The Shocking Truth: Where Is The Hawaii Five-0 Cast Now? (2025 Updates)

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The iconic phrase "Book 'em, Danno!" may have faded from our screens after the series finale in 2020, but the lives and careers of the Hawaii Five-0 cast are anything but quiet. As of December 23, 2025, the stars who brought the elite state police task force to life are navigating a mix of high-profile new projects, unexpected career shifts, and the long-term effects of their decade-long run on the tropical island.

From a serious chronic injury that forced one lead into early retirement to a major pay-gap controversy that led to the sudden exit of two fan-favorites, the story of the *Five-0* cast is far more dramatic than any case they ever solved on the show. We dive deep into the latest 2025 updates, their current projects, and the behind-the-scenes turmoil that defined the show's later years.

The Core Five-0 Team: A Complete Biography Profile

The success of the Hawaii Five-0 reboot hinged on the chemistry and talent of its main ensemble. Here is a quick, comprehensive look at the actors who anchored the series for ten seasons, including the original cast members who departed after Season 7.

Alex O'Loughlin (LCDR Steve McGarrett)

  • Full Name: Alexander O'Lachlan
  • Born: August 24, 1976 (Age 49 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
  • Role on H50: Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett, the leader of the Five-0 Task Force, a former Navy SEAL.
  • Notable Pre-H50 Work: *Moonlight* (2007-2008), *The Shield* (2007), *Three Rivers* (2009-2010).
  • Current Status: Largely retired from acting, focusing on family life in Hawaii.

Scott Caan (Detective Sergeant Danny "Danno" Williams)

  • Full Name: Scott Andrew Caan
  • Born: August 23, 1976 (Age 49 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Role on H50: Detective Sergeant Danny "Danno" Williams, McGarrett’s partner and the source of the show's comedic "carguments."
  • Notable Pre-H50 Work: *Ocean's Eleven* (2001), *Ocean's Twelve* (2004), *Entourage* (2009-2011).
  • Current Status: Active in Hollywood, pursuing film projects and photography.

Daniel Dae Kim (Detective Lieutenant Chin Ho Kelly)

  • Full Name: Daniel Dae Kim
  • Born: August 4, 1968 (Age 57 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Busan, South Korea
  • Role on H50: Detective Lieutenant Chin Ho Kelly, a former protégé of the original Five-0 team.
  • Notable Pre-H50 Work: *Lost* (2004-2010), *24* (2003-2004), *Hellboy* (2019).
  • Current Status: Actor, producer, and activist, focusing on diverse and impactful projects.

Grace Park (Officer Kono Kalakaua)

  • Full Name: Grace Park
  • Born: March 14, 1974 (Age 51 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Role on H50: Officer Kono Kalakaua, a former champion surfer turned police officer.
  • Notable Pre-H50 Work: *Battlestar Galactica* (2004-2009), *The Cleaner* (2008-2009).
  • Current Status: Focusing on family and select projects after her last major TV role.

Chi McBride (Captain Lou Grover)

  • Full Name: Kenneth "Chi" McBride
  • Born: September 23, 1961 (Age 64 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Role on H50: Captain Lou Grover, the former head of SWAT who joins the Five-0 Task Force.
  • Notable Pre-H50 Work: *Boston Public* (2000-2004), *Pushing Daisies* (2007-2009), *The Terminal* (2004).
  • Current Status: Continuing a prolific career in film and television.

The Pay Gap and Chronic Pain: The Real Reasons for Cast Exits

The departure of two main cast members, Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park, after Season 7, and the eventual end of the show in Season 10, were not simply creative decisions. They were rooted in significant behind-the-scenes issues that continue to be discussed in the industry today.

The Salary Disparity Controversy

The most publicized controversy was the salary dispute involving Daniel Dae Kim (Chin Ho Kelly) and Grace Park (Kono Kalakaua). Both actors, who were original cast members, sought pay parity with the show’s two white leads, Alex O'Loughlin and Scott Caan.

Reports indicated that Kim and Park were offered salaries that were 10 to 15 percent less than what O'Loughlin and Caan were making per season. Daniel Dae Kim, in particular, was vocal that he asked CBS to "make up the difference" so that all four original stars would be paid equally, but the network refused.

Their inability to reach an equitable agreement led to both actors making the difficult decision to leave the series before Season 8. This controversy highlighted broader issues of racial pay disparity in Hollywood, with Kim later stating that the entire experience "changed the trajectory of my career."

Alex O'Loughlin's Chronic Spinal Injury

The end of *Hawaii Five-0* in 2020 was heavily influenced by the physical toll the role of Steve McGarrett took on Alex O'Loughlin. The actor suffered a serious, chronic back injury early in the series, often requiring him to undergo treatment for prescription pain medication to manage the chronic pain.

The physical demands of playing the former Navy SEAL, with frequent stunts and action sequences, exacerbated his spinal injury. O'Loughlin openly discussed his body "breaking down" due to the injury, which made him eager for the show to conclude. His decision to step away from acting after the series ended was a direct result of needing time to recover and focus on his long-term health. This surprise retirement was a major entity that defined the show's final years.

Where Are They Now? The Cast's New Projects in 2025

The actors have moved on to diverse new ventures, with several landing major roles in the biggest streaming projects of 2025. Here is the latest on their post-*Five-0* careers, providing the most current updates for late 2025.

The Creative Duo: Scott Caan and Daniel Dae Kim

Scott Caan (Danny "Danno" Williams) has shifted his focus back to film and his passion projects. He has landed a major role in a highly anticipated David Fincher-directed Netflix film. The project is reportedly a follow-up or spin-off to Quentin Tarantino's *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, focusing on the character Cliff Booth. This collaboration with a director of Fincher's caliber is a significant career move for Caan, proving his continued relevance in A-list cinema. Fans are eager to see if he'll revive his famous "cargument" style in a new role.

Daniel Dae Kim (Chin Ho Kelly) has leveraged his production company, 3AD, to champion diverse stories. In a major 2024/2025 update, Kim is set to star in and produce a new spy series for Amazon Studios, which will be filmed in South Korea. This project allows him to return to his roots while taking on a leading role that he also controls creatively, a clear response to the pay disparity issues he faced at CBS. His work as an activist and producer continues to shape the industry's landscape.

The Network Veterans: Chi McBride and Alex O'Loughlin

Chi McBride (Captain Lou Grover), known for his dependable presence, has also moved to the streaming giants. He has been cast in the upcoming Harlan Coben Netflix series, *I Will Find You*. This move keeps him in the crime drama genre he excels at, transitioning from broadcast television to a major global streaming platform, ensuring his continued visibility in 2025 and beyond.

Alex O'Loughlin (Steve McGarrett) is currently adhering to his self-imposed semi-retirement. Due to the chronic pain from his spinal injury, O'Loughlin has been taking an extended break from acting since the show ended. While there are constant rumors of a return, particularly in fan circles, the Australian actor is prioritizing his family life in Hawaii and his recovery. His last major commitment was *Hawaii Five-0*, and his current focus is entirely on his health and private life, making his status one of the most unique among the former cast members.

Grace Park and the Next Chapter

Grace Park (Kono Kalakaua), after her departure from *Five-0*, starred as Katherine Kim on the ABC drama *A Million Little Things*, which concluded in 2023. As of late 2025, Park has not announced a new major acting role, suggesting she may be taking an extended break following two back-to-back, long-running network dramas. She has, however, been active as an ambassador for the Vancouver Asian Film Festival, focusing her energy on advocacy and shaping the future of diverse representation in the film industry.

The legacy of the *Hawaii Five-0* cast is one of both on-screen success and off-screen challenges. The latest updates prove that while the show is over, the stars are continuing their careers on their own terms, whether by landing major new streaming roles or stepping away to prioritize their well-being.

hawaii five 0 cast
hawaii five 0 cast

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