NCIS: Hawai’i, so far, is the No. 1 new series of the TV season, resulting in its being give a full season pickup by CBS, along with FBI International. “These two terrific new dramas are off to a tremendous start,” said Kelly Kahl, President, CBS Entertainment. “They have significantly strengthened and improved our lineup on their respective nights and are generating huge increases on our streaming platforms as well. We applaud the talented producers, writers and casts on their compelling storytelling and performances, which are clearly resonating with viewers.” Here is everything we know so far about NCIS: Hawai’i, including cast, premiere date and spoilers.
NCIS: Hawai’i begins production with a blessing NCIS: Hawai’i kicked off production on season 1 of the CBS series on Wednesday, June 16, at Mokulē‘Ia Beach on Oahu with a traditional Hawaiian blessing. Kahu (Officiant) Ramsay Taum officiated the ceremony, which included traditional royal maile leis, Oli Aloha (welcoming chant) and Pule Ho’oku’u (closing prayer). In honor of the show’s premiere season, the ceremony centered on the constant motion of the ocean and how the moving ocean waters, driven by the winds and tides, connects the entire planet.
Welcome to Paradise – And Murder Mysteries
The CBS universe just got a whole lot sunnier with NCIS: Hawai’i. Set against the lush backdrop of the Aloha State, this action-packed spinoff delivers the crime-solving grit we love—served with palm trees, crashing waves, and a whole new vibe.
What Is NCIS: Hawai’i All About?
Let’s get real—crime drama lovers want action, mystery, and heart. NCIS: Hawai’i delivers all that with a tropical twist. The show follows Special Agent Jane Tennant, the first female lead in the NCIS universe, as she heads up the Pearl Harbor field office. She’s smart, fearless, and more than capable of juggling high-stakes naval investigations and the complexities of her personal life.
Meet the Team – Characters You’ll Love (or Love to Hate)
Jane Tennant – A New Kind of Heroine
Vanessa Lachey takes the lead as Jane Tennant. She’s breaking ground not just as the first woman to lead an NCIS team but also as a single mom balancing duty and domestic life.
Kai Holman – The Homegrown Hero
Played by Alex Tarrant, Kai is a local boy returning home to take care of his father and take down the bad guys. He brings authenticity and emotional weight to every scene.
Jesse Boone – The Loyal Second-in-Command
No team is complete without the steady right hand. Jesse Boone, portrayed by Noah Mills, is a family man and former big-city detective, adding depth and grounded energy to the team.
Lucy Tara – The Tech-Savvy Trailblazer
Yasmine Al-Bustami’s Lucy is brilliant, confident, and brings much-needed sass and smarts to the tech desk. Her on-screen chemistry keeps things interesting.
The Setting – Hawai’i Isn’t Just for the Views
Yes, the scenery is drop-dead gorgeous—but Hawai’i is more than a backdrop. The islands’ unique culture, history, and naval importance add serious depth to every storyline. From volcanic cliffs to military bases, each episode explores a new corner of paradise.
How It Connects to the NCIS Universe
Even though it has its own identity, NCIS: Hawai’i keeps one foot in the NCIS universe. There are cameos, shared storylines, and even some crossovers with NCIS: Los Angeles. Fans of the franchise will feel right at home, while newbies get a fresh start.
Diversity and Representation – A Fresh Take on Casting
This spinoff does more than just add palm trees. It brings meaningful representation to the screen, both in casting and in storytelling. The characters reflect the real Hawai’i, blending cultures and experiences to tell more authentic, relatable stories.
Realism Meets Drama – Based on Actual Naval Investigations
Real-Life Inspiration Behind the Show
NCIS: Hawai’i may be fiction, but it draws heavily from real-life naval investigations. The writers work closely with experts to ensure accuracy, from procedural details to military protocol.
Why the Show Is Winning Over New Fans
Let’s face it—some crime shows get stale. NCIS: Hawai’i feels fresh, exciting, and deeply human. Its focus on character-driven stories, mixed with stunning visuals and high-stakes drama, is what keeps fans coming back.
What Makes It Different from Other NCIS Shows
A More Personal Touch
While other NCIS shows are heavy on action and procedure, NCIS: Hawai’i leans more into emotion and character arcs. You’re not just watching cases unfold—you’re getting invested in lives.
A Woman at the Helm
Let’s not ignore the groundbreaking role of Jane Tennant. This is a franchise first, and it’s a move that feels long overdue.
Critics vs. Fans – What People Are Saying
Critics are praising the show’s fresh perspective, inclusive cast, and cinematic visuals. Fans? They’re obsessed with the characters and the storylines. The ratings speak for themselves—this show has staying power.
Production Secrets and Behind-the-Scenes Scoop
Filming in Hawai’i – A Double-Edged Sword
While filming in paradise sounds like a dream, it comes with challenges—weather delays, logistical nightmares, and strict COVID protocols. But the cast says it’s worth every second.
Local Talent and Crew
The show isn’t just set in Hawai’i—it’s powered by it. Local actors, musicians, and crew are a big part of the production, giving it an authentic feel you just can’t fake.
Future Crossovers and Franchise Growth
Expect more crossovers in future seasons, especially with NCIS and NCIS: LA. CBS seems all-in on expanding this universe, and Hawai’i is leading the charge.
Where to Watch and Stream NCIS: Hawai’i
You can catch episodes on CBS or stream them on Paramount+. Whether you’re binge-watching or tuning in weekly, there’s no wrong way to get hooked.
Fan Theories and Online Buzz
The fandom is alive and well online. From Reddit threads to Twitter breakdowns, fans are diving deep into clues, relationships, and potential plot twists.
Merch, Tours, and More – The NCIS: Hawai’i Experience
Want to take your fandom to the next level? You can snag NCIS: Hawai’i merch, and even take tours of filming locations in Oahu. It’s a full-on experience for die-hards.
Conclusion: A Franchise Reborn in Paradise
NCIS: Hawai’i isn’t just another spinoff—it’s a revitalization. It’s proof that even a long-running franchise can evolve, get more inclusive, more personal, and more exciting. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this tropical take on crime drama has something for everyone.
