Memories of Meeting Alex O’Loughlin by H50Fanatic Ellen

The story of meeting Alex started in February 2011.  I was thinking that I wanted to try and meet him. It made sense to me that he might do talk shows after the first season of Hawaii Five-0 wrapped in the spring.

I have a friend who works in the industry.  I started to put together a plan to go to NYC, where I’m from.  I thought if he was there for the Upfronts and did talk shows, I’d have a couple of chances to try and see him and see some old friends at the same time. To plan a trip like this, I needed way more information than I had.  I knew enough to know that I wasn’t connected at all to the inside information.  I started to search the Internet and finally realized that Twitter would be the place to learn what was happening – so I had to “learn twitter”.

I was rewarded almost immediately.  I read a tweet from an artist Kent Williams who wrote; “My friend Alex O’Loughlin has agreed to host my gallery opening in May”.  I started to re-plan my trip to come home from NYC by way of Los Angeles, since the gallery opening was the weekend after the Upfronts.  I still couldn't believe that getting into the gallery could be that easy, so I called for information.  When I spoke to the gallery staff asking if tickets were needed and what the attire usually was for events like this, the woman said “there is a private reception before the opening, would you like me to put your name on the list?”  Incredible!  From that moment on, going to New York began to fall off my radar and I focused on a weekend trip to LA.

I asked a few of my new friends on twitter who also lived in California if they were planning to go. Unfortunately, no one was going.  That made me wonder if I was completely mistaken about this. I’d get to LA and no one would be there.  I worried about this for weeks.  Flying to LA for 24 hours just to try and meet a TV star for a few minutes sounded like a crazy idea to just about everyone I knew. I felt like I just had to try if there was the smallest chance Alex would be there.

The morning I flew out I was so excited. Wearing the clothes that I bought just for the trip (nothing I owned was “LA gallery appropriate” in my mind), a line from the Alex's movie The Back Up Plan was playing in my head... “did you buy that for me?” It made me laugh out loud as I waited for the shuttle. I started texting Deb.  "I'm getting nervous." "This was crazy."  Oh, would my husband laugh if I went all the way to LA and didn’t see Alex?  I’d never live it down.  And what if I DID see Alex and I couldn’t speak?

My friend from LA picked me up at the airport. We had a fun day catching up and trying to keep my mind off the evening to come.  I had gotten up at 4:00 a.m. to get to the airport on time so by mid-afternoon I was starting to lose my adrenaline high.  I went to lie down and Deb sent me a text “how are you doing?”  It was so great to have that support from across the country while I watched the clock and wondered what was going to happen next.  We texted back and forth for a while and I started to calm down. Mostly by telling myself that he probably wouldn’t even be there so what was the point in getting nervous.

We drove to the gallery. My friend wasn’t sure there would be anything there to see.  She said “I’ll just sit in the car and wait for a bit – you go in and see if there is anything happening before I put money in the meter”. I got out of the car and walked to the door and there were security guards there with a list and my name was on it.  I walked inside and the gallery was almost empty.  There were two staff members behind the counter, someone putting out wine and water bottles and a man I guessed was probably Kent Williams, the artist.  I looked over just a few feet away and there was a videographer taking pictures of - - Alex. He was talking about a painting.  He was standing in a room that was almost empty, not ten feet from where I was standing.

That’s when I began to feel like I was watching myself walking in a dream or a movie.  It was very surreal.  I took a quick picture of very poor quality on my phone and tweeted it.  I couldn’t believe it.  We didn’t take pictures with flash while the videographer was working. There were a few other fans there and we just stood there, watched and waited.  As soon as Alex was done, we approached him for pictures and to talk.

After  posing for pictures with us, he said that he had to mingle with the other guests. He didn’t object when we approached him again later to talk.  I brought my dvd case of the Oyster Farmer for him to sign, which he did. He surprised me when he asked me for my name. I guess I assumed he’d just sign his name and give it back to me. Then, and I realize this will sound so fan-girlish, we touched hands when he gave me my sharpie pen back.

  

After about 45 minutes, my friend decided we should go.  The public event was going to start soon and there would be a crowd.  I couldn't believe I had to leave him. It still didn’t seem real. Did I actually just spend almost an hour with Alex O'Loughlin in a room with less than a dozen people in it? Yes, yes I did.

My friend and I left and drove back to her place to upload her pictures.  It was incredible having her there to take photos. I don’t think that I would have been able to do it.  While we were driving I called @terrysagirl (another Twitter friend) and told her not to post the phone pictures that I had tweeted earlier on her Facebook wall. We had much better photos in the camera that we would send as soon as we got home. When we got back to the house we uploaded the pictures. Terry posted them and I made an album for Facebook. 

Since going to LA, there was one question many people had been asking me. "Are you going to Sunset On the Beach?"  Before I went to the gallery I wasn't sure. Would I want to go all the way to Hawaii after flying to LA?  Would I feel like since I met him in LA, I’d “done it” and not need to go to the premiere in Hawaii?  I thought that maybe if LA was a bust and if I didn’t see Alex, I’d want to try again in Hawaii.  I thought that maybe, if I got an autograph I’d feel like I had succeeded and that would be the end of it.

Well, I don’t remember how long it took, but it wasn’t long before I knew - -  I was going to Hawaii in September for the premiere.

H50 Fan Tour Sept. 11, 2011

Today we walked, drove and drooled through all the places our favorite 5-0 team has done filming for season one.  We all met at 9:30am in the lobby of the Park Shore Hotel; Starbucks in hand of course. As we awaited the bus to pick us up, we all had one place on our mind that was on the tour, The Bayer Estate.  McG's house in all it's glory. Unfortunately, we had to wait as it was the last stop of the day.

The bus arrived and we piled on. We were greeted by our favorite travel agent, Bruce Fisher and his lovely wife,Yaling along with our favorite Five-0 team, @LisaLisa98, @KeithSato, @WendieJoy & @H50Undercover. Remember, H50undercover  revealed his identity to us earlier this week; however we do not speak his real name (kinda like Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter). He is lovingly known to us as JBob.  JBob and Wendie led the tour with a colorful and entertaining commentary. Each location we'd pass by or stopped at included some intriguing ghost stories narrated by Wendie. Hawaiian folk lore at its best.

The list of places to see or stop at went something like this:

Ala Moana Park. Our beloved Five-0 cast films here a lot. Whenever you see the Wailoa Shave Ice or Kamekona's shave ice stand, this is where they are.

In addition to seeing the area around the park, we passed the yacht club used for the tsunami episode, Kai E'E,

the Wailana Coffee house (this was used not only in season 1 but recently in season 2 Epi 02).

The Hilton Hawaiian village, and The llikai Hotel. (This was used in the opening credits. McG does that head turn to look into the camera on the top floor of this hotel.)  Then we made our way past the heart of the Five-0 show, the production studios, 605 Kapiolani. It looked like any other bldg in town. The best parts were on the inside. All the sets, the green screen for the internal cargument segments, the computer table, the Five-0 HQ offices et al.

Slowly, we made our way through downtown. Yes, we're off to Five-0 HQ. All the major buildings  you'd see in the show. The post office, Ali'olani Hale, King Kamehameha Statue, and the I'olani Palace. Our driver pulled over on the side street and we all grabbed our cameras and headed out. With our jaws dragging on the ground, we slowly came upon the King Kamehameha statue. We were there. The place our favorite cast has walked so many times before. Of course we all stopped to take individual & groups pictures.

As we drove towards our next destination, we passed by The State Capitol, Washington Place, the Eternal Flame, and the Governor's Mansion.  Our tour had taken us past so many of Hawaii's well known landmarks. Then, we were in the presence of a landmark that all haloe tourists have on their list of places to see; the Aloha Tower. We didn't stop there, just did a drive-by. What a site to see. Since we had several minutes to kill before our next stop, we watched some H50 episode clips to remind us of what episodes we saw these locations in.                                                                                                           

                                                                                                             

                                                                                                  

As we drove down the H1, 2 or 3 (I can't remember which one?) we headed towards the Pali Lookout. We gradually made our way up the mountain. The bus driver found a shady spot to park and we made our way off the bus and up a long path. As we walked up the pathway to the top of the lookout, we could see a peek here and there of our surroundings. All around us were these amazing , lush,green mountains full of crevasses. They alone were so beautiful and majestic to look at. As we approached the overlook, we all just held our breath. At the end of the path was the most amazing view of Hawaii we've ever seen. There in front of us was Waimanalo Valley, the Pali Highway cutting through the valley below, and Hanauma Bay in the distance with its sparkling blue/green waters. Trust us when we say, these pictures do not do this or any other part of Hawaii justice. You've gotta see it for yourself.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

After taking in the view from above the valley, we soon boarded the bus once again and made our way into the valley, passing through Waimanalo, past the Makapu'u Beach and lighthouse, the Halona Blow Hole and Hanauma Bay. Just breathtakingly beautiful.

After driving around for an hour, it was time for lunch.  We stopped at the Koko Marina Shopping Center to eat. With a plethora of places to eat, we didn't know where to go first. Stacey, Deb and I decided to try the Loco Moco. Stacey had the traditional meat one. I had some kind of seafood combo and Deb had the chicken and shrimp. Ellen ate at a new cafe across the way. She had chicken of some kind. Do you really care? Just know everything we ate was delicious! After lunch some of us decided to have some ice cream. Bubbie's mochi ice cream was da bomb! I don't recall what flavor I had but it was so good. @LisaLisa98 insisted I try it and I'm glad she did. I also had a cup of mint chocolate chip. So much tastier than back home in New Jersey. Lunch was over and it was time to get back on the bus. Last stop, the Bayer Estate.

                                                                                                                                          

So we finally arrived at the The Bayer Estate.  As we all filed into the front yard through the gate shown above, a familiar sound filled our ears. You guessed it, The Hawaii Five-0 theme! It was rigged to go off when we came in. The family that now owns the estate, the Mirakitani Family, greeted us as we walked in. Even their dog got greeted us in true Five-0 fashion. In staying with tradition, we were asked to remove our shoes before entering their quaint home.

                      

So how familiar does all of this look to you? Then you can imagine how we all felt walking in the footsteps of McGarrett himself. It was so surreal! Looking at the staircase he walked down in Ke Kinohi, walking out through the doors out to the lanai into the backyard and seeing the famous "chairs" that he and Danny sat in having beers in the Pilot episode. (not exactly the same chairs but close enough) Of course, we all took turns taking pictures in them. LOL   

Oh yeah, and the view was beautiful from here.

After our pictures, we were invited to have refreshments, compliments of the family, on the lanai. Mochi ice cream and assorted beverages for all.

Then, we made our way back into the house. We floated around the dining room, back through the living room and into the kitchen. Just across the hall from the kitchen was McG's bedroom. (which in the H50 episodes it's shown upstairs.) When we walked into the bedroom, there it was...the brass bed McGarrett and Catherine were in together in Nalowale. Once again, many pictures were taken in this room and on this bed.  *wink wink* 

                                                                                                              

After lying in McG's bed and wishing he were there with us, some of us went back upstairs to look around. Again, very familiar rooms. Den, another bedroom and the balcony off the back of the house we see in many aerial shots of the home. 

Unfortunately, the time had come for us to go. Couldn't believe an hour could go by so fast. Some of us found the owners and thanked them for their hospitality and for allowing us to roam around freely taking pictures and drooling.  As we headed for the front door, one of the family members recognized us from the article that Mike Gordon (a.k.a. @CrankyDad) had done in Friday's Star Advertiser. She asked us to sign the article for her. Of course, we obliged. She also asked if we had seen "the bed" where McG had been. 2 of us did and 2 of us didn't. She insisted that we take a picture on the bed together before we left. It as a crowning moment to the day. The H50Fanatics were enjoying our 15 minutes of fame once again. 

We'd like to thank The Mirakitani Family for their hospitality, generosity, and for allowing us to invade their home for one glorious hour. Mahalo and Aloha nui loa to the entire family!

This had concluded our Hawaii Five-0 location tour. For their first attempt at a tour, Bruce, Yaling, Wendie, H50Undercover, Lisa and Keith had all done a wonderful job. It was very informative, interactive, and best of all, they gave a lot of Hawaii Five-0 fans memories to last a lifetime. Mahalo for the effort and Aloha nui loa one and all.

  

Sunset On The Beach - Hawaii Five-0 Season 2 Premiere 9-10-11

 
The sun begins to set on Waikiki and the red carpet has been rolled out. Lights, camera, action! The festivities began with some live music from Hapa. Then we were treated to some awesome fire dancers. Along for the ride was a local DJ tossing some Hawaii Five-0 visors to the crowd. The media lined up along the red carpet setting up their areas for their interviews with the stars. One by one, the crew members arrived and made their way to their seats as we awaited the arrival of the cast. Amongst the media, some of our own Five-0 twitter pals, Wendie Staszkow Burbridge (@WendieJoy), Mike Gordon (@CrankyDad), and Mel (@Melapaloosa).

In the distance, we could hear the fans screaming behind the massive viewing screen. Making their way through the media blitz, the Hawaii Five-0 cast. First cast member down the carpet, Masi Oka (Dr. Max Bergman)  He was so nice to everybody. Signed many autographs and greeted all of the five-0 fans graciously.

Second in line, the five-0 Executive Producers, Peter Lenkov and Roberto Orci. They were both so overwhelmed to see the massive turn out for the show. People as far away as Germany, Hungary and Alex's native Australia were among the crowd. Many of us were locals or from the mainland. We were all there to cheer on our favorite cast and crew and to celebrate season 2.

Little by little the screaming would crescendo. We knew the Five-0 team was here.  Daniel Dae Kim arrived looking handsome as ever. He was also very gracious, stopping for pictures and signing
 autographs for the fans that waited all day in the hot sun for him to arrive.

Following Daniel were the beautiful ladies of Five-0 this season, Grace Park, Lauren German and Daniela Ruah. Daniela was in town to film her cross-over episode from her series NCIS:LA. Grace walked down the carpet so fast, I didn't get one shot of her. Thank goodness one of us did. We hear she looked stunning all dolled up for this exciting occassion.  Daniela and Lauren looked beautiful too. Both wearing white and cream colored dresses and very high heels.  Wearing them proved to be a risky venture when they stepped off the red carpet and onto the beach to greet the fans. Sinking fast into the sand and making their way to the fans behind the barricades calling to them for a picture or an autograph.

The crowds screams were hitting a higher decibel level now. Scott Caan, Terry O'Quinn, Marc Dacascos and the Big Kahuna himself, Alex O'Loughlin finally arrived. As they made their way down the red carpet, screams of Scott, Terry, Mark and ALEX danced upon the night air. Flashes were going off like fireflies dancing in the night. You just didn't know where to turn next.  Each of them came off the red carpet, greeted their adoring fans, stopped to take pictures and signed a lot of autographs. All we could do was watch and take pictures as each handsome man went by us. Scott was kind enough to stop and strike a pose with another one of our twitter peeps, Andy. (@Andyisjiajia) We think Andy had an outer body experience when Scott came up to him, signed his photography book and took this  picture. 

       

 Marc (WoFat) Dacascos was kind enough to stop and take a beautiful picture with me. Thanks to my twitter pal @ltaelor (Letty) for getting such this great shot!

Sneaking his way quietly down to the end of the red carpet with his kids in tow, Taylor Wily (Kamekona) stopped to say hello too.

Then it was finally time to see Alex. As he came off the carpet and greeted his screaming fans, we just stood by and watched his every move amongst the crowd.  Each of us took as many pictures of him as we could. We had to remind ourselves to just breathe. He was so much more handsome in person than we could have ever imagined. His rugged good looks and stunning greenish-blue eyes with those long eyelashes just left us speechless.  He passed me by and walked over to the other barricade area to my right. He continued to sign many autographs, pose for pictures and give hugs when he could. As he tuned back around, he was greeted by my buddies, Ellen, Stacey and Deb. Each of them said hello, gave him a lei or just got an autograph. As many of you know from our initial story, the four of us made a special quilt for Alex. At this point in he night, he finally got to see it hanging on the barricade in front of us. Ellen explained that one side of the quilt was traditional Hawaiian fabric. The other side was a dedication to him from us and a few other fans. Each square represented some movie, tv show or part of his life. He was thrilled and amazed by it. He thanked us and told us to please drop it off to the H50 production offices making sure he'd get it. So on Wednesday afternoon, we did just that. Thanks to our twitter pal @LisaLisa98 for getting it all on video.

Alex seeing the quilt

As Alex made his was back down towards the red carpet. Madaline could barely get up the nerve to say his name loud enough for him to turn towards her. As he did, all she could do was present him with an orchid lei. He lowered his head, she placed the lei around his neck, and he graciously bowed and acknowledge her with a kind thank you. She definetly died and went to heaven. Thank goodness
 our twitter friends Letty and Lisa had her back. Pictures and video were taken of that very moment. 

                                           

After the cast made their way back up the red carpet they found their seats among the crew, family members and friends seated in front of the viewing screen and stage. The mayor of Hawaii got up on stage to declare Sept. 10th Hawaii Five-0 day. The crowd went nuts!  After the President of CBS, Peter Lenkov and Bob Orci said their peace, they began to call up the Five-0 cast members on stage.

Each was presented a beautiful lei and lined up on stage for all of us to cheer. Alex said a few words of thanks to the fans and his fellow cast members. When they were all done they departed he stage. It was finally time for the big premiere. The lights were dimmed and the crowd grew quiet. Opening scene played and season 2 had begun. Then a familiar sound came through the speakers...the Hawaii Five-0 theme song. Everybody cheered with excitement. During the premiere the were many ooo's and aah's going on. Pleasant sighs every time Alex was on screen. Gasps and screams were heard during some scenes too. We won't give anything away as so many of you have not seen this episode yet. Just know this...you're going to love it!

A fun time was had by all on this very long day. Getting up and onto the beach at 3:00 a.m. was worth the lack of sleep. Mahalo to Peter Lenkov, cast and crew on a job well done. Season 2 is going to be a

very exciting time. Many new twists and turns are in store for all of us...and that's just the way we like it.