It’s been over five years since the surf finally settled on the 2010 reboot of Hawaii Five-0. Honestly, for a lot of us, Friday nights still feel a little empty without that iconic theme song kicking off another hour of Steve McGarrett doing something high-speed and probably illegal. But while the show exists in a permanent state of reruns and streaming marathons, the real lives of the hawaii 5 o cast members have taken some pretty sharp turns—some into total retirement, others into huge Hollywood power plays.
You’ve probably heard the rumors. The "Five-0 Curse," the pay disputes, the injuries that nearly left a lead actor unable to walk. It wasn't always a sunset in Waikiki for this crew.
The Quiet Retirement of Alex O’Loughlin
If you’re looking for Alex O’Loughlin (Steve McGarrett) on social media, don't bother. He isn't there.
Basically, the man who carried the show for ten seasons has pulled a total vanishing act. And can you blame him? By the end of the series in 2020, Alex was physically wrecked. He didn’t just do his own stunts; he lived them. We’re talking herniated discs in his neck, torn shoulder muscles, and nerve damage that eventually led to a pretty scary struggle with prescription pain medication.
He stayed in Hawaii. That’s the big thing people miss. He didn't run back to Los Angeles or his native Australia. As of 2026, he’s still living on the islands with his wife, Malia Jones. He recently earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which is a massive milestone for someone whose back was once so injured he could barely stand for long takes. He’s happy. He’s a dad. He’s out of the spotlight, and according to those close to him, he has zero plans to return to the grind of a network procedural.
Scott Caan and the Mainland Shift
Scott Caan, our beloved "Danno," always had a different vibe. You might remember he famously missed several episodes every season. Why? He wanted to be in Los Angeles with his family. He never quite "moved" to Hawaii the way Alex did.
Today, Scott is back in the thick of it. He’s currently starring in Alert: Missing Persons Unit, which has been a steady hit. It’s a bit of a departure from the "Book 'em, Danno" days, but it fits his brand—gritty, emotional, and fast-paced. He also hasn't stopped writing. Most people don't realize Scott is a prolific playwright. If you ever find yourself in a small L.A. theater, there’s a decent chance you’re watching something he penned while waiting for his next scene on the beach.
The Pay Gap Controversy: Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park
We have to talk about the exit that almost broke the show in 2017. When Daniel Dae Kim (Chin Ho Kelly) and Grace Park (Kono Kalakaua) walked away before Season 8, it wasn't just "creative differences."
It was about the money.
They wanted pay parity with Alex and Scott. CBS wouldn't budge, reportedly offering them about 10% to 15% less than their white co-stars. Daniel was very vocal about it, famously saying, "The path to equality is rarely easy."
So, what happened next?
- Daniel Dae Kim became a mogul. He didn't just stay an actor; he started 3AD, his own production company. He’s the reason The Good Doctor exists on American TV. He’s currently one of the most powerful producers in the industry, and honestly, walking away from Five-0 was probably the best business move he ever made.
- Grace Park took some time off to be with her family—something she felt the Hawaii Five-0 schedule never allowed. She eventually jumped back in with A Million Little Things, proving she could lead a drama without needing to fire a weapon every ten minutes.
The Rest of the Ohana: Where Are They Now?
The hawaii 5 o cast members extended far beyond the core four. Some of the most beloved faces were the "locals" who gave the show its heart.
Chi McBride (Lou Grover) is still one of the most reliable character actors in the business. He pops up everywhere, usually playing someone with a lot of authority and even more attitude. Meanwhile, Jorge Garcia (Jerry Ortega) has kept things low-key, doing occasional guest spots but mostly enjoying the quiet life after years of being "the guy from Lost" and then the guy from Five-0.
Then there’s Taylor Wily, the man behind Kamekona. Sadly, he passed away recently, leaving a massive hole in the Five-0 legacy. He wasn't just a guy selling shrimp on screen; he was a former sumo wrestler and UFC fighter who became the soul of the show.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Finale
There’s a common myth that the show was canceled because ratings tanked. Not true. The ratings were actually still quite strong for a Friday night slot.
The reality? It was Alex O’Loughlin’s body. He reached a point where he simply couldn't do it anymore. The producers considered continuing without him—maybe bringing in a new lead to partner with Scott Caan—but they realized the "McDanno" chemistry was the only thing holding the narrative together. Without Steve, there was no show.
Actionable Insights for Fans in 2026:
- Streaming: If you’re looking to rewatch, Paramount+ remains the primary home for all 10 seasons.
- The "New" Era: If you miss the vibe, check out Magnum P.I. or the NCIS: Hawai'i crossovers, though both have also since ended their runs.
- Visit the Sites: Many of the filming locations, like the Aliiolani Hale (the Five-0 headquarters), are actual government buildings in Honolulu you can visit. Just don't expect to find a secret task force inside.
The legacy of the hawaii 5 o cast members isn't just about a TV show. It’s a case study in the evolution of television—from the physical toll of 22-episode seasons to the fight for equal pay that changed how contracts are negotiated today. They might not be together on the beach anymore, but their impact on the industry is still being felt.
If you’re planning a trip to Oahu to see where it all happened, start at the Bayer Estate (Steve’s house). It’s a private residence, but you can see it from the beach. It’s the perfect spot to sit, watch the waves, and remember the decade when "Five-0" was the biggest thing on the islands.