Hawaii Five-0 cast returned on set Wednesday, July 10, to begin filming Season Four of the series, and Hawaii News-Now reporter Tannya Joaquin was on hand to cover the event via live stream.

Of special significance this year is the return of the series to the original Five-O soundstage at the Hawaii Film Studio in Diamond Head.

Prior to the blessing, stars, producers, and crew members gathered to greet each other, marking the end of a two-month hiatus for the show.  Lead actor and full-bearded Alex O’Loughlin, who had literally just returned to the island and hadn’t had time to shave, revealed to Joaquin that this was the first time he had seen the new surroundings.  He expressed excitement on beginning the new season.  And Executive Producer/Showrunner Peter Lenkov also revealed that [SPOILER ALERT], contrary to rumors, Grace Park will be returning to the series.  (The Season Three finale had Kono bidding everyone farewell before boarding a boat with Adam, bound for Shanghai).

The blessing of the new soundstage and upcoming season consisted of prayers and chants pronounced by Kauila Kawelo Barber and Kalei Nu’uhiwa.  Lenkov, along with series stars  O’Loughlin and Daniel Dae Kim ended the blessing by untying the traditional maile lei.  Then everyone was off to shoot the first scenes of Season Four.

Also in attendance were Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and series stars Michelle Borth, Dennis Chun, Teilor Grubbs, Al Harrington, and Taylor Wiley.  Joaquin explained that Scott Caan and Grace Park had not yet arrived on the island.

Cheryl has been a freelance TV/film writer for more than 10 years. Simultaneously, she has worked in PR for Bon Jovi Productions in NYC, PolyGram Records (also in NYC), and Rogers & Cowan Public Relations. Cheryl has published articles at suite101.com, “Sci-Fi Entertainment” magazine, and “Soap Opera Weekly.” She was also a credited researcher for English author Denis Meikle’s JOHNNY DEPP: A KIND OF ILLUSION. Cheryl enjoys writing for the entertainment industry and meeting new people. She is also an animal lover.