The Shocking Truth: 5 Secrets Behind The Hawaii Five-0 Cast's Departure And Where They Are Now In 2025

The iconic "Book 'em Danno" catchphrase may have ended its run in 2020, but the legacy of the *Hawaii Five-0* reboot continues to captivate fans. As of late , the CBS procedural drama remains a streaming favorite, yet the behind-the-scenes drama and the final fate of its beloved cast members—Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett, Detective Danny Williams, Chin Ho Kelly, and Kono Kalakaua—are just as compelling as any case they solved on the beautiful beaches of Oahu. The series finale, "Aloha," left many questions unanswered, and the true story of why the show ended and what the stars are doing now is a fascinating look at the high-stakes world of network television.

The show’s cancellation after 10 seasons was officially attributed to the natural conclusion of the storyline for its lead, Alex O'Loughlin, but that is only part of the story. The real secrets lie in contract disputes, physical wear and tear, and a significant controversy that led to the premature departure of two major cast members. This article dives deep into the ultimate fate of the *Hawaii Five-0* task force and provides the latest updates on the main cast in 2025.

The Core Four: Complete Biography and Profile

The chemistry of the *Hawaii Five-0* team was undeniable, but the actors behind the roles were established stars long before they ever stepped onto the beaches of Waikiki. Here is a quick look at the core four members of the elite task force.

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• Alex O'Loughlin (Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett)
  • Birth Name: Alexander O'Lachlan
  • Born: August 24, 1976 (Age 49)
  • Birthplace: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
  • Nationality: Australian
  • Notable Non-H50 Roles: *Moonlight*, *The Shield*, *Three Rivers*
• Scott Caan (Detective Sergeant Danny "Danno" Williams)
  • Birth Name: Scott Andrew Caan
  • Born: August 23, 1976 (Age 49)
  • Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Nationality: American
  • Notable Non-H50 Roles: *Ocean's Eleven* film series, *Entourage*, *Varsity Blues*
• Daniel Dae Kim (Detective Lieutenant Chin Ho Kelly)
  • Birth Name: Daniel Dae Kim
  • Born: August 4, 1968 (Age 57)
  • Birthplace: Busan, South Korea
  • Nationality: American
  • Notable Non-H50 Roles: *Lost*, *24*, *The Good Doctor* (Executive Producer)
• Grace Park (Officer Kono Kalakaua)
  • Birth Name: Grace Park
  • Born: March 14, 1974 (Age 51)
  • Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Nationality: American-Canadian
  • Notable Non-H50 Roles: *Battlestar Galactica*, *A Million Little Things*, *The Border*

The Pay Disparity Scandal: Why Chin and Kono Left Early

The most significant and controversial secret behind the scenes of *Hawaii Five-0* was the pay disparity that led to the abrupt departure of two major characters, Chin Ho Kelly and Kono Kalakaua, at the end of Season 7. This event sent shockwaves through the fandom and highlighted a major issue in Hollywood regarding equal pay for actors of color.

The Fight for Equal Pay

Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park, both of Asian descent, sought salary parity with the two lead white actors, Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan, when their contracts were up for renewal. Reports indicated that CBS offered Kim and Park salaries that were between 10% and 15% less than their co-stars, an offer they ultimately rejected. Daniel Dae Kim, in particular, spoke openly about the "significant" pay gap he was trying to close, noting that the difference was substantial. The network and the actors could not reach an agreement, leading to both of their characters being written out of the show for the final three seasons.

This controversy became a major talking point about racial and ethnic pay equity in television. For many fans, the departure of the two fan-favorite characters, especially Kono and Chin Ho, left a noticeable void in the *Five-0* team's dynamic. The issue remains a key part of the show's history and a dark mark on its otherwise successful run as a procedural drama.

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Where Are The Hawaii Five-0 Cast Now in 2025?

The end of the series allowed the main cast members to pursue new directions, with several securing major roles in new television and film projects, making 2024 and 2025 significant years for the alumni.

Alex O'Loughlin (Steve McGarrett)

Following the emotional series finale, Alex O'Loughlin took a much-needed break from the demanding schedule of a network procedural. His departure from the show was largely motivated by a long-standing back injury he sustained during filming, which required extensive physical therapy. However, O'Loughlin is making his long-awaited return to the screen. He is set to star as the lead in a new, gritty crime thriller series for Netflix, signaling a shift from the weekly CBS drama to a more intense streaming format. Fans are eagerly awaiting the specific title and release date of this highly anticipated project, which marks his first major role since leaving the islands.

Scott Caan (Danny Williams)

Scott Caan, known for his unique blend of action and comedic relief, quickly found his next major television role. He is currently starring as the lead in the FOX drama, *Alert: Missing Persons Unit*, which premiered in 2023 and has since been renewed for a second season. Caan plays Jason Grant, a former police officer who joins the Missing Persons Unit. This new role keeps him firmly in the procedural genre, though the dynamic is vastly different from his constant bickering with McGarrett. Caan also continues to focus on independent filmmaking, photography, and writing, embracing his creative roots outside of major studio projects.

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Daniel Dae Kim (Chin Ho Kelly)

Daniel Dae Kim has arguably had the most prolific post-*H50* career, using his time to focus on both acting and producing. The year 2024 has been particularly successful for Kim, who received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play for his work in the production of *Yellow Face*. Furthermore, he has two highly anticipated television projects for 2025:

• He executive produced and starred in the spy series *Butterfly*, which wrapped production in South Korea in 2024.
• He is set to produce and star in a new multi-platform travel show for CNN titled *K-Everything*, focusing on Korean culture, scheduled for November 2025.

Grace Park (Kono Kalakaua)

After leaving *Hawaii Five-0*, Grace Park immediately took on a major role as Katherine Kim in the ABC drama *A Million Little Things*, which ran until 2023. Her role as Katherine, a lawyer dealing with complex personal issues, showcased her range beyond the action-heavy role of Kono. While a specific new acting project for 2024/2025 has not been widely publicized, Park has maintained a quieter public profile, reflecting on her career and the pressures of perfectionism in her life. Her focus appears to be on choosing meaningful roles after years in demanding network series.

The Legacy of Hawaii Five-0: A Cultural Phenomenon

The 2010 reboot was not merely a crime show; it was a cultural phenomenon that ran for a decade, far surpassing the run of many modern procedural dramas. Its success was built on several key elements that cemented its place in television history, ensuring its legacy continues long after the final episode.

• The Bromance: The central, often hilarious, dynamic between Steve McGarrett (the Navy SEAL) and Danny Williams (the mainland cop) was the emotional heart of the series. The constant banter, fueled by Scott Caan’s improvisational skills, created a unique blend of action and comedy that defined the show.
• The Original Series Connection: The show honored the original 1968 series by incorporating classic elements, most famously the catchphrase “Book ‘em, Danno,” and the return of the original *Wo Fat* storyline, giving it a deep sense of history and nostalgia.
• Hawaiian Tourism: Filming entirely on location in Hawaii, the show served as a stunning, decade-long advertisement for the state, showcasing the beautiful landscapes of Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. This commitment to the location was a major factor in its visual appeal.
• Topical Authority and Entities: The show was a masterclass in procedural television, often featuring crossovers with other CBS hits like *Magnum P.I.* and *NCIS: Los Angeles*, expanding the "CBS procedural drama" universe and introducing a wealth of recurring characters and villains, such as Catherine Rollins and Daiyu Mei.

While the final episode saw McGarrett leave Hawaii, seemingly to find a new path, the door remains open for a future return. Given the current trend of reboots and revivals, a limited series return or a new spin-off starring one of the original cast members remains a possibility for the future. For now, the legacy of the *Hawaii Five-0* reboot is defined by its action, its emotional core, and the quiet, complex drama that unfolded when the cameras stopped rolling.