NCIS: Hawai’i, now well into its second season, follows the excellent team led by Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) — Kai Holman (Alex Tarrant), Jesse Boone (Noah Mills), Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami), and Ernie Malik (Jason Antoon) — as they investigate crimes involving naval officers from their Pearl Harbor base in beautiful Hawai’i. In their downtime, most of the agents (sans Jesse) have well-balanced and emotional relationships that drive their personal journeys. For Jane, more often than not, these stories revolve around her son Alex (Kian Talan) as he reaches adulthood and plans to jet off to the Naval Academy after high school.
For Lucy, it is her blossoming romance with FBI agent Kate Whistler (Tori Anderson). Over the last season and a half, Kai’s story outside of work has been centered around his father Wally (Moses Goods) and their incredibly strained relationship following the death of Kai’s mother and Kai’s long absence from the island afterward. However, as Season 2 continues, it’s showing us what we already knew: Kai is ready for romance.
The world of NCIS: Hawai’i has quickly become one of the most exciting branches of the long-running NCIS franchise. With stunning backdrops, compelling cases, and a dynamic team led by Special Agent Jane Tennant, the show keeps fans hooked every week. But while most characters have developed both personally and professionally, one major figure—Kai Holman—still feels incomplete. If Season 2 really wants to give audiences a deeper, more engaging story, it’s time for Kai to step out of his shell and experience romance.
Who Is Kai Holman in ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’?
Kai Holman, played by actor Alex Tarrant, is a Special Agent who brings both strength and sensitivity to the team. Raised in Hawai’i, Kai has deep local roots, a strong sense of family, and a desire to protect his community. He’s the guy with a tough exterior but a heart that clearly carries a lot of unspoken emotions.
Yet, despite his layered character, the writers have not yet given him a true romantic arc. And that feels like a missed opportunity.
Why Kai’s Character Feels Incomplete Without Romance
Every well-rounded character needs both professional and personal layers. Kai has shown plenty of growth as an investigator, but viewers rarely get to see him outside of his job.
Without romance, he feels like a lone wolf drifting through the team dynamics. That’s fine for a while, but fans want more. They want to see him vulnerable, open, and human in ways that only love can reveal.
Romance Creates Relatable Storytelling
Romance isn’t just fluff—it’s an essential part of storytelling. Whether it’s Tony and Ziva in the original NCIS or Torres’ flirtations in NCIS, love arcs help fans connect emotionally.
For Kai, a romance storyline would do more than just add drama. It would:
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Humanize him beyond his badge.
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Explore his cultural roots in Hawai’i through local traditions of love and family.
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Show his struggle to balance duty and personal life.
Season 1 Left Kai’s Personal Life Bare
Think back to Season 1—Jane Tennant had moments with her kids, Lucy and Kate had a groundbreaking romance, even Jesse’s family life was highlighted. But Kai? He mostly remained in the shadows, defined by his job.
Season 2 could fix that imbalance by letting viewers peek into his heart.
Why Fans Are Ready for Kai’s Love Story
If you scroll through fan discussions online, one thing is clear: people love Kai, but they want more from him. Many argue that his quiet demeanor hides a wealth of emotions, and romance could finally bring those to the surface.
Audiences are invested in characters who grow. Giving Kai a romantic storyline could turn him from a background favorite into a true fan-favorite.
What Kind of Romance Fits Kai’s Character?
Not every love story is created equal. Kai’s romance should feel authentic, layered, and meaningful. Here are some possibilities:
A New Character as Love Interest
Introducing a fresh face could spice up the dynamics. A journalist, a local activist, or even a fellow law enforcement officer could bring out different sides of Kai.
A Secret Romance with Someone on the Team
Though risky, an in-team romance could add intrigue and complications. It would test boundaries, loyalty, and trust within the NCIS unit.
A Connection to His Past
Imagine Kai reconnecting with an old flame or childhood friend. That kind of romance would tie beautifully into his cultural roots and personal backstory.
Romance Could Strengthen Team Chemistry
Sometimes, romance arcs don’t just affect the couple—they ripple through the entire team. If Kai finds love, the way he interacts with Jane, Jesse, Lucy, and Ernie could shift, giving the show richer group dynamics.
Why Now Is the Right Time for Kai’s Story
Timing matters. By Season 2, most shows establish character foundations. That means now is the perfect moment to expand Kai’s personal life without it feeling forced.
Viewers already know and love him. What they want next is depth.
Romance in NCIS: A Proven Formula
The NCIS franchise has always balanced crime-solving with personal relationships. Gibbs had Shannon, Tony had Ziva, Bishop had Torres—romance has always been a winning recipe.
If NCIS: Hawai’i wants to mirror that success, Kai’s romance is the missing ingredient.
Potential Storylines for Kai’s Romance
Love Versus Duty
Kai might face tough choices—does he prioritize his relationship or his mission? That’s drama gold.
The Cultural Angle
Hawai’i has a rich cultural backdrop of love, family, and tradition. Exploring Kai’s romance could highlight Hawaiian customs, giving the show more authenticity.
Romance With Conflict
A romance that ties into a case? A love interest who challenges his morals? That’s the kind of layered writing fans crave.
How Romance Could Boost Ratings
Let’s face it: romance storylines attract viewers. Social media buzz grows stronger when fans ship characters. If Kai’s romance is written well, it could easily become the heart of Season 2’s conversations online.
Why Romance Doesn’t Weaken Kai’s Toughness
Some might argue that giving Kai a love interest would soften him. But here’s the truth—vulnerability is strength. Seeing him love, struggle, and maybe even get heartbroken would only make him more relatable.
The Risk of Ignoring Kai’s Personal Arc
If Season 2 continues to sideline Kai’s personal life, the show risks making him feel flat. Fans might lose interest in his character, and that would be a huge waste of Alex Tarrant’s talent.
The Fans Deserve This Storyline
At its core, television is about giving audiences what they crave while surprising them along the way. Fans have invested in Kai. They want to see him happy, challenged, and in love.
Conclusion: It’s Time for Kai’s Romance to Shine
Kai Holman is one of NCIS: Hawai’i’s strongest assets, but he needs a romance to unlock his full potential. Season 2 is the perfect opportunity to show fans a new side of him—one filled with passion, vulnerability, and heart.
Whether it’s a new character, an old flame, or even someone within the team, Kai deserves a love story. And let’s be honest—so do the fans.
