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.
When NCIS: Hawai’i first hit the screens, Kai Holman instantly stood out. Tough, loyal, and dangerously charming, he became the series’ mysterious heartthrob. But as the show dives deeper into its second season, one thing’s painfully clear — Kai deserves more than just gunfights and grim stares. It’s time the writers finally give him a proper love story. Below, we’ll explore why Kai needs a romantic arc, how it could enrich the show, and which dynamics could make this island-based procedural even hotter.
Who Is Kai Holman, Really?
Kai Holman (played by Alex Tarrant) joined the NCIS: Hawai’i team as a local boy returning home. His backstory — full of emotional scars, family tension, and cultural roots — makes him one of the most layered characters in the series. Yet, for all his emotional depth, romance has been notably absent from his storyline.
Sure, Kai’s got the looks, the mystery, and the charisma. But beneath the surface, he’s also vulnerable — and that’s exactly what makes him so relatable.
Why Romance Is the Missing Piece in Kai’s Story
Every great TV hero needs balance. For Kai, that balance could easily come from love. A well-written romance would:
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Humanize his tough exterior. We’ve seen his loyalty and bravery, but what about his heart?
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Give emotional contrast. NCIS episodes are action-packed, but moments of softness give viewers something deeper to hold onto.
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Add cultural nuance. A love story rooted in Hawaiian values or traditions could add authenticity to his character’s heritage.
Fans Want It — And They’re Not Quiet About It
Scroll through any NCIS: Hawai’i fan forum or Twitter thread, and you’ll see it — fans practically begging for Kai to get a love story. Many feel his character arc has hit a plateau. They want to see him connect with someone who can match his emotional depth and fierce loyalty.
And let’s be honest — the audience doesn’t just want more action; they want connection.
What Makes Kai’s Potential Romance So Interesting
Kai isn’t your typical TV “player.” He’s not flirty or shallow. His charm comes from his quiet strength. This makes his romantic journey even more compelling. Imagine watching a man who’s used to bottling everything up slowly learning to open his heart. That’s TV gold.
1. Emotional Growth and Vulnerability
Kai has always been emotionally guarded. Giving him a love interest would let viewers see another side — one that struggles between vulnerability and fear of loss.
It’s this kind of character development that keeps viewers invested long-term.
2. Exploring Hawaiian Identity Through Love
The show often nods to Hawaiian culture, but romance could deepen that. Imagine Kai’s love story intertwining with local traditions — luaus, ocean rituals, or even local family expectations.
This isn’t just romance; it’s storytelling that honors the island’s heart.
3. Chemistry and Team Dynamics
Romantic tension within the NCIS team? It’s worked before — just look at Tony and Ziva (NCIS classic). But Kai’s romance doesn’t have to be with a teammate; it could come from outside the squad, bringing new energy to the mix.
Either way, it would shift dynamics, spark new interactions, and breathe life into the storyline.
Who Could Be the Perfect Match for Kai?
This is the fun part — fan speculation. Who should win Kai’s heart? Let’s explore a few intriguing options.
A Fellow Agent with a Secret Past
Imagine a fellow NCIS agent who mirrors Kai’s loyalty but hides secrets of her own. The chemistry would be electric, but the tension would be real. Duty vs. desire — classic TV gold.
A Civilian Tied to a Case
Maybe Kai meets someone through a case — a witness, a victim’s relative, or someone unexpectedly strong. Their worlds collide under dangerous circumstances, and sparks fly. It’s a tried-and-true formula that could work wonders.
A Return to His Roots
Or perhaps Kai reconnects with someone from his past — a childhood friend or former flame. It would bring emotional depth and nostalgia, grounding his story in his Hawaiian roots.
Why the Timing Is Perfect in Season 2
Season 1 focused on building the team and establishing Kai’s backstory. Now that the foundation is set, Season 2 is the perfect time to expand emotionally.
A romantic subplot would balance the intensity of the cases while keeping Kai’s character arc evolving.
Plus, NCIS: Hawai’i is no stranger to relationships — so why not let Kai join the club?
Romance Doesn’t Mean Weakness — It Means Depth
In a genre dominated by crime and chaos, romance doesn’t take away from the action. It enhances it. Viewers don’t just want to see criminals caught — they want to see their heroes feel.
For Kai, love could be the thing that reminds him why he fights so hard to protect others.
A Love Story Could Boost Ratings Too
Let’s be real — TV shows thrive on connection. When viewers emotionally invest in a relationship, they tune in every week. The “will they, won’t they” energy is addictive.
If NCIS: Hawai’i gives Kai a compelling romance, it could spark more fan engagement, social buzz, and even higher ratings.
What We’ve Seen So Far (And What’s Missing)
So far, Kai’s storyline has touched on family and duty, but love? Not so much. We’ve gotten small hints — a smile here, a shared glance there — but nothing substantial.
That’s what fans are craving: a relationship that reveals Kai’s softer side without compromising his strength.
How the Writers Can Build It Naturally
The key is balance. Kai’s romance shouldn’t feel forced or rushed. Instead, it should grow naturally over time — through shared missions, emotional vulnerability, or even conflict.
Think slow-burn, high payoff.
Lessons from Other NCIS Franchises
From Gibbs’ complicated love life in the original NCIS to Torres’ emotional struggles, the franchise has a track record of weaving romance into the crime procedural formula.
Hawai’i has the scenery, the culture, and the heart — it’s the perfect canvas for love.
Kai’s Love Story Could Redefine the Series
Giving Kai a romantic arc wouldn’t just serve his character — it could redefine the show’s tone. It would make NCIS: Hawai’i feel more human, more grounded, and more emotionally resonant.
Fans don’t just want explosions. They want emotions that explode.
The Verdict: It’s Time to Let Kai Love
Kai Holman has carried pain, purpose, and pride since day one. He’s proven his worth as an agent and as a son — now it’s time for him to be seen as a man capable of love.
Romance isn’t a distraction. It’s evolution. And NCIS: Hawai’i Season 2 could shine brighter than ever if it lets Kai’s heart finally take center stage.
Conclusion
At its core, NCIS: Hawai’i isn’t just about solving crimes — it’s about people. Kai Holman’s story is rich with emotion, but love is the missing piece. By giving him a romance that reflects his culture, his depth, and his humanity, the show can elevate its storytelling to a whole new level.
So here’s to Season 2 — may it finally let Kai find the love he deserves.
