NCIS: Hawai’i may have ended but Jane Tennant’s team lives on and there are a few things that could have happened to the NCIS: Hawai’i characters following the show’s series finale. NCIS: Hawai’i unfortunately received an abrupt ending after CBS canceled it after its third season. The cliffhanger ending added an extra level of frustration to the beloved show’s cancelation. However, there have since been some hints throughout the NCIS universe that have revealed what the team could be up to.
While the show may have ended on a dark note regarding Tennant’s children as well as several unfinished NCIS: Hawai’i storylines, all the characters in NCIS: Hawai’i remained active agents by the end, with no hint of them slowing down. This offers hope that they could still be working together, but it also means that there could be different factors motivating them to do their jobs. As a result, the characters still have an off-screen future beyond the show’s cancelation, but some are clearer than others.
When NCIS: Hawai’i ended, fans were left heartbroken—and curious. What happens next for Jane Tennant and her fearless team? While CBS may have closed the curtain too soon, it hasn’t stopped fans from imagining where these beloved characters could go next. Let’s dive deep into the possible futures of each character, exploring how their journeys might continue beyond the tropical sunsets of Oahu.
The End Of An Era: Saying Aloha To NCIS: Hawai’i
The abrupt cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i in 2024 stunned viewers. The series built a loyal fan base with its mix of action, family bonds, and the breathtaking beauty of the islands. As the first NCIS series led by a female agent-in-charge, Jane Tennant’s leadership broke barriers.
Even though the finale wrapped up a few storylines, many threads were left hanging. What happened to Jane’s ohana—her work family—after the final case closed? Let’s take a closer look.
Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey): The Trailblazer’s Next Mission
A Natural Leader Beyond the Island
Jane Tennant was more than just the Special Agent in Charge—she was the backbone of the team. After the show’s end, it’s easy to imagine her being promoted within the NCIS hierarchy. Perhaps she’s called to Washington, D.C., to oversee Pacific operations or even mentor new field agents.
Balancing Family and Duty
Jane’s struggle between duty and motherhood was a major part of her arc. Post-Hawai’i, she might finally find peace—reconnecting with her children and building a life that balances her two worlds. Yet, knowing Jane, it’s hard to believe she’d stay away from the action for long.
Jesse Boone (Noah Mills): The Soul Of The Team
From Surfer To Supervisor
Jesse was Jane’s right hand—a calm, steady presence. After the closure of the Hawai’i office, it’s easy to picture him heading back to the mainland, maybe taking a leadership role at another NCIS branch. His field experience and emotional intelligence make him the perfect mentor for younger agents.
Family First, Always
Remember, Jesse’s motivation has always been his family. He might take a brief hiatus from the field to spend more time at home. Still, his sense of duty runs deep, and retirement wouldn’t last long.
Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami): The Heart Of The Team
A Rising Star In NCIS
Lucy was always destined for greatness. Her intelligence, bravery, and charm made her one of the show’s fan favorites. After the finale, she could easily move up the ranks—perhaps becoming a senior field agent at NCIS San Diego or even reuniting with her partner, Kate Whistler, in Washington.
Love Across The Sea
The Lucy-Kate relationship became a cornerstone of NCIS: Hawai’i. If the couple stays strong, we might see Lucy balancing her new promotion with long-distance love—or even a transfer that brings them back together professionally.
Kate Whistler (Tori Anderson): The Diplomat Turned Power Player
From Liaison To Leader
Kate began as an awkward liaison between NCIS and the FBI but grew into one of the most capable agents on the island. After the series, it’s not hard to imagine her moving up within the Bureau—perhaps taking on a prestigious D.C. position or even leading a joint NCIS-FBI task force.
Personal Growth and Emotional Closure
Professionally ambitious but emotionally guarded, Kate’s growth was one of the show’s most rewarding arcs. Her relationship with Lucy humanized her, and post-series, she might finally learn to balance love and leadership.
Ernie Malik (Jason Antoon): The Genius With A Heart
The Tech Guru Expands His Horizons
Ernie was the comic relief and the brain behind every major case. After the Hawai’i office shut down, he’d likely get offers from top cybersecurity divisions—or even private tech firms. But knowing Ernie, he’d stay in public service, chasing justice in his own geeky way.
Unexpected Romance Ahead?
Fans always hoped for Ernie to find love. Maybe he reconnects with an old flame or finally meets someone who appreciates his quirks. In any case, he deserves a happily-ever-after filled with coffee, code, and compassion.
Alex Tennant (Kian Talan): The Next Generation
Following In His Mother’s Footsteps
Jane’s son, Alex, evolved from a confused teenager into a young man who admired his mom’s courage. It wouldn’t be surprising if he joined the military or even NCIS itself. Imagine a spinoff where Alex takes on his first case as a rookie agent—it practically writes itself!
Family Legacy Continues
Alex represents the future—his mother’s strength and moral compass combined with his own determination. Wherever Jane goes, Alex will carry her legacy forward.
Daniel Tennant (Anthony Ruivivar): Redemption And Renewal
Finding Peace After The Storm
Daniel, Jane’s ex-husband, had a complicated role—balancing his personal mistakes with his desire to remain close to his family. After the series, he might relocate to the mainland, starting fresh while maintaining strong ties with his children.
A Supportive Father
Though no longer a central character in Jane’s world, Daniel’s presence helped humanize her. Post-series, his journey might revolve around self-growth and being the father his kids always needed.
Kai Holman (Alex Tarrant): The Lone Wolf Finds His Pack
An Agent With Layers
Kai’s story was just getting started. Haunted by his past yet driven by loyalty, he was one of the show’s most intriguing characters. After Hawai’i, Kai could transfer to NCIS: Los Angeles (if revived) or work undercover in Asia-Pacific missions.
A Spin-Off Waiting To Happen
Fans have often compared Kai’s mysterious aura to that of a young Gibbs. A future where Kai leads his own NCIS unit would be the perfect redemption arc.
Commander Chase (Seana Kofoed): The Healer Moves On
A Return To Medicine
Commander Chase’s blend of medical expertise and investigative intuition made her indispensable. After leaving Hawai’i, she might return to the Navy full-time or even lead a joint military medical task force.
Still Part Of The Ohana
Even miles away, Chase would remain connected to her NCIS family. After all, once you’re part of the ohana, you never really leave it behind.
The Legacy Of NCIS: Hawai’i
Though the series ended abruptly, NCIS: Hawai’i made a lasting impact. It broke gender norms, showcased cultural diversity, and gave fans a powerful, emotionally rich team to root for.
The characters’ futures—whether imagined or hinted—reflect the spirit of the show: resilience, loyalty, and the power of ohana.
Could There Be A Future Crossover?
With NCIS: Sydney and NCIS D.C. thriving, there’s always room for cameos. Jane Tennant could easily return for a special episode, connecting the global NCIS network. Imagine a crossover where she teams up with Parker, Torres, or even the Sydney agents—it would be TV gold.
Why Fans Still Miss NCIS: Hawai’i
Viewers didn’t just lose a show—they lost a family. The tropical setting, deep character development, and emotional storytelling made NCIS: Hawai’i one of the most heartfelt installments in the franchise. Even now, fan campaigns continue to trend, pushing CBS or Paramount+ to reconsider its fate.
Final Thoughts: The Ohana Never Ends
Even though NCIS: Hawai’i ended, its legacy continues. The show taught us about strength, unity, and what it means to be a family—no matter where you are.
So while the team might be scattered across the world, the bond they shared on the islands will last forever. After all, ohana means family—and family never fades away.
