In the series finale of Hawaii Five-0, Steve McGarrett ends up leaving the island alongside Catherine Rollins, implying a romantic reunion and shared future together. While their relationship experienced numerous twists, departures, and professional roadblocks over the course of the procedural drama's ten-season run, the final moments of the series bring the two characters back together as they board a plane out of Honolulu.
The Evolution of Steve McGarrett and Catherine Rollins' Relationship
To understand where Steve McGarrett ends up at the conclusion of Hawaii Five-0, it is essential to examine the trajectory of his romantic history throughout the series. From the pilot episode forward, Steve McGarrett (played by Alex O'Loughlin) is defined by his military background as a Navy SEAL, his deep-seated loyalty to his task force team, and the lingering trauma surrounding the murder of his parents. These foundational elements heavily influence his romantic entanglements, making long-term relationships difficult to sustain.
Among all of his romantic interests, Lieutenant Commander Catherine Rollins (played by Michelle Borth) remains the most significant and recurring figure. Introduced early in the first season as a US Navy Lieutenant and intelligence officer stationed in Hawaii, Catherine quickly transitions from an occasional professional ally to Steve’s primary romantic partner. Their relationship develops organically against the backdrop of high-stakes police work, naval operations, and personal investigations into McGarrett’s family history.
However, their romance is far from straightforward. Catherine’s military career, covert operations, and personal missions frequently pull her away from Honolulu and the Five-0 Task Force. These prolonged separations create emotional distance and logistical challenges that test the foundation of their relationship, setting the stage for several high-profile departures and returns across the show's 240 episodes.
Major Romantic Relationships and Milestones in McGarrett's Life
While Catherine Rollins is the definitive romantic partner for McGarrett by the series finale, his romantic timeline features several other relationships and brief encounters that shaped his personal life. Understanding these dynamics provides a complete picture of his emotional state before the series concludes.
- Catherine Rollins: The primary recurring partner, spanning multiple seasons as an active romantic interest, a member of the Five-0 support network, and eventually his traveling companion in the final scene.
- Lynn Downey: Introduced in Season 6, Lynn is an art dealer whom Steve dates casually. Although their relationship provides a lighter, normal diversion from his intense law enforcement duties, it remains short-term.
- Lynn's Predecessors and Brief Encounters: Throughout the earlier seasons, Steve has brief dates and romantic connections with various characters, but none challenge the emotional depth or history he shares with Catherine.
- Lynn and Other Casual Dates: Served primarily as episodic plot devices to highlight Steve's struggles with balancing personal happiness and his demanding role as the head of Five-0.
Key Turning Points in the McGarrett-Rollins Dynamic
The relationship between Steve and Catherine undergoes several critical evolutionary phases that explain why she is the ultimate choice for his character's future.
Season 4 Departure
In the fourth season, Catherine faces a major turning point when she decides to stay behind in Afghanistan to help locate a young boy whose family had previously aided her and the military. This selfless act requires her to resign from the Navy. Steve supports her mission, but the physical separation forces them to part ways. This departure leaves Steve single for an extended period, focusing entirely on his duties with Danny Williams, Chin Ho Kelly, and Kono Kalakaua.
Return Appearances and Unresolved Tension
Catherine returns in subsequent seasons for guest appearances and critical story arcs. Her presence consistently disrupts Steve's routine and forces him to confront lingering feelings. Even when other romantic prospects, such as Lynn Downey, enter Steve's life, the undeniable history and chemistry between Steve and Catherine remain a central narrative thread maintained by the series writers.
Season 10 and the Series Finale
By the tenth and final season of Hawaii Five-0, Catherine reappears to assist Steve and the team. By this time, Steve has endured immense physical and emotional exhaustion, including the assassination of his mother, ongoing health struggles, and the heavy toll of running the task force. In the series finale, titled "Aloha," Steve makes the monumental decision to step down from leading Five-0 to seek personal peace and mental clarity.
At the Honolulu airport, just as he prepares to board a plane to leave the islands temporarily, Catherine surprises him by revealing she is coming with him. The final scene depicts the two sitting together on the aircraft, holding hands and smiling as the plane takes off. While the show leaves the exact destination unspecified, the visual and narrative cues strongly establish that they are embarking on a shared future together.
Other Notable Characters and Their Final Fates
To contextualize McGarrett's ending, it is helpful to look at how other central characters concluded their journeys in Hawaii Five-0. The table below outlines the primary characters and their romantic or professional outcomes by the end of the series.
| Character Name | Actor | Final Outcome / Relationship Status | Professional Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steve McGarrett | Alex O'Loughlin | Leaves Oahu with Catherine Rollins | Stepped down as head of Five-0 Task Force |
| Catherine Rollins | Michelle Borth | Reunites with Steve McGarrett on a departing flight | Former Navy Lieutenant and intelligence operative |
| Danny "Danno" Williams | Scott Caan | Remains in Hawaii with his family and extended circle | Continues law enforcement service |
| Junior Reigns | Beulah Koale | Continues his career in law enforcement on the island | Active duty member of the task force |
| Tani Rey | Meaghan Rath | Remains anchored in Honolulu | Active duty member of the task force |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Steve McGarrett end up married in Hawaii Five-0?
No, Steve McGarrett does not get married in the series finale. While he reunites romantically with Catherine Rollins as they leave Hawaii together, their exact marital status is left ambiguous. The final scene emphasizes a fresh start and emotional closure rather than a formal wedding ceremony.
Why did Catherine Rollins leave the show originally?
Catherine Rollins left the show initially in Season 4 because her character chose to stay in Afghanistan to rescue a local boy and honor her commitment to people who had helped her. Off-screen, actress Michelle Borth transitioned away from a series regular role, though she continued to make guest appearances in later seasons before returning for the finale.
Did Steve McGarrett have any children?
No, Steve McGarrett does not have any biological children over the course of the series. However, he frequently acts in a paternal or mentoring role toward younger characters and troubled youths he encounters through his police work, most notably taking a protective mentorship role with Junior Reigns.
Is there a romantic relationship between Steve and Danny?
No. Despite the intense fan speculation and the deeply loyal, brotherly dynamic between Steve McGarrett and Danny Williams—often referred to by fans as "McDanno"—their relationship is strictly platonic. Both characters date and pursue relationships with women throughout the show's ten seasons.
What prompted Steve to leave Hawaii in the final episode?
Steve decides to leave Hawaii to heal from cumulative trauma, including the loss of his mother, the physical strain of his job, and the emotional burnout of leading the Five-0 task force for a decade. He tells Danny that he needs to step away to find peace, leading to his departure with Catherine.
Final Recommendation and Next Actions
For viewers seeking closure on Steve McGarrett's arc, watching the two-part series finale of Hawaii Five-0 (Season 10, Episodes 21 and 22, "Aloha") provides the definitive resolution to his romantic and professional journey. Pay close attention to the final airport sequence, which directly addresses the unresolved history between Steve and Catherine, bringing their decade-long on-and-off dynamic to a clear and satisfying close.
