We’re just about halfway through NCIS: Hawai’i‘s third season, but we’re already looking ahead to the two-part finale—and have some teases about what to expect! “There’s NCIS Elite. There are two special visits,” Alex Tarrant (who plays Kai) tells TV Insider. We have confirmed that one of the two familiar guest stars popping up in the Season 3 finale is Agent John Swift (Henry Ian Cusick), with the other remaining a mystery. (This will be Cusick’s second appearance this season.)
“There is definitely a special twist that comes in towards the end. It was a shock to me when I was reading the scripts, that’s for sure,” Tarrant continues. And yes, the finale “most definitely … ends on a cliffhanger.” He’s also excited because “Kai actually hasn’t had very many fights this season, but in the finale, we really get to see something significant within his physical capability.” In general, expect more action from Kai as well as him “looking after the team and trying to be a good teammate.”
Kai has really settled into the team after he was the newbie at the start of the series. In a way, art imitates life. “For me this has been the most enjoyable season so far. I think the first two seasons, I’m from New Zealand, so I’m kind of juggling the accent and then trying to do the whole acting thing. So this is the first season where I felt like everything has come together and I can really just have fun with everyone,” Tarrant explains.
When it comes to his character, “I think he felt like an outsider coming in in the first season and Kai has gone through this amazing transformation, especially looking back at it from Season 1 to where he is now. He’s more open,” continues the star. “I think he’s freer to express himself in the ways that he knows that his team won’t judge him for. So I think that’s such an awesome thing. I’ve been really enjoying this progression of Kai.”
If you thought NCIS: Hawai’i couldn’t get more intense, think again. As Season 3 barrels toward its epic conclusion, the show is throwing a nostalgic curveball at fans—two beloved guest stars are returning. But the real question is: Why now, and what does their return mean for the team?
Who’s Making a Comeback?
The Return of Familiar Faces
The finale promises the return of two unforgettable guest stars—Boom! That’s right. The names haven’t been officially confirmed by CBS (yet), but insiders hint at Captain Milius (Enver Gjokaj) and Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami) making a dramatic reappearance.
Captain Milius – Duty Calls Again
Milius left a big impression in earlier seasons, balancing duty with a complicated romance with Tennant. His return could signal military tension—or a rekindled spark. Maybe both.
Lucy Tara – Heartstrings and Heroics
Lucy’s exit left fans heartbroken. Her surprise return could mean emotional closure or a new chapter with Whistler. Could we finally get the romantic payoff fans deserve?
Why These Returns Matter
These aren’t just cameos—they’re potential catalysts. Their presence could shift the team dynamic, stir up old emotions, and push the storyline into new, unpredictable territory.
What’s Going Down in the Season Finale?
A Mission That’s Personal
This isn’t just another island operation. The season finale is reportedly centered around a threat that hits home—literally. A high-stakes intel leak could compromise national security and someone on the inside may be to blame.
Who’s the Traitor?
Fans are buzzing over theories that someone within the team might go rogue. Could it be Boone? Or someone totally unexpected? The script is tight-lipped, but clues have been sprinkled like breadcrumbs all season.
Will Love Survive?
Tennant and Milius – Round Two?
Romance fans, brace yourselves. The Tennant-Milius dynamic may finally explode back onto the screen. Will she open her heart or keep her guard up like the badass we love?
Whistler and Lucy – The Reunion We’ve Waited For
Let’s be real—we all want closure. Whether it’s fireworks or a final goodbye, the emotional payoff here could be huge.
Setting Up Season 4
New Villains, New Alliances
The finale is expected to end with a cliffhanger (because duh, it’s NCIS). Season 4 is already being teased as a game-changer, introducing new enemies and possibly shifting team roles.
Will Anyone Die?
Say it ain’t so—but some rumors hint at a major character facing a fatal fate. The stakes are higher than ever, and not everyone may make it to Season 4.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Clues
If you’ve got a detective’s eye, you’ll spot callbacks to earlier seasons. From code names to old case files, the finale is loaded with hidden gems for long-time fans.
Flashbacks That Tie It All Together
Don’t be surprised if we see flashbacks explaining key moments and deepening emotional ties. Expect reveals that shake the foundation of what we thought we knew.
An Action-Packed Ending
Of course, this is NCIS. Expect gunfights, showdowns, and tactical brilliance. The final scene? A jaw-dropping twist that’ll leave your popcorn scattered on the floor.
Social Media Reactions Are Already Exploding
Even before airing, the buzz on Twitter and Reddit is out of control. Fan theories, behind-the-scenes leaks, and speculative memes are flooding timelines.
Behind-the-Scenes Scoop
Cast members have hinted that filming the finale was emotionally draining and “wildly intense.” Expect powerhouse performances from Vanessa Lachey and crew.
Final Thoughts
If you’re not watching NCIS: Hawai’i, now’s the time to jump in. This season finale is more than just TV—it’s a full-throttle ride filled with heart, action, and high-stakes drama. With the return of fan-favorites and a game-changing ending, Season 3 is closing with a bang. Whether you’re here for the romance, the action, or the conspiracy—this finale promises to deliver.
