Five-0 Redux: After 'Hawaii Five-0' Finale, Here's a Look Back at the Series' Best Episodes

The beloved series "Hawaii Five-0" has come to an end after a decade, leaving a big impact on fans worldwide. This detailed retrospective highlights some of the very best episodes from its ten seasons, focusing on episodes that moved the audience, showcased strong character arcs, or had significant cultural resonance. Each memorable episode is presented in the order it aired, so you can walk through the series' legacy from start to finish.

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1. Saying "Aloha ʻoe" to Hawaii Five-0

When Hawaiians say "aloha ʻoe," it's not just a simple goodbye—it's a farewell full of warmth, hope, and the promise that you may meet again someday. With the "Hawaii Five-0" series finale, fans all over the world experienced their own emotional "aloha ʻoe." As the article puts it:

"Farewell to thee … until we meet again."

The final episode, aptly titled "Aloha" ("Goodbye"), marked the end of an era on CBS, but memories of the show—and its most unforgettable episodes—remain strong in the hearts of fans. To honor this journey, let's revisit some top picks from each season.

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2. Season One: The Foundation Laid in "Pilot" ("Pailaka")

Every legendary series needs a strong beginning, and "Hawaii Five-0" started with a bang in its pilot episode, first aired on September 20, 2010. The episode introduced us to the core team: Steve McGarrett, Danny "Danno" Williams, Chin Ho Kelly, and Kono Kalakaua, as they joined forces to create the elite Five-0 task force.

The main storyline followed McGarrett and Danno as they investigated the murder of McGarrett's father, setting up both the emotional stakes and main villain, Wo Fat. As noted:

"We can't have a best-of list without including the pilot episode, as it gave us the basis for the story of the Five-0 task force, as well as the foundation of the friendship and partnership shared by Steve McGarrett and HPD Det. Danny "Danno" Williams."

This pilot didn't just start the show's plot; it set the tone for everything to come, introducing both immediate danger and the tight-knit bonds at the series' heart.

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3. Season Four: Honoring History in "Hoʻonani Makua Kane" ("Honor Thy Father")

The tenth episode of season four stands out for its deep, emotional resonance and historical importance. This moving episode tackled the tragic real-life history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II, using the story of the Honouliuli Internment Camp on Oahu.

Fans around the globe were touched, especially after learning about the real camps and their impact. As the article recounts:

"Many fans around the world were incredibly moved by the thought-provoking episode, especially when they learned there had actually been a Honouliuli Internment Camp on Oahu, and many other camps around the United States."

The episode's significance even inspired French viewers to send messages of solidarity, which were presented to the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, underscoring how the show's storytelling transcended borders.

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4. Season Five: What If? "Ina Paha" ("If Perhaps") - The 100th Episode

Marking a major milestone, the show's 100th episode delivered an alternate reality: What would McGarrett's life have been like if his father hadn't been murdered in the pilot?

This clever twist is remembered for more than just its "what if" fun. It's also the episode where McGarrett finally faces off against arch-nemesis Wo Fat, concluding their epic rivalry. As the recap reflects:

"The episode was also a showdown between McGarrett and his arch-nemesis Wo Fat, with McGarrett defeating Wo Fat for the last time."

Even as fans mourned the loss of a great villain, they celebrated how this installment brought the whole Five-0 family together for one more heroic rescue.

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5. Season Eight: Dreams, Duty, and Directorial Debuts

"I ka wa mamua, I ka wa mahope" ("The Future is in the Past")

In this touching, imaginative episode, Danny is shot by someone from his past, and while fading in and out of consciousness, he dreams of possible futures for himself, McGarrett, and their extended ohana (family).

"Fans loved the episode as it showed McGarrett and Danno running their restaurant, and growing old together, after raising Danno's children to marriage and graduation from the police academy."

These "what could be" scenes showed the characters' deep bonds, aspirations, and eventual happiness, making it a fan favorite.

"E hoʻoko kuleana" ("To Do One's Duty")

The show's lead, Alex O'Loughlin, took the director's chair for this powerful flashback episode, which delved into Danny's early days as a New Jersey officer and a haunting case involving domestic violence.

"It's both Caan's acting, as well as O'Loughlin's directing that made this episode one of the best of the series."

These episodes from season eight stand out for their creative storytelling and willingness to deepen the characters' pasts and futures.

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6. Season Nine: Honoring Legends and New Beginnings

"Pua aʻe la ka uwahi o ka moe" ("The Smoke Seen in the Dream Now Rises") - 200th Episode

For its 200th episode, "Hawaii Five-0" paid tribute to real-life detective Chang Apana—an inspiration for the famous fictional sleuth Charlie Chan. This imaginative story took viewers back to 1940s Hawaii, with the main cast taking on new roles as past versions of themselves solving a case just before Pearl Harbor.

"The historic 200th episode has our favorites playing versions of themselves, as McGarrett dreams up the real-life resolution to Chang Apana's last case."

"Eʻao luʻau a kualima" ("Offer Young Taro Leaves to …")

Another special episode this season placed the spotlight on Beulah Koale's character, Junior Reigns, as he faces a tough moral conflict involving an old flame and a dangerous bank robbery.

"O'Loughlin's direction of Koale is magical, as the young actor is absolutely superb in the dramatic moments of his character's life."

Both installments showed the show's ability to blend local Hawaiian history with emotional, modern storytelling.

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7. Season Ten: Closing Chapters and Emotional Goodbyes

"Ka ʻiʻo" ("DNA")

One of the last—and most powerful—episodes was "Ka ʻiʻo," which was written and directed by Alex O'Loughlin himself. This episode finally resolved many of the mysteries involving McGarrett's mother, Doris, and her secret CIA background, known as "Shelburne."

"The episode itself is a tour de force for O'Loughlin, as it shows his skill behind the pen, as well as his expertise as an actor and director."

Many viewers felt this episode could have been a fitting finale, given the emotional closure it provided.

"Aloha" ("Goodbye") – The Finale

But of course, the show had one more mystery to close in the final episode, titled "Aloha." As the article puts it so well:

"Perhaps the season 10 finale had the absolute best title to end the series—'Aloha,' which sometimes means 'hello,' but this time—it definitely means 'goodbye.'"

Through all its twists, turns, and heartfelt moments, "Hawaii Five-0" sent fans off with a deeply satisfying farewell.

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Final Thoughts

Saying goodbye to "Hawaii Five-0" is tough, but looking back at these standout episodes helps us remember why the show remains so beloved. Each chapter, whether thrilling, emotional, or historically powerful, showcased what made the series unique: strong friendships, local culture, and stories that connected with viewers everywhere. As we say our own "aloha ʻoe," we hold onto these memories—hoping, maybe, that we'll see these characters again someday. 🌺