If you close your eyes and listen, you can probably still hear those drums. The wave curls, the brass section kicks in, and suddenly it’s Friday night in 2010 all over again. Hawaii Five-0 wasn't just a reboot; it was a ten-year residency in our living rooms that made us all feel like we had a second home in Oahu. But the show wrapped in 2020. Since then, the Hawaii Five-0 cast members have scattered across the map, some staying in the islands and others taking over Netflix, Broadway, and even the world of voice acting.
It's kinda wild how much has changed. You've got guys like Alex O'Loughlin who basically vanished into a well-earned quiet life, while Daniel Dae Kim is out here building an absolute empire. Honestly, keeping track of the "Ohana" is like trying to follow a high-speed chase through Honolulu—exciting, but a lot to keep up with.
The Quiet Life of Steve McGarrett: Alex O'Loughlin
For a decade, Alex O'Loughlin was the engine. He didn't just play Steve McGarrett; he did most of his own stunts, which, as it turns out, took a massive toll on his body. By the time the series ended, Alex was pretty vocal about the physical burnout. He'd suffered serious back injuries that required stem cell therapy and a lot of recovery time.
So, where is he in 2026?
He’s mostly stayed out of the Hollywood grind. While fans are always clamoring for a "McGarrett" return, Alex has focused on his family and his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practice. He did some directing and writing toward the end of the show's run, which gave us a hint that he might prefer being behind the lens. But mostly, he’s been enjoying the peace he couldn't get while filming 24 episodes a year. He hasn't officially "retired," but he’s being incredibly selective.
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Sometimes, the best move after a decade of chasing bad guys is to just... stop.
Scott Caan and the "Cliff Booth" Connection
Scott Caan was always the perfect foil to Alex’s intensity. His "Danno" was neurotic, loud, and deeply loyal. After the show, Scott didn't slow down as much as his co-star. He’s always been a "writer first" kind of guy, often spending his hiatuses working on plays or photography books.
Currently, Scott is making waves with a project titled The Adventures of Cliff Booth, slated for a 2026 release. It’s a project that leans into that gritty, vintage aesthetic he wears so well. He also starred in the 2023 film One Day as a Lion, which he wrote himself. It’s a crime comedy that feels very "Scott Caan"—a little rough around the edges but with a lot of heart.
He still splits time between Hawaii and Los Angeles, though he’s never been shy about his love-hate relationship with the island traffic.
Daniel Dae Kim: The Powerhouse
If you want to talk about a post-show glow-up, we have to talk about Daniel Dae Kim. When he and Grace Park left the show in 2017 due to salary inequality disputes, it was a massive blow to the fans. But Daniel didn't just move on; he leveled up.
He’s basically everywhere now.
- Avatar: The Last Airbender: He absolutely crushed it as Fire Lord Ozai in the Netflix live-action adaptation.
- Butterfly: He’s currently starring in and producing this spy series for Amazon Studios, which was filmed in South Korea.
- The Good Doctor: People often forget he’s an executive producer on this massive hit. He’s the one who brought the original Korean format to the U.S.
He’s become a massive advocate for AAPI representation in Hollywood, using his production company, 3AD, to tell stories that usually get ignored. Daniel is living proof that there is life—and a very successful one—after the badge.
What Happened to Chin Ho and Kono?
The departure of Grace Park and Daniel Dae Kim still feels like a sore spot for many. Grace Park moved on to A Million Little Things, where she played Katherine Saville for five seasons. It was a complete 180 from the action-packed world of Kono Kalakaua. She traded surfing and sniper rifles for legal briefs and complex family dramas. As of 2026, she’s taken a step back to focus on personal projects, though she remains one of the most respected actresses to come out of the Five-0 era.
The New Guard: Meaghan Rath and Beulah Koale
When the original stars left, the show brought in fresh blood to keep the Task Force alive. Meaghan Rath (Tani Rey) and Beulah Koale (Junior Reigns) had some big shoes to fill.
Meaghan has stayed busy in the comedy world. She’s been the lead in the Canadian sitcom Children Ruin Everything, which just wrapped its third season. It’s a hilarious, relatable look at parenthood that shows off a side of her we didn't always get to see as Tani.
Beulah Koale, on the other hand, has stayed in the dramatic lane. He worked with Taika Waititi on Next Goal Wins and has been involved in several indie projects that lean into his Samoan heritage. He recently appeared in the drama Tinā, a story about a Samoan teacher that has been getting a lot of buzz in the festival circuit.
The Veterans: Chi McBride and Ian Anthony Dale
You can't talk about Hawaii Five-0 cast members without mentioning Lou Grover. Chi McBride brought a gravitas to the show that it desperately needed in the later years. Since the finale, Chi has leaned into voice work (you might have heard him as Nick Fury in various Marvel animated projects) and starred in the sitcom How We Roll.
Ian Anthony Dale (Adam Noshimuri) has also stayed incredibly active. He’s had stints on The Walking Dead and All Rise. Ian is one of those actors who just never seems to stop working, moving seamlessly between leading man roles and intense character work.
The Legacy of the Ohana
It’s easy to look at a show like Hawaii Five-0 and see just another police procedural. But for the people who watched it every week, it was about the chemistry. It was about the "carguments" in the Camaro. It was about the sunset dinners at McGarrett’s house.
The reality of being part of such a long-running show is that the actors become a family in real life, too. Even though they aren't filming together anymore, many of them still stay in touch. They show up for each other's charity events and support each other's new ventures.
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Why the Show Still Ranks
Even in 2026, the show is a juggernaut on streaming platforms. New generations are discovering the bromance of Steve and Danno for the first time. This is why news about the cast still trends—people aren't just fans of the characters; they’re invested in the humans behind them.
The transition from a high-octane TV show to "what comes next" isn't always easy. Some, like Alex O'Loughlin, choose the quiet path. Others, like Daniel Dae Kim, choose to change the industry.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to catch up with your favorite stars, here is the best way to do it:
- Watch Daniel Dae Kim's Butterfly: If you missed the intensity of Chin Ho Kelly, this spy thriller is the closest you'll get to that vibe, but with a much higher stakes, international feel.
- Check out Children Ruin Everything: To see Meaghan Rath’s incredible comedic timing, this is a must-watch.
- Follow the "Improv Hawaii" Scene: Many of the local Hawaii actors who filled out the supporting cast still perform in Honolulu. If you’re ever visiting, checking out a show at Improv Hawaii (founded by local cast members) is a great way to support the local arts scene.
- Wait for The Adventures of Cliff Booth: Keep an eye out for Scott Caan’s latest project later this year. It promises to be a return to the cool, calculated charisma we loved in Danno.
The badge might be put away, but the legacy of the Five-0 task force is still very much alive in the careers of the people who brought it to life.
To stay updated on upcoming projects, you can follow the official social media handles of 3AD (Daniel Dae Kim's company) or check the latest casting calls in Vancouver and Hawaii, where many of these stars still film. Look for independent film festival lineups like Sundance or the Hawaii International Film Festival, as the cast often debuts smaller, more personal projects there before they hit mainstream streaming.