Prior to this story with Adriana, Kai has been very focused on work or his father. Over the course of nearly two seasons of NCIS: Hawai’i, he and his father have started to put together the pieces of their fractured relationship. Things aren’t perfect by any means, but they have come a long way since Kai showed up unexpectedly to start working at Pearl Harbor in the series premiere. Thus far, Kai’s warmest interactions have been with his father in rare moments of bonding and healing. Since the premiere, they’ve slowly been coming back together, but they still fight regularly and struggle to ever be on the same page.
One of the stories throughout the second season has been a perfect example of their rocky relationship, which is Wally inadvertently getting his struggling business tied into a criminal enterprise led by Kai’s childhood best friend AJ Hale (Jonah Ho’okano). While AJ was stopped, thanks to some tough work from Kai and Whistler, it highlighted the differences between Kai and his father that are going to take a long time to work on or come to terms with. Thus, this relationship doesn’t provide the lightness we need to see from Kai occasionally.
Other than with Wally, we’re missing out on so much potential development for Kai as he grows and begins to lighten up. The team has become his family, allowing Kai to begin fixing the chip on his shoulder that he has carried since high school and the death of his mother. While he’s close with each member of his team, these relationships don’t provide the same kind of opportunities that, for example, his relationship with Adriana did. His team is there to support him and offer sage advice on his personal situations, but those relationships aren’t often written on procedurals to provide the same lasting change as outside forces do. Introducing a love interest and romantic storyline for Kai would do just the trick though, and it’s much-needed as the series continues for another season.
If you’ve been keeping up with NCIS: Hawai’i, you know Kai Holman (played by Alex Tarrant) has been one of the most intriguing characters on the team. Yet, as much as fans love him, it feels like his character arc hasn’t lived up to its potential. With NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 on the horizon, the writers have a golden opportunity to shake things up. The question is: will they take it? In this article, we’ll explore why Kai’s character needs a major refresh, what changes could elevate his storyline, and how this shift might impact the entire series moving forward.
Who Is Kai Holman in ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’?
Kai Holman joined Jane Tennant’s elite NCIS team as a young and talented agent. He’s known for his deep roots in Hawaii, his loyalty to his family, and his ability to navigate between his cultural identity and his professional life. While Kai started strong in earlier seasons, by the end of Season 2, it feels like his growth stalled.
Why Kai’s Character Feels Stuck
Kai isn’t a boring character by any means, but his storyline hasn’t received the same attention as others. He’s often seen as the dependable sidekick rather than someone driving big storylines. That lack of spotlight is a problem for both the character and the series.
The Importance of Fresh Storylines
Every strong ensemble series needs balance. Jane Tennant, Jesse Boone, and Lucy Tara have all had defining arcs, but Kai risks being left behind. Without fresh storylines, his role could fade into the background — and that’s a waste of an incredibly charismatic character.
Kai’s Cultural Identity Should Shine
One of Kai’s strongest attributes is his connection to Hawaiian culture and traditions. Yet, the show has only scratched the surface of what that can bring to the table. Imagine deeper plots that intertwine his heritage with his work — it would not only enrich his character but also honor the authenticity of the series’ Hawaiian setting.
Expanding Kai’s Family Backstory
Fans have seen hints of Kai’s family struggles, but those threads haven’t been fully pulled. Giving more screen time to his family relationships, challenges, and history could open new emotional layers. After all, NCIS shows thrive on exploring how personal lives impact professional duties.
Could Kai Take on More Leadership?
Right now, Kai is often following Jane Tennant’s lead. But what if Season 3 gave him the chance to step up? Whether it’s leading a mission, mentoring a new recruit, or making tough calls under pressure, Kai deserves to prove he’s more than just backup.
The Case for a Romantic Arc
Fans love romance in their favorite crime dramas. While Lucy and Kate have stolen much of the spotlight here, Kai hasn’t had a meaningful romantic storyline. A romance arc — handled carefully — could add depth and relatability to his character, while keeping audiences invested.
Kai as the Wild Card
Sometimes the best way to reenergize a character is to add unpredictability. Imagine Kai breaking a few rules, clashing with Jane, or pursuing justice in unconventional ways. Giving him that edge could make his role far more compelling.
Why Fans Want More From Kai
Scrolling through fan forums and social media, one thing is clear: audiences connect with Kai, but they want more. He has the charisma, the backstory, and the potential — the writers just need to give him stronger material.
How Kai’s Growth Could Help the Team
Evolving Kai’s character doesn’t just help him; it benefits the whole team dynamic. When each character has rich layers, it creates more chemistry, tension, and emotional payoff. A stronger Kai means stronger storylines for everyone.
Comparisons to Other NCIS Characters
Think back to NCIS heavyweights like Tony DiNozzo or Timothy McGee. Both started as “support” characters but evolved into fan favorites with major arcs. Kai could follow a similar path if the writers take the time to flesh him out.
What Season 3 Could Deliver
Here are a few bold moves Season 3 could make for Kai:
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A leadership mission that tests his skills.
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A family-centered episode revealing more of his past.
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A romance arc that feels authentic.
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A storyline where his cultural identity directly impacts a case.
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A conflict with another team member that shakes up the dynamics.
The Risk of Playing It Safe
If the writers don’t take risks with Kai, the character may never reach his full potential. And in the crowded landscape of crime dramas, characters who don’t evolve tend to fade into the background. That’s not the fate Kai deserves.
Why Season 3 Is the Perfect Time
Timing matters. By Season 3, fans are fully invested in the cast but still open to big changes. Waiting too long risks losing momentum, but acting now could cement Kai as one of the standout figures in the NCIS franchise.
Conclusion
Kai Holman is one of the most promising characters in NCIS: Hawai’i, but he needs more room to grow. Season 3 is the perfect opportunity for the writers to elevate his role, explore his culture and backstory, and give him the screen time he deserves. Fans are ready for it — now it’s up to the showrunners to deliver.
