As Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, love is certainly on the minds of “Hawaii Five-0” fans– even though the show does not return with new episodes until March 2. Still, fans had a lot to say when asked about their favorite love scenes from the last eight seasons, especially when the love surrounds their favorite character, Steve McGarrett, played by series star, Alex O’Loughlin.

Fans were frank in their emails and Facebook posts. Many fans chose scenes between McGarrett and his former girlfriend, Catherine Rollins, played by Michelle Borth. Yet there were some fans who preferred scenes with his latest lady, Lynn Downey, played by Sarah Carter. Other fans mentioned the love shown between best friends and partners, Steve and Danny (Scott Caan), while others chose scenes of love and sacrifice shown by others within the Five-0 extended ʻohana.

When I asked fans to chime in about their love scenes, I was thinking of the fun and funny Valentine’s Day episode “Hoa ʻĪnea” (“Misery Loves Company”). It was an episode that not only showed many scenes of love and passion, but it also gave us a glimpse into the sillier side of being in love. Like when Chin’s (Daniel Dae Kim) Valentine date, Abby (Julie Benz) runs out on him before he can finish pouring the champagne, and then leaves him out in the figurative cold wrapped only in a towel.

Susan Morrell, of Park City, Utah, commented on Facebook about another scene from the episode between Lou Grover (Chi McBride) and Renee (Michelle Hurd). “[They] have a great relationship, and my favorite fun love scene was [when he] tried to give her flowers and candy that he bought last minute, because he forgot Valentine’s Day, [all] while wearing that awful velveteen suit and golf shoes– and [Renee] not letting him off the hook!”

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Several fans mentioned the cute scene between Steve and Lynn when she kicks off her shoe and it accidentally hits Steve in the eye– giving him a nice shiner as proof of his flawed Valentine night. The best part really is the scene when Lynn hands him a beer as they sit next to his backyard beach, and he uses the cold bottle to ice his eye. Myriam Rzepecki from Liège, Belgium wrote in an email, “For me, Lynn and Steve are perfect as a couple. She is bubbly and fresh and it’s a pleasure to see Steve with a woman he can trust.”

Belle Anderson of South Carolina wrote via email about the 150th episode, “Ka Makuahine a me ka Keiki kāne” (“Mother and Son”), and her favorite love scene. “It could easily be McGarrett’s most romantic scene– cooking a private dinner for Lynn with a promise of ʻromance and fine dining.ʻ It also could qualify as one of the hottest as it blew the top off of the sexy meter as they ended their meal. For me, the part that made it a love scene was even after Steve and Lynn’s dinner was unceremoniously interrupted they shared a private moment and Lynn’s sole request was for him to make one vow to her. ʻJust promise me you’ll be okay.ʻ Not many women could maintain that level of trust, caring and maturity under similar situations especially with the full knowledge of his romantic history. Steve definitely deserves someone like that in his life.”

While some love to see Steve with Lynn, many seem to still have their heart set on a McG and Rollins reunion. As Catherine is supposed to return this season in episode 20, “McRoll” fans are crossing their fingers that Cath’s appearance will signify a more permanent stay. Teresea Brown wrote via Facebook about “any” Steve and Catherine scene, “None have compared with [their] onscreen chemistry.”

Several fans wrote about how any scene between Steve and Catherine showed their strong connection. Christine Gilderoy, of Durham, UK, wrote via Facebook, “The chemistry between Steve and Catherine is tangible, they are so good together. I find it impossible to choose a favourite love scene as I love them all. They are so believable and very well acted. Personally, I think Steve and Catherine’s relationship is the greatest love story ever.”

Two fans mentioned the same scene from the season three Christmas episode, “Kahu” (“Guardian”). Kayla Sherrill, of Concord, NC, and Brigitte Bloemen of Germany, both commented via Facebook about the scenes between Steve and Catherine in the episode. Sherrill wrote, “I just really love how in the beginning he promised to take her out before her leave was over, but they ended up eating out of boxes in his truck. In the end, Steve comes up to her while she is at the shrimp truck with everyone and he is all dressed up and ready to take her out to a real dinner. I just think this episode really shows how much he cares about how she feels, and that means everything to me.” Bloemen also wrote about a similar feeling. “I loved the teasing and humour between Cath and Steve. It [had the] humour, exchanging looks, laughter, smiles, beautiful gestures, and a lot of love in that episode.”

One of the most popular favorite love scene starring McG and Rollins was the first time we ever met Catherine, in the fifth episode of season one, “Nalowale” (“Forgotten/Missing”). Adrienne Marzano of Long Island, New York, also wrote via Facebook, “Easily [the best scene is] where Steve and Cath are nose to nose in bed saying good morning and how they missed dinner the night before. As they start kissing Cath says she’s vibrating and the pleased expression on Steve’s face is priceless. Of course, it’s his phone which is on vibrate. Seems like they’re always getting interrupted by his phone. Love it because it’s hot and you see the crazy sexy chemistry between them.”

Susan Morrell also agreed in her Facebook post about “any scene between Steve and Cath” working for her. “A favorite is the last scene from ‘Na Ki’i’ (‘The Dolls’). Earlier, Cath told Steve she’d kept a secret from him on Doris’ request and he, in disappointment, asked her to leave. They continued to work the case together, then the last scene is Steve joining Cath on the shore where she apologizes to him and, without saying a word, he kisses her and hugs her. The mature, deep level of their love for each other was so moving and one of my favorite love scenes ever.”

While many loved seeing Catherine and Steve together, other fans mentioned a sweet love scene between Chin and Malia (Reiko Aylesworth). Linda Stein of Philadelphia wrote via email about a love scene from season two “Kiʻilua” (“Deceiver”) when Chin proposes to Malia. Stein wrote about how she loved watching “two people deeply in love who made it through terrible circumstances. They found each other again and realized they’d never stopped loving each other. The scene in ʻKiʻiluaʻ was like a scene out of a fairy tale. A picnic in a beautiful location, Chin feeding Malia a bite of the lunch he’d prepared, then using the ruse that she had something on her face to reach up and around her neck to remove the engagement ring he’d given her all those years ago. The look on Malia’s face and her gasp of surprise as Chin slipped the ring on her finger where it ʻshould have been a long time agoʻ was so beautiful. It’s one of the most romantic scenes I’ve ever seen.”

As I was surprised that there was little mention of Chin and Malia, or Kono and Adam for the most part, I was a little shocked that there was only a couple of Steve and Danny scenes. While their love is more brotherly love, it is still one worth mentioning. Denise Williams of Los Angeles had two favorite scenes featuring our favorite duo. “In ʻI ka wā mamuaʻ (ʻIn a Time Pastʻ) Danny is stuck due to the motion sensor on the bomb. Steve refuses to leave Danny when it seems like the bomb is about to explode. Once it all ends well, they share an emotional hug. And the second [scene] is what I like to call the bromance episode of season four, ʻKū I Ka Pili Kokoʻ (ʻBlood Brothersʻ). Steve and Danny are trapped in the rubble after a building explodes. Prior to the rescue, Danny says he hates Steve and of course the response is ʻl love you too, pal.ʻ Once they are above ground, Danny tries to express his true feelings without saying those three little words, but Steve is not having it. They share a hug and Danny says ʻI love you,ʻ” wrote Williams via email.

Other fans shared their deep appreciation for scenes with Aunt Deb, played by Carol Burnett. A few expressed how one of the many reasons why they loved Burnett’s portrayal of Steve and Mary Ann’s beloved Aunt, was the fact that she so easily showed genuine love for her niece and nephew. Tami McKell of Billings, Montana, wrote via Facebook about how much she loved watching Aunt Deb, who even though she had terminal cancer, she came back to Hawaiʻi in order to get married to her new love, Leonard (Frankie Valli) in ‘Ka Hana Malū’ (‘Inside Job’). “She put her career and life on hold to raise Mary. Now in her dying days, she found love and gets married. I loved this episode. It was romantic– and she sang.”  

Belle Anderson also wrote about how “Aunt Deb and Leonard’s exchange of vows [was] one of the most touching expressions of love between two people that we have seen on the show.”

Overall, Staten Island fan, Karen Dritto, probably wrapped up all of our favorite love scenes the best. She wrote via email, “Over eight seasons these are some of the many true expressions of love shared by the team. Love is Renee being there and comforting Lou when he realizes his best friend just murdered his wife. Love is Renee on the run with Lou and the kids. Love is Chin proposing to Malia. Love is Chin calling Adam to save Kono because he couldn’t be in two places at once. Love is Kono and Adam taking a bath together. Love is Kono and Adam being on the run together to escape the Yakuza. Love is Danny helping his ex-wife give birth to another man’s (before we knew the truth) child. Love is Max being so shy and sweet and pursuing Sabrina and finally catching and marrying her. Love is Aunt Deb marrying Leonard knowing they both don’t have much time left. Love is Lynn hugging Steve and asking him to promise her he’ll be okay. Love is Danny unhesitatingly giving Steve a piece of his liver. Love is Steve unhesitatingly saving Danny’s life after he was shot. Love is Kamekona helping Steve when he was on the run. Love is the team being there for each other– ʻohana.

Wendie Burbridge is a published author, playwright, and teacher. Reach her via Facebook and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.