Kono Kalakaua soon became a valued team member because of her consistent, grounded, and straightforward attitude. However, if you watched the show, you may recall the poignant moment when Kono chose to depart from Hawaii to pursue a mission on the mainland. 

Shortly after that, gossip about what happened to Kono on Hawaii Five-O began circulating. It is said that the reason behind Grace Park’s decision to exit was Kono’s role and his disappointments on unequal payrolls.

So, let’s explore why Kono left Hawaii. And more importantly, what led Grace Park to step away from the show? Let’s dive into the backstory that had fans buzzing for months.

What Was Kono Charachters on Hawaii Five-O

To fully grasp the consequences of Kono’s exit, it is necessary to look into her personality a little. Kono, a recruit from the police academy and former pro surfer, had a moral compass and impressive surfing abilities. For the series, Kono engaged in risky operations and showcased her capabilities in high-risk momentous operations, including undercover surveillance, pursuit chasing and eventually actions against the antagonist.

It also described Kono’s encounters which included fighting corrupt senior officials, falsely accused of disloyalty.  Therefore, when her plotline unexpectedly change in Season 7 when left the show, viewers were left questioning what happen.

Why Did Grace Park Leave Hawaii Five 0?

In Season 7, we saw her go on a new journey to the mainland, where she joined a task force focused on human trafficking. Kono Kalakaua, on Hawaii Five-0, left the show after season 7 because she wanted fair pay compared to her white male co-stars. Park explained that her choice to leave came from several reasons and was about staying true to herself. She also pointed out that it was not to get more time with her family, as showrunner Peter Lenkov had put it. In the interview, Lenkov also noted that a character can always return if not in people’s memories, then in none.

Fans were first surprised and puzzled when they heard about Grace Park’s departure from Hawaii Five-0. Kono was a central character, and her presence on the show felt essential. Not long afterward, it came to light that Grace Park and her co-star, Daniel Dae Kim, had been negotiating contract extensions with CBS.

Reports indicate that Park and Kim were making lower salaries than their co-stars O’Loughlin and Caan, even though they were part of the original cast. They were asking for fair pay or more similar pay to their co-stars, considering their significant roles on the show. However, despite months of discussions, CBS and the actors could not reach a consensus. Park and Kim decided to depart instead of agreeing to something they did not believe.

How Fans Reacted On Social Media to Kono’s Exit

The fans and well wishers were already thinking about why did Kono leave Hawaii five 0. 

Most of the show’s viewers were confuse by Grace Park’s decision to leave Hawaii Five-0 when she openly share a piece of knowledge that left them feeling let down. Grace Park played Kono Kalakaua for three seasons. As one tweet suggested, some fans expressed their displeasure, claiming that Kono was their favorite character and that the show would never be the same without her. 

Fan shared, “Grace Park deserves equal pay like everyone else. Sad to see her go, but I respect her decision.” Some viewers also voiced their frustration at the situation that led to her exit, commenting, “Losing both Kono and Chin feels like the show lost its heart.”

Despite their disappointment, many fans stood behind Park’s choice, understanding her decision to prioritize fairness and integrity. One fan said, “Sad to see Kono leave, but standing up for what’s right is always worth it.”

What Happened to the Show After Kono and Chin Left?

The change that was produce positively in Hawaii Five-0 was Grace Park and Daniel Dae Kim leaving the show. He says it was so much of a change to be able to lose both of them at the same time as they had been in the cast from the start. 

A shift of new characters came in, for instance, Meaghan Rath as Tani Rey and Beulah Koale as Junior Reigns, the airing of new complications.

While these new characters introduced something new into the series, no doubt, the fans of the show wanted to see more of the original team. When working together, the original cast had a unique magic that couldn’t be fully replicate. However, the show remained alive with the new additions, allowing Hawaii Five-0 to air for an additional three seasons before concluding after a successful ten-year run.

What Grace Park Is Upto After Hawaii Five 0

After exiting Hawaii Five-0, Grace Park was featured in the cast of the ABC drama show A Million Little Things, where she portrayed the character Katherine Kim. Katherine is a working mother lawyer who balances her family life, relationship and personal issues.  Park’s character quickly became a fan favorite as she balanced both a demanding career and her evolving family life.

Fans can always keep an eye out for her future roles, as she’s proven to be a talented and adaptable presence on screen.

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Final Thoughts

Grace Park’s decision to walk away from Hawaii Five-0 was a significant event that caused the show to throw many question marks about the fairness of payment in television. Her character, Kono Kalakaua was more than just part of the team; she was the popular and strong heroine in the aspect of strength, honesty and justice. While the show went on with new characters and plots, Kono’s absence left a gap that loyal fans felt.

Fans may have wanted Kono and Grace Park to stay, but knowing why she left brings even more respect for the character and the actress. Even though Kono’s story on the show has ended, fans can still enjoy her impact in those early seasons and follow Park as she takes on new roles.