Jack Lord, who played the iconic Steve McGarrett, was known for his strong personality on set. He had a reputation for being demanding, both in terms of creative control and salary negotiations. Arguably, he helped make the show as successful as it was thanks to his attention to detail.
The catchphrase "Book 'em, Danno" became synonymous with the show, a variation of the cliché “arrest him” line of most police stories. The line, delivered by McGarrett to his subordinate Danny "Danno" Williams, became a cultural touchstone. It’s easily one of the most recognizable catchphrases in television history.
Jack Lord was meticulous about his appearance and insisted on wearing custom-made suits and his character's signature black tie in nearly every episode. Most of his wardrobe consisted of single-breasted suits, typically in shades of blue, along with white and light-blue shirts. Colors were primarily solid early on, but later, he began incorporating patterns.
James MacArthur, who played Danny "Danno" Williams, left the series in 1979 after eleven seasons. His departure was due to a desire to pursue other opportunities. He had felt that Hawaii Five-O had become far too bland and predictable for his tastes.
The show featured several guest stars and cameo appearances, including Ed Asner, William Shatner, Robert Reed, Andy Griffith, Vera Miles, Christopher Walken, and Kurt Russell. While many of the stars who appeared in the series were already famous, some would find success later in their respective careers.
The show's iconic theme music, composed by Morton Stevens, is one of the most recognizable TV theme songs. The composer won two Emmy Awards for his musical contributions to Hawaii Five-O. Additionally, Morton Stevens had worked on two other notable series: The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Gunsmoke.
The show's producers had a close working relationship with the Honolulu Police Department, which provided technical assistance and allowed the use of actual police facilities for filming. Governor John A. Burns also provided some assistance during filming, including using the Hawaii State Capitol Building for exterior shots.
The show was known for its high production values, with elaborate action sequences, sophisticated storytelling, and cutting-edge cinematography for its time. The pilot episode alone had a budget of $750,000, which, adjusted for inflation, is nearly $6.6 million in today’s dollars.
Richard Denning, who played the role of Governor Paul Jameson, had health issues during the production of the show. His declining health led to a reduction in his screen time. He met his end in 1998 due to a heart attack.
The popularity of the show had a significant impact on tourism in Hawaii. It contributed to the state's image as a desirable vacation destination, helping to drive the local economy and support jobs in the hospitality industry.
Steve McGarrett's first name was rarely mentioned during the early seasons. This led to fan speculation and curiosity about the character's full name, but it was “Steve.” His middle initial was J, but don’t ask us what that stood for - we have no idea.
Zulu, who played Kono Kalakaua in the early seasons, was a Hawaiian native. Prior to becoming an actor, he was a stand-up comedian, mimic, and singer. He was fired from the show after four seasons due to alleged disagreements with the show’s publicist.
After the original series ended in 1980, there were attempts to continue the franchise with TV movies and a failed spin-off called "Hawaii Five-O: The Next Generation." The modern reboot in 2010 proved more successful, lasting 10 seasons and 240 episodes in total.
