Hawaii Five-O Cast - The Faces Behind The Island Drama

Marilou Sipes 29 Jun 2025

For anyone who has ever found themselves captivated by a good crime story set against a truly beautiful backdrop, the show Hawaii Five-O likely comes to mind. It is a police procedural drama that, as a matter of fact, really took hold of audiences for many years. This series, with its sunny setting and serious crime fighting, has always been about the people who brought its stories to life, the actors and actresses who made us care about what happened on screen.

The program, which ran for a long stretch of time, from 1968 all the way to 1980, featured a group of characters who worked together to solve mysteries. These folks, you know, were a special branch of the Hawaii state police, tasked with keeping the peace in a place that looks like paradise but still has its share of trouble. Getting to know the people who played these parts, and what they did with their roles, often adds a whole new layer to enjoying the show.

We'll be looking closely at the main people, those who showed up often, and even some of the smaller roles that helped make the series what it was. From the central figures to the actors who made them feel real, we are going to talk about the Hawaii Five-O cast, giving you a better idea of the talent that made this long-running show a hit, and what some of them did after the cameras stopped rolling, more or less.

Jack Lord - The Face of Hawaii Five-O Cast
What Happened to the Original Hawaii Five-O Cast?
Who Were the Main Players in the Hawaii Five-O Cast?
The Setting and the Story - How Did the Hawaii Five-O Cast Fit In?
The New Generation of Hawaii Five-O Cast Members
How Did the Hawaii Five-O Cast Connect with Fans Online?
Getting to Know the Hawaii Five-O Cast Personalities
The Lasting Impact of the Hawaii Five-O Cast

Jack Lord - The Face of Hawaii Five-O Cast

Jack Lord, the actor who played Steve McGarrett, was truly a central figure in the original Hawaii Five-O. He was, you know, the leader of the group, a former Navy Seal who came back to Oahu. His character's purpose was to figure out who was responsible for his father's passing. This role was quite important, and Lord delivered a really strong showing, making the character his own. He was the star of this procedural series, and his presence helped shape the program for its many seasons.

He was known for being very dedicated to his character, Steve McGarrett, and to the show itself. In fact, he was involved in many aspects of the program, not just acting. His work helped give the show its particular feel and its long run on television. People really looked to him as the main person, the one who held everything together on screen. His performance was, you know, something people talked about for a long time after the show ended its run.

Jack Lord - Personal Details

To give you a clearer picture of the person behind the character, here are some basic facts about Jack Lord, the man who brought Steve McGarrett to life for so many years on Hawaii Five-O.

Full Name	John Joseph Patrick Ryan
Known As	Jack Lord
Born	December 30, 1920
Birthplace	New York City, New York, USA
Died	January 21, 1998
Place of Death	Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Occupation	Actor, Director, Producer
Most Famous Role	Steve McGarrett in Hawaii Five-O

His connection to Hawaii, where the show was filmed and set, was quite deep, as you can see from where he passed away. He spent a lot of his later years there, making it truly his home. This really helped to ground the show in its location, giving it a sense of place that viewers could feel.

What Happened to the Original Hawaii Five-O Cast?

The first group of actors who made up the Hawaii Five-O cast brought a certain spirit to the show that many people remember fondly. Beyond Jack Lord, there were other important people who made the series what it was. We are talking about folks like James Macarthur, who played Danny Williams, a key member of Steve's team. Then there was Kam Fong Chun, who took on the role of Chin Ho Kelly, another steady presence in the group. And Herman Wedemeyer also had a part in the series, adding to the local feel.

After the program finished its long run in 1980, the lives of these actors went in different directions, as you might expect. Jack Lord, as we know, stayed in Hawaii and lived there until his passing. James Macarthur continued to act in various projects over the years, appearing in other television shows and films. He was a familiar face on screens for quite some time, actually. Kam Fong Chun, who was a real-life former police officer, also had a lasting connection to the show's themes. His background, in a way, lent a certain truthfulness to his portrayal of Chin Ho Kelly.

Many fans still wonder about what became of these people who were, you know, such a big part of their television viewing for so long. Their performances left a mark, and they are still remembered for their contributions to the series. The show really relied on the chemistry and talent of this original Hawaii Five-O cast to make it a success that lasted for twelve full seasons. It's quite a feat, when you think about it.

Who Were the Main Players in the Hawaii Five-O Cast?

When we talk about the core group that made up the Hawaii Five-O cast, we are mostly thinking about Steve McGarrett, Danny Williams, and Chin Ho Kelly. These were the people who were always there, solving the crimes and dealing with the drama. Steve, played by Alex O'Loughlin in the newer version and Jack Lord in the original, was the serious leader. Danny, often called "Danno," was the slightly more grounded, sometimes complaining partner, played by Scott Caan in the later series and James Macarthur in the first.

Chin Ho Kelly, a character that really brought a sense of local knowledge and calm to the team, was portrayed by Daniel Dae Kim in the more recent show and Kam Fong Chun in the classic. These three, in a way, formed the heart of the crime-solving unit. Their different personalities often led to interesting conversations and ways of looking at problems, which made the show enjoyable to watch. They were, you know, a solid team.

Over the years, other characters joined this central group, adding to the dynamic. Kono Kalakaua, for example, became an important member of the team in the more recent version. Knowing who played these parts helps you connect with the stories even more. The way these actors worked together, creating believable relationships, was a big reason why people kept tuning in, season after season. It's pretty clear that the show's success was tied to these main people.

The Roles and the Actors of the Hawaii Five-O Cast

Let's get into a bit more detail about the specific actors and the parts they played, especially looking at the key figures who really defined the Hawaii Five-O cast across its different eras. It's useful to see how these characters were brought to life by different talents.

Steve McGarrett: In the original series, this powerful role was handled by Jack Lord. He was the former Navy Seal who came back to Oahu to investigate his father's passing. In the newer show, Alex O'Loughlin took on the part, bringing a different kind of energy to the team leader. Both actors gave the character a strong sense of purpose.
Danny Williams (Danno): James Macarthur was the original Danny, often providing a contrast to McGarrett's serious nature. Scott Caan played Danny in the more recent version, giving him a bit of a New Jersey edge and a very distinct personality that many viewers enjoyed. Their back-and-forth was, you know, a highlight.
Chin Ho Kelly: Kam Fong Chun was the first to play Chin Ho, bringing a calm and knowledgeable presence to the group. Daniel Dae Kim took over the role in the newer series, continuing the character's reputation as a reliable and thoughtful member of the task force. He was, in some respects, the quiet strength of the team.
Kono Kalakaua: This character was introduced in the newer version of the show. Grace Park played Kono, a skilled surfer and police officer who brought a fresh perspective and a lot of capability to the Hawaii Five-O cast. She added a new dimension to the group's makeup.

These actors, with their various strengths, made the characters feel like real people working together, facing danger, and forming a sort of family. Their work was, honestly, a big part of why the show had such a long life and why it's still remembered today.

The Setting and the Story - How Did the Hawaii Five-O Cast Fit In?

The program was, quite literally, set against the truly amazing background of Hawaii. This place, with its sunny beaches and stunning views, might seem like an unusual choice for a show about crime. But it actually made for a very interesting and captivating place for a police story. The Hawaii Five-O cast worked within this unique setting, using the island's beauty as a contrast to the serious things they dealt with.

The stories often involved Steve McGarrett's personal quest to find his father's killer, which was the reason he came back to Oahu. This personal connection gave the police procedural drama a deeper layer. The team, made up of people like Chin Ho Kelly and Danny, helped him in this mission, as well as solving other cases that came their way. The setting itself often played a part in the crimes, with the ocean, the mountains, and the local culture providing, you know, a very specific feel to each episode.

The actors had to make their characters believable in this environment. They had to show how these people, even in paradise, faced real dangers and difficult choices. The contrast between the beauty of Hawaii and the sometimes dark nature of the crimes they investigated was a defining feature of the show. It was, in a way, a character itself, and the Hawaii Five-O cast had to work within that framework to tell their stories.

The New Generation of Hawaii Five-O Cast Members

Many years after the first series ended, a new version of Hawaii Five-O came to television, bringing the story to a fresh group of viewers. This meant a whole new Hawaii Five-O cast, with different actors taking on the well-known roles. Alex O'Loughlin stepped into the shoes of Steve McGarrett, bringing his own take to the character. Scott Caan became Danny Williams, and Daniel Dae Kim played Chin Ho Kelly. These actors had the job of making these familiar characters feel new and interesting for a modern audience, which they definitely did.

The new show also brought in new characters, like Kono Kalakaua, played by Grace Park. This helped to update the team dynamic and bring in different perspectives. The creators of the new series kept the core idea of an elite group working to keep Hawaii safe, but they updated the stories and the way they were told. The performances of this new Hawaii Five-O cast were key to the show's success, allowing it to run for many seasons, much like its predecessor.

It's interesting to see how the spirit of the original show was carried forward by these new actors. They had to balance honoring what came before with making the show their own. The chemistry among the new Hawaii Five-O cast members was a big part of why people connected with the series. They really made the team feel like a close-knit group, facing challenges together on the beautiful islands.

How Did the Hawaii Five-O Cast Connect with Fans Online?

In today's world, actors often connect with people who watch their shows in ways that weren't possible when the original Hawaii Five-O was on television. The new Hawaii Five-O cast, for example, had the chance to use online tools to reach out to their audience. This means things like social media, where actors can share thoughts, pictures, and even behind-the-scenes glimpses of their work. This kind of connection helps people feel closer to the show and the people who make it.

Getting details on the actors and actresses, their roles, and how many people are talking about them online, gives us a sense of how popular they are and how much interest they generate. For the Hawaii Five-O cast, both old and new, this online presence, or the discussions about them, shows how much the show has meant to different generations of viewers. Even for the original cast members, there are fan pages and discussions that keep their memory alive.

This kind of online engagement helps keep the show's legacy going. People can look up information about the actors, see what they've done since the show, and talk with other fans. It's a way for the Hawaii Five-O cast, both past and present, to continue to be a part of people's lives, even if the show is no longer making new episodes. It's a pretty cool thing, actually, to see how much people still care.

Getting to Know the Hawaii Five-O Cast Personalities

Beyond the characters they played, the people who made up the Hawaii Five-O cast had their own personalities and careers. For instance, Scott Caan, who played Danny Williams in the recent series, is also known for his work in films and for being the son of another well-known actor. Daniel Dae Kim, who was Chin Ho Kelly, has had a long and varied career in television, appearing in many popular shows before and after Hawaii Five-O. These actors bring their own experiences and ways of working to their roles, which can really shape how a character comes across.

Alex O'Loughlin, as Steve McGarrett, carried a lot of the weight of the new series, much like Jack Lord did for the original. His dedication to the physical demands of the role, and his ability to show the character's more serious side, were very important. Learning about the people behind the characters helps us appreciate the performances even more. It's interesting to see how their real-life qualities might, in a way, show up in their acting.

The show's cast, whether we are talking about Jack Lord, James Macarthur, Kam Fong, or Herman Wedemeyer from the first series, or Scott Caan, Daniel Dae Kim, and Alex O'Loughlin from the newer one, all contributed something special. They each brought a unique touch to their parts, making the overall team feel real and engaging. You can, you know, really see the effort they put in.

The Lasting Impact of the Hawaii Five-O Cast

The show Hawaii Five-O, and its many cast members, have left a significant mark on television history. The fact that it ran for twelve seasons in its original form, and then came back for a successful run years later, really speaks to its enduring appeal. A big part of that appeal comes from the people who were on screen, the Hawaii Five-O cast, who brought these stories to life. Their performances created characters that people remembered and cared about for a long time.

From Jack Lord's strong portrayal of Steve McGarrett to the loyal support of characters like Chin Ho Kelly and Danny Williams, the actors made these figures feel like real people facing real dangers. The series, set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii, used its unique location to great effect, and the cast helped to ground the stories in that place. The way the actors handled the mix of action, drama, and personal moments made the show more than just a simple police procedural.

Even now, people still talk about the show and its actors. Whether it's the original cast members who first brought the series to fame, or the new generation of actors who continued its legacy, the Hawaii Five-O cast has had a lasting effect on popular culture. Their work continues to be watched and enjoyed by new viewers, showing just how powerful good acting and compelling characters can be. It's a pretty remarkable thing, when you think about it.

This article has covered the main, recurring, and minor characters of the Hawaii Five-O series, highlighting Alex O'Loughlin as Steve McGarrett and his role in the newer procedural. We looked at Steve's return to Oahu to find his father's killer and how his team, including Chin Ho Kelly and Danny, was formed. We also touched upon the details of the TV show's actors and actresses, their roles, and online engagement. The piece discussed the original police procedural drama that ran for 12 seasons from 1968 to 1980, and what happened to its cast, including Jack Lord, James Macarthur, Kam Fong Chun, and Herman. We mentioned Scott Caan (Danny Williams), Daniel Dae Kim (Chin Ho Kelly), and Alex O'Loughlin (Steve) from the more recent show. Finally, the article noted the series' setting against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii and how Jack Lord led the original cast with a remarkable performance, alongside James Macarthur, Kam Fong, and Herman Wedemeyer, as part of an elite branch of the Hawaii state task force.

Best of the Hawaiian Islands: Which Island in Hawaii | ShermansTravel

10 Reasons to Visit Hawaii - WorldAtlas

Hawaii travel guide: Everything you need to know about visiting Hawaii

Urban Escape

Hawaii Five-O Cast - The Faces Behind The Island Drama

Table of Contents