Lights, Camera… Aloha!
NCIS: Hawai‘i is back in action! The hit CBS crime procedural has officially kicked off production for Season 2, and once again, it’s happening in one of the most stunning backdrops on the planet—Oahu, Hawaii. From the white-sand beaches to the high-stakes drama, fans can’t wait to dive back into the action. And guess what? This season promises even more twists, island vibes, and character depth than ever before.
Why NCIS: Hawai‘i Has Become a Fan Favorite
A Fresh Spin on a Legendary Franchise
The NCIS franchise has long been a staple for crime drama lovers. But NCIS: Hawai‘i brought a new flavor—literally and figuratively. The tropical setting, diverse cast, and culturally rooted storytelling gave the series a fresh and much-needed twist.
Vanessa Lachey’s Groundbreaking Role
Vanessa Lachey made history as the first female lead in the NCIS franchise. Her role as Special Agent Jane Tennant is not only empowering but also layered, dynamic, and incredibly relatable.
Season 2 Production Begins—Here’s What We Know
Filming Starts in Oahu
The cast and crew officially began shooting in Oahu, confirming that the show stays committed to authenticity. It’s not just the location—it’s the heartbeat of the series. Locals, landscapes, and traditions all make their way into the storyline.
Traditional Hawaiian Blessing Ceremony
Just like Season 1, production kicked off with a Hawaiian blessing ceremony, a deeply respectful nod to the culture and people of the island. This ritual is a major part of the show’s identity and a way to honor the land where it’s filmed.
What to Expect in Season 2
Deeper Storylines, Higher Stakes
Season 2 will push boundaries—emotionally and action-wise. Expect deeper dives into characters’ backstories, intense investigations, and shocking revelations.
Who’s Coming Back?
-
Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant
-
Alex Tarrant as Kai Holman
-
Noah Mills as Jesse Boone
-
Yasmine Al-Bustami as Lucy Tara
-
Jason Antoon as Ernie Malik
New Faces to Watch For
Rumors suggest a few new characters may be introduced, possibly from other NCIS spin-offs or brand-new agents altogether.
Oahu’s Role as a Character
More Than Just a Backdrop
Oahu isn’t just where NCIS: Hawai‘i is filmed—it’s practically a character itself. From Diamond Head to the North Shore, the island plays a pivotal role in shaping the mood and pace of the series.
Authentic Hawaiian Representation
Local culture, language, and issues are thoughtfully woven into the narrative. It’s not Hollywood’s version of Hawaii—it’s Hawaii through the eyes of those who call it home.
How Filming Impacts the Local Community
Boosting the Local Economy
Production brings in millions in revenue, supporting local vendors, hotels, and small businesses. It also creates job opportunities for local talent, from extras to camera crews.
Building a Bridge Between Hollywood and Hawaii
This show fosters a deeper cultural understanding, giving Hawaiian actors and stories a chance to shine on a global platform.
What Fans Are Saying
Social Media Buzz
From TikTok to Twitter, fans are all over the behind-the-scenes photos and leaked shots of filming locations. Hashtags like #NCISHawaii and #AlohaAction are already trending.
The Jane Tennant Effect
Vanessa Lachey’s portrayal has become a symbol of strength and balance—especially for women juggling leadership roles and motherhood.
Crossovers on the Horizon?
Will Other NCIS Teams Drop In?
Speculation is high that crossovers with other NCIS series (especially NCIS: Los Angeles or the flagship NCIS) could be on the way. That’s not just wishful thinking—it’s smart storytelling.
Potential Guest Appearances
Keep an eye out for surprise cameos. CBS loves a good franchise crossover, and Hawai‘i’s sunny backdrop is the perfect meeting point.
The Magic Behind the Scenes
Directors, Writers, and Set Designers
The team behind NCIS: Hawai‘i is a mix of seasoned pros and rising talents. Their mission? Deliver top-tier storytelling with cinematic visuals—and they’re nailing it.
Tech Meets Tropics
From forensic science to cybercrime, the show balances island vibes with high-tech investigations that rival any big-city procedural.
What Makes Season 2 Different
Tighter Plot Arcs
Season 2 is expected to focus more on long-form storytelling. That means fewer standalone episodes and more cliffhangers to keep you glued.
More Personal Conflicts
Expect romantic tension, workplace drama, and personal dilemmas to hit harder this season. It’s not just about solving crimes—it’s about navigating real human emotions under pressure.
Filming Locations You Can Visit
Must-See Spots in Oahu
Want to walk where your favorite agents walk? Visit:
-
Kualoa Ranch
-
Waikiki Beach
-
Downtown Honolulu
-
Makapu‘u Lookout
These iconic spots are frequent backdrops in the series.
How to Catch Up Before Season 2 Airs
Streaming Options
Binge Season 1 on platforms like Paramount+, CBS All Access, or Hulu Live. Don’t just watch—study it. Season 2 is going deeper, and every detail counts.
Final Thoughts: Aloha to Adventure
Season 2 of NCIS: Hawai‘i isn’t just a continuation—it’s an evolution. With a rich blend of culture, action, and emotional storytelling, the series is carving out its own legacy in the NCIS universe. And let’s be real—there’s something irresistible about solving crimes in paradise.
In honor of its cast Hawaiian traditions, the production for the second season of CBS’ NCIS: Hawai’i officially started filming in Oahu with a customary Hawaiian blessing centered around “hana hou,” a Hawaiian term that means “work anew” and “try again.” The ceremony was held under the series’ general filming COVID-19 safety protocols. In addition to the series’ producers and crew, the NCIS: Hawai’i stars also participated in the ceremony, including Vanessa Lachey (Love Is Blind), Alex Tarrant (Night Raiders), Noah Mills (The Enemy Within), Jason Antoon (Claws), Yasmine Al-Bustami (Lucky), and Tori Anderson (Love Under the Olive Tree). Officiated by Kahu (officiant) Kordell Kekoa, the second season’s blessing incorporates the traditional royal maile leis, Oli Aloha (welcoming chant), and Pule Ho’oku’u (closing prayer). The blessing ceremony happened on Monday before the filming commenced.
The executive producer of NCIS: Hawai’i, Christopher Silber, previously teased on Twitter that they are “ramping up production” on the upcoming Season 2, in response to a post on the NCIS: Hawai’i official Twitter page that stated, “We’re headed back to the island on September 19 for more action, drama, and above all, more of your favorite #NCISHawaii crew. Are you ready?” Season 1 of NCIS: Hawai’i, which premiered in September 2021, follows the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor, Jane Tennant (Lachey), who has flourished and climbed to reach a significant rank in a system that has opposed her every inch of the process.
Jane and her unflinching team balance family and country all while uncovering major crimes and stirring up riffs on the island.
The focal story of the new season has not been revealed yet, but it would likely not stray too far away from the first season’s main premise. What we know so far is that Lucy (Al-Bustami) and Whistler (Anderson) are back together, and hopefully, there will be more content that involves them as the season progresses. Back in season 1, the writers did an excellent job of pulling off the storyline, and the series’ fans hope to see the same in the second season. The upcoming second season of NCIS: Hawai’i will premiere on the CBS Television Network on September 19 – just three months away – and will air from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, ET/PT. It will also stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
