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.
Let’s be real—’NCIS: Hawai’i’ has been serving action, drama, and sun-soaked crime-fighting thrills since episode one. But if there’s one thing fans can’t stop buzzing about, it’s the lack of romance in Kai Holman’s life. Played by Alex Tarrant, Kai is the ultimate combination of charm, grit, and depth. So why hasn’t he had a love interest yet?
It’s about time ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Season 2 gave this island hunk a romance worth rooting for. In this article, we’ll dive into why this storyline is not only overdue—but essential. So grab a lei and get cozy. Let’s talk love, crime, and everything in between.
Who Is Kai Holman, Really?
The Brooding Heartthrob of the Island
Kai Holman isn’t your typical NCIS agent. He’s a local boy with a rough past, intense loyalty, and a serious set of abs. But beyond the looks, he’s complex—balancing family struggles with the pressure of proving himself to the team.
A Backstory Ripe for Romance
Kai returned to Hawai’i to take care of his dad and rejoin his roots, creating emotional layers that could make any love story richer. Romance could humanize him even more—and give viewers a new side to fall in love with.
Why Season 1 Left Us Wanting More
A Character Without Emotional Balance
Sure, we’ve seen Kai get angry, stressed, and even vulnerable—but we haven’t seen him fall. Love adds stakes, vulnerability, and relatability. And right now, his emotional arc feels… unfinished.
Other Characters Got Their Moments
From Jane Tennant’s past lovers to Lucy and Kate’s dynamic relationship, other characters in the squad have had chances to explore romance. Kai? Not so much.
The Power of a Romantic Arc
Romance Equals Growth
When a character falls in love, they evolve. They become more than just their badge. Love could challenge Kai emotionally and force him to open up more—something that could make him even more compelling.
Fans Are Literally Begging for It
Scroll through any fan forum or tweet under the #NCISHawaii hashtag, and you’ll see it: “When will Kai get a girlfriend?” “Can Kai get some love too?” It’s time the writers listen.
The Perfect Match for Kai
Should It Be a Civilian or Someone from the Team?
A fellow agent could add spicy workplace tension, while a civilian love interest could show Kai’s soft, protective side. Either way? We’re here for it.
Civilian Love Interests Bring Outside Drama
Think about it: a girlfriend who doesn’t understand the risks of his job, or maybe even gets caught in the middle of a case. That’s drama gold.
Agent-On-Agent Romance Heats Things Up
On the flip side, pairing Kai with a fellow agent creates steamy proximity and conflict of interest scenarios. Fans love a forbidden love trope.
Setting the Scene—Romance in Paradise
Hawai’i Is Literally Built for Romance
Let’s not ignore the backdrop here. Ocean sunsets, beach bonfires, and secluded hikes? The island practically begs for a love story.
Incorporating Local Culture into Love
Including native Hawaiian traditions and values into the romance would not only be respectful, but also add authenticity and emotional depth.
Emotional Payoff and Plot Potential
Give Kai a High-Stakes Love
What if his partner is hiding something? Or ends up being part of a case? Love doesn’t have to soften the show—it can intensify it.
Raising the Emotional Stakes
Imagine Kai choosing between the job and the person he loves. That’s drama audiences live for.
The Ratings and Engagement Boost
Love Stories Keep Viewers Hooked
Romantic subplots have a proven track record in TV. They keep audiences emotionally invested—and tweeting.
Tapping into the Shipper Fandom
Shipping culture is huge. Give fans a couple to obsess over, and they’ll do half the promo work themselves.
What the Writers Need to Do Next
Introduce Her Slowly—but Memorably
Give Kai a love interest that enters naturally, not forced. Maybe a chance meeting at a food truck or a shared history from his youth.
Let It Build Gradually
We don’t need a full-blown relationship by episode three. Let the tension simmer. Let them grow together—and apart—and back again.
Let Kai Speak—Literally
More Monologues, Please
Kai rarely gets long monologues or moments to pour his heart out. A love interest would give him that platform.
Use Love to Explore His Inner World
Let us hear about his fears, hopes, regrets, and dreams. Romance can be the doorway to that deeper character exploration.
Kai Deserves More than Just Action
He’s Earned a Break from the Chaos
After everything Kai’s been through—family tension, job stress, and emotional isolation—he deserves some happiness.
Love as a Form of Healing
Sometimes, the right person helps you heal. For Kai, romance could be more than passion—it could be redemption.
Could a Romance Shape Season 3 Too?
Set Up a Long-Term Arc
The beauty of introducing romance in Season 2? You’ve got time to evolve it in Season 3. Will they stay together? Break up? Face tragedy? Options are endless.
Potential for New Villains or Conflicts
Romance doesn’t have to be fluff. It can invite conflict—jealousy, betrayal, or even danger if his love interest has secrets.
Give Kai the Screen Time He Deserves
Not Just a Side Plot
This romance shouldn’t be a filler subplot. It should be a major arc that gives Kai the screen time and character development he deserves.
Final Word to the Writers
Fans Want It. Kai Needs It. Make It Happen.
The time is now. Season 2 is the perfect opportunity to explore a softer, more personal side of Kai Holman. We’ve seen the soldier. We’ve seen the son. Now let’s see the lover.
Conclusion: Let’s Bring the Love to ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’
Kai Holman is one of the most compelling characters on ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’, and it’s high time his storyline got the emotional depth it deserves. Adding a romance arc won’t take away from the action—it’ll elevate it. With the stunning backdrop of Hawai’i and Kai’s layered personality, the stage is perfectly set. Now all that’s left is for the writers to say, “Yes, let’s do it.”
