walked alone now walks with a heart that’s open.
Why This Storyline Resonates
Relatable and Real
Everyone knows what it’s like to feel closed off. Adriana and Kai remind us that healing is possible when the right person comes along.
The Power of Human Connection
In a world full of fast-paced crime drama, their story gave us something rare—emotional realism.
Conclusion: Love, Growth, and Everything In Between
Kai Holman’s transformation in NCIS: Hawai’i Season 2 wasn’t just about falling in love—it was about finally letting someone in. Adriana didn’t just break down his walls; she helped him see who he could be.
Their connection brought out the humanity behind the badge, offering fans a storyline that was as touching as it was unexpected.
