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‘Hawaii Five-0’ stars gather for blessing as new season begins filming

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CRAIG T. KOJIMA/ CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

The cast and producers of the ‘Hawaii Five-0’ television series pose for a photo during a blessing on Waikiki Beach before beginning to film the new season.

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CRAIG T. KOJIMA/ CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

‘Hawaii Five-0’ stars Alex O’Loughlin, and Daniel Dae Kim applaud during a blessing at the Hilton Hawaiian Village lagoon before filming begins on the new season.

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JASON GENEGABUS / JASON@STARADVERTISER.COM

Cast and executives from “Hawaii Five-0” gathered for a traditional Hawaiian blessing in Waikiki to kick of filming of the CBS television show’s seventh season today.

Only one of the main characters of “Hawaii Five-0” had scenes to film on Wednesday morning, but that didn’t stop a number of stars from showing up in Waikiki for a traditional Hawaiian ceremony to kick off the CBS show’s seventh season.

“They all came here for the blessing,” said executive producer Peter Lenkov. “We take this very seriously. Clearly it’s something that’s meaningful to everybody.”

Lenkov was joined on the sand at Kahanamoku Beach fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village lagoon just after sunrise by series regulars Alex O’Loughlin, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park, Jorge Garcia, Teilor Grubbs, Dennis Chun and Shawn Garnett. Chi McBride, who was scheduled to shoot Wednesday, was also on hand and still couldn’t believe the amount of attention the first day back at “Five-0” got from production staff, even after three seasons as part of the show.

“I don’t know why everybody’s kissing and hugging?!?” he joked. “We just left out of here a few weeks ago!”

Like many of his castmates, McBride spent part of his hiatus visiting New York City to see Daniel Dae Kim star in “The King and I” on Broadway. While Kim didn’t specifically ask his friends to attend in support, McBride said there was no way he was going to miss catching his friend on stage in the Big Apple.

“He crushed it as we expected,” he said. “It was great. We genuinely have affection for each other. These are lovely people.”

Kim, who returned to Honolulu on Monday and resumes filming “Five-0” on Thursday, wasn’t sure how his time on “The King and I” would affect his performance as Chin Ho Kelly, but was happy to be back in Hawaii and ready to start a new season with the “Five-0” team.

“It feels like I’m coming home again, which is what I’m doing literally, but also on ‘Five-0,’” he said. “Being back here with the water and the beach and the people, it feels like I can rest and settle and start work again.

“We’ll start shooting tomorrow and I’ll see if any choices are different or if the way I approach the character is a little bit different. But right now, I’m just thinking about the task ahead and everything else will work itself out.

According to Lenkov, “Hawaii Five-O” expects to film 25 episodes this season, which is the same amount filmed during season six. CBS has yet to make an official announcement whether the show will return to Sunset on the Beach for another red carpet season premiere screening this fall.

15 responses to “‘Hawaii Five-0’ stars gather for blessing as new season begins filming”

  1. justmyview371 says:

    Who is missing from the lineup?

  2. WizardOfMoa says:

    How time flies! Seventh season? That’s great for the economy, the regulars, crew and all who will benefit from this show! Haven’t been keeping tract of this series but have they killed off the Scott Caan character? He probably happy leaving the islands, it’s too small a place for a big city guy!

  3. Readitnow says:

    Missing guy … did they can Caan … so, Caan no can?

  4. bumbye says:

    Although some of the storylines seem unrealistic, I really enjoy watching Five-0 every week. Even the reruns. My favorite episode is still the December 7/Pearl Harbor/Honouliuli one a few seasons ago.

  5. ALLU says:

    I’m so happy to see this series continuing into its 7th year! I think it’s going to be syndicated someday and that is terrific. Congratulations to everyone who works hard (behind the scenes) to make this show a success.

  6. ALLU says:

    I just read some of Caan’s comments about Hawaii. Honestly, the guy was just being real. Cannot fault the guy for telling it like it is. I’d rather he tell the truth and be honest than lie and be two-faced.

  7. readergirl says:

    have watched every single episode of 5-0 and will be sad when it ends (please don’t end yet). Also was fortunate to be in NYC to see Daniel Dae Kim in the King & I with my family. Since I’ve always seen him as Chin Ho it was a little hard to see him as the King of Siam but he was really good and my kids loved him as the King as they haven’t seen the King & I before so they really enjoyed it.

    • Cellodad says:

      Agreed. The show has really paid attention to local sensibilities where it made artistic sense to do so. Even with the episode titles. As far as benefitting the local economy, even my son has appeared in a couple of episodes.

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