After seven seasons, Masi Oka will exitHawaii Five-0as a series regular, EW has learned exclusively.
MASI OKA:I just thought the character went through a major journey.
Im probably the only one who really commutes to Hawaii, maybe 18 times a year round trip.
Credit: Neil Jacobs/CBS
So what where your conversations like with executive producer Pete Lenkov about exiting?
Anything particular you wanted for Max before you left?
It was really smooth.
Im surprised that you wouldnt have minded for Max to die.
Do you think now its leaving the door open for you to come back or are you definitely done?
What can you tease about Maxs send-off?
You see his relationships with Sabrina, with Commander McGarrett, with some of his working mates.
What has it been like filming your final episode?
Its been great to be honest with you.
I love my crew, I love the cast, the writers.
I mean, seven years is a long time to be on a show and it was just beautiful.
There was an episode about the Trashman, where Max had to confront the killer of his biological mother.
That was kind of my moment of pride, where it was pretty much his storyline.
The thing I would probably change is…
I dont know, he was initially introduced as somewhat of a savant, as tactile.
I think we saw the piano twice and that was it.
Why wasnt Max playing at this wedding and they hired another pianist?
I wish that didnt get lost.
That musicality is a fun trait, someone having a gift as well.
What are you going to miss most about the show?
BetweenHeroesandHawaii 5-0, youve done two long-running series whats next for you?
Do you want to continue in the TV space?
I recently finished producingDeath Notefor Netflix, which I have a part in as well.
SoFive-0has been great about letting me pursue other opportunities.
Ive literally been doing the shuttle run between those three cities.
So you have a lot of frequent flyer miles?
[Laughs] For me, I think its about whatever is there.
I have a goal to try and go towards directing a movie.
Thats definitely where I want to go, but whatever is open, Im always open-minded.
Hawaii Five-0airs Fridays at 9 p.m.
