Six years ago when CBS screened the pilot of the new "Hawaii Five-0" as a Sunset on the Beach extravaganza in Waikiki, executive producer Peter Lenkov didn’t take it seriously and wore jeans and a T-shirt on the red carpet that the network spread out on the sand.
"I didn’t think anyone would show up," he said this week in a phone call from Los Angeles. "I didn’t take it as a gala. I thought I would be among the cast and crew and we would watch the show in a unique setting."
Five thousand screaming fans set him straight — that first year and every year since. They’re expected to do it again Saturday when CBS premieres Season 6 with its annual free party on the beach. It starts with red-carpet arrivals at 6 p.m. Saturday, and the screening is at 7.
"The fact they show up every year makes me feel like we are doing a good job," said Lenkov, who created the look and feel of the show. "We don’t take it for granted."
The event has become a tradition for "Five-0" fans who come from around the world — but mostly are Hawaii residents — to get an advance look at the new season. The show’s stars dress up in designer evening wear and make a statement on the beach, signing autographs, posing for photos (selfies, too) and even jumping into the crowd. When Daniel Dae Kim hopped the barrier last year, he was so enthusiastic, he tore his jacket.
"For people living in Hawaii, it’s a big deal when you get a peek at a little bit of Hollywood," Lenkov said. "Red-carpet premieres are always a big draw for fans, and it doesn’t happen every day in Hawaii."
In previous years Lenkov delivered Liliha Bakery Coco Puffs to fans who arrived hours before the screening to grab front-row seats along the red carpet. He organized "Five-0" trivia contests and gave prizes. This year he’s bringing 100 beach balls to toss into the crowd.
"A lot of the people are familiar faces," Lenkov said. "It’s a way to give back. They spend their entire day on the beach. This thanks them for their loyalty."
When the screen lights up Saturday night at Queen’s Surf Beach, the "Five-0" fans will get their real reward. So will Lenkov.
"I look forward to those moments when there is a hush in the audience and then they react," he said. "That’s what I look forward to the most, hearing them react. When they react the right way, you feel like you did it right."
For a live blog of Sunset on the Beach festivities, starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, go to honolulupulse.com.
