Book 'Em, Danno! 7 Little-Known Secrets Of The Original Hawaii Five-O (1968)

The original Hawaii Five-O, which premiered in 1968, remains one of the most iconic and longest-running police procedural dramas in television history, defining the image of the Aloha State for a generation of viewers. Even decades after its final episode in 1980, the show’s legacy endures, fueled by Jack Lord's stern portrayal of Detective Captain Steve McGarrett and the instantly recognizable, energetic theme song composed by Morton Stevens. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, the show continues to be celebrated not just for its gripping crime stories, but as a groundbreaking cultural phenomenon—it was the first major American television series to be filmed entirely on location in Hawaii. The series, which ran for a remarkable 12 seasons on CBS, centered on a fictional state police task force operating out of the 'Iolani Palace in Honolulu. While the main cast members have all since passed away, their contributions to television history and the cultural landscape of Hawaii are still discussed in retrospectives and fan communities worldwide, proving that the original Five-O team is truly immortal.

The Original Five-O Task Force: Complete Cast Biography & Profile

The success of Hawaii Five-O was built on the shoulders of its core ensemble, a group of actors who brought authenticity and depth to the roles of Steve McGarrett’s specialized unit. None of the main cast members from the 1968-1980 run are alive today, but their profiles are essential to the show's history.

• Jack Lord (Detective Captain Steve McGarrett)
  • Full Name: John Joseph Patrick Ryan.
  • Born/Died: December 30, 1920 – January 21, 1998 (Age 77).
  • Cause of Death: Congestive Heart Failure. He also suffered from Alzheimer's disease in his later years.
  • Key Fact: Lord was the driving force behind the show's commitment to filming entirely in Hawaii. He was also a philanthropist, leaving an estate of $40 million upon his death.
• James MacArthur (Detective Danny "Danno" Williams)
  • Full Name: James Gordon MacArthur.
  • Born/Died: December 8, 1937 – October 28, 2010 (Age 72).
  • Key Fact: MacArthur was the adopted son of legendary actress Helen Hayes and playwright Charles MacArthur. He was the recipient of the famous catchphrase, "Book 'em, Danno!".
  • Post-Five-O: He was slated to reprise his role as the Governor of Hawaii in the 2010 reboot, but passed away before filming.
• Kam Fong Chun (Detective Chin Ho Kelly)
  • Full Name: Kam Tong Chun (later changed to Kam Fong Chun).
  • Born/Died: May 27, 1918 – October 18, 2002 (Age 84).
  • Key Fact: Kam Fong was a former police officer with the Honolulu Police Department for 16 years before becoming an actor, giving his role as Chin Ho Kelly a unique authenticity.
• Gilbert 'Zulu' Kauhi (Detective Kono Kalakaua)
  • Full Name: Gilbert Francis Lani Damian Kauhi.
  • Born/Died: October 17, 1937 – May 3, 2004 (Age 66).
  • Key Fact: Known by his stage name "Zulu," he was a popular Waikiki beachboy when he was cast in the series' first season, bringing a genuine Hawaiian presence to the team.

7 Little-Known Secrets Behind the 1968 Production

While the dramatic cases and beautiful Hawaiian backdrops were the show's main draw, the production itself was full of fascinating details that few outside of the crew ever knew. These secrets reveal the true effort and unique circumstances that made Hawaii Five-O a television classic.

1. McGarrett's Iconic Car Was a Massive Mercury

McGarrett’s official state vehicle was as much a character as the actors themselves. For the first six seasons (and stock footage for longer), he drove a sleek, black 1968 Mercury Parklane Brougham 4-door hardtop. The choice of a large, distinctive American luxury car like the Mercury Parklane Brougham, and later the 1974 Mercury Marquis Brougham, gave McGarrett's presence a powerful, no-nonsense look as he chased criminals across Oahu.

2. The Theme Song is an Award-Winning Masterpiece

The exhilarating, brass-heavy Hawaii Five-O Theme is one of the most recognizable pieces of television music ever composed. The instrumental track was written by Morton Stevens, who served as the music director for CBS on the West Coast. Stevens won two Emmy Awards for his work on the series in 1970 and 1974. The famous version heard by millions was actually first recorded and released by the surf rock band The Ventures in 1968.

3. The Creator Died During the Show's Run

The man responsible for bringing the entire series to life, creator and executive producer Leonard Freeman, passed away unexpectedly in 1974. Despite the loss of its visionary, the show continued for another six successful seasons, a testament to the strong foundation Freeman had established. He is also known for creating The Wild Wild West.

4. The Villain Wo Fat Was McGarrett’s Shadow for 12 Years

Every great hero needs a great nemesis, and for McGarrett, that was the Chinese master spy and recurring villain Wo Fat. Played by actor Khigh Dhiegh, Wo Fat appeared in the very first episode ("Cocoon") and the very last episode ("Woe to Wo Fat"), serving as the ultimate, long-term arch-villain throughout the series' entire 12-season run. This consistent, high-stakes rivalry gave the show a dramatic anchor.

5. Two Key Cast Members Had Real-Life Ties to Law Enforcement and Hawaii Culture

Beyond Kam Fong's 16-year career with the Honolulu Police Department, two other actors provided deep, local authenticity. Harry Endo, who played forensic scientist Che Fong, was working at the Territorial Savings Bank when he was approached for the role. Furthermore, Herman Wedemeyer, who played Sergeant/Detective Duke Lukela from 1972 to 1980, was a former All-American running back and a popular local figure, adding to the show's authentic Hawaiian feel.

6. 'Iolani Palace Was the Task Force's Actual Headquarters

The show’s headquarters, the office for the Five-O task force, was famously located in the 'Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu. This landmark is the only official residence of royalty in the United States, once home to the Hawaiian monarchy. This choice was deliberate, lending a sense of high-level state authority and gravitas to McGarrett’s unit.

7. The Show's Success Sparked a Massive Tourism Boom

By showcasing the stunning landscapes of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head crater, and the lush Hawaiian islands, the series played a significant role in boosting tourism to Hawaii in the 1970s. The show essentially served as a 12-year-long commercial for the islands, firmly cementing Hawaii's image in the global popular culture, though this cultural impact also sparked later discussions about the portrayal of local Hawaiian identity.

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