The 10 Best Episodes Of Hawaii Five-0 Ranked

Over its ten seasons, Hawaii Five-0 delivered thrilling cases and, even more importantly, compelling stories about its memorable detectives. This recap ranks the ten best episodes, explaining what made each one stand out for fans and critics alike—especially those episodes packed with deep character moments and big emotional payoffs.

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1. An Ever-Changing Team with Unforgettable Stories

For a show that lasted ten years, Hawaii Five-0 was no stranger to change. The team's core lineup shifted several times, with some major characters leaving and new faces taking charge. But despite these transitions, the heart of the series—its crime-fighting camaraderie and take on "ohana" (family)—never wavered. Viewers could always count on a mix of pulse-pounding action and genuine moments of growth. As the article itself points out:

"The character development was impressive, especially given the changes in the cast made over time, and it's largely the episodes focused on that character development that make up the best episodes of Hawaii Five-0."

Let's dive into the top ten, starting from number ten!

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2. The Top 10 Episodes, Countdown Style

10. "Pa'a Ka 'Ipuka I Ka 'Upena Nananana" (Season 6, Episode 24)

This episode spotlighted Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim), showing his growth as he got closure on a long-running storyline. In the midst of other drama—like Abby's kidnapping and Max's decision to join Doctors Without Borders—Chin faced tough emotional tests. It's a reminder that, for Five-0, crime-solving is personal.

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9. "Ina Paha" (Season 5, Episode 7)

This episode took a creative turn, imagining alternate realities for the team: Kono as a world-champion surfer, Grover as a tourist—a fun twist! But the real drama came with a huge showdown between Steve McGarrett and his arch-nemesis Wo Fat. At last, Steve gets justice, and as the article notes:

"Steve shoots Wo Fat dead, ending the five-season storyline between them and giving Steve the peace he deserves."

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8. "O Ke Ali'i Wale No Ka'u Makemake" (Season 6, Episode 25)

The season six finale showcased the strong friendship—some might say brotherhood—between Steve and Danny. When the team took on Hawaii's rising meth problem, Steve and Danny went undercover as pilots—until things went wrong, putting Steve in grave danger. Audiences loved the heartfelt moments and the tense action, confirming why viewers tuned in week after week.

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7. "I Ka Wa Mamua" (Season 3, Episode 6)

Though not detailed in the summary, this episode is celebrated for exploring Danny's past in New Jersey, deepening our understanding of his character by using flashbacks. Fans appreciated seeing what made Danny the detective—and the dad—he is.

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6. "Aloha Ke Kahi I Ke Kahi" (Season 4, Episode 1)

This episode introduced Grover (Chi McBride), a character who started off as Five-0's rival but soon became a key team member. Meanwhile, Kono and Adam's story took them to China, with their safety threatened by the Yakuza. The episode ended on a gripping cliffhanger. Critically acclaimed, it's one of the series' highest-rated premieres. As the article says:

"Grover began his role at odds with Five-0, but eventually became a beloved member of the team."

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5. "Ki'ilua" (Season 2, Episode 10)

"Ki'ilua" saw Steve journey to North Korea on a rescue mission. Unfortunately, he walked right into a trap set by his nemesis, Wo Fat, with the help of a supposedly friendly ex-CIA agent. The stakes were sky-high, and only a daring plan by Steve's friends—led by Joe White—could save him.

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4. "Oia'i'o" (Season 1, Episode 24)

In the season one finale, things fell apart for the Five-0 team. The murder of Laura Hills rocks their world, and Steve gets framed for it. His investigation led him straight to the Governor, revealing her ties to Wo Fat—setting up big cliffhangers for the next season.

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3. "Ha'i'ole" (Season 2, Episode 1)

Loads of fans waited anxiously after the season one finale, and this episode delivered with non-stop action. Steve escapes from prison—with the surprising help of his father's killer, Victor Hesse. Then Danny, Chin, and Kono work together to clear Steve's name and capture Wo Fat. As the article puts it:

"It's still Five-0, but operating outside the lines of the law."

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2. "Ua Hala" (Season 2, Episode 23)

This high-stakes episode saw the entire team in the crosshairs—literally. The action and suspense kept viewers on the edge of their seats while setting up a powerful lead-in to the next season.

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1. "Ho'onani Makuakane" (Season 4, Episode 10)

Taking the top spot is this emotionally charged episode that wove together a Pearl Harbor–era mystery and a modern case of attempted murder. As Steve investigates, he discovers the accused shares history with his own family back in World War II:

"Steve found that the would-be murderer had connections to his own grandfather, whom Steve was named after."

Between wartime flashbacks and heartfelt moments, this episode reminded viewers of the deep, personal connections that make Hawaii Five-0 truly special.

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Wrapping Up

Whether you're a longtime fan or just curious about the highlights, these episodes show why Hawaii Five-0 stood out: thrilling plots, unforgettable characters, and stories about what it means to be part of a family—even when that family fights crime in paradise! 🌺