When Australian actor Alex O'Loughlin packed his bags for Oahu to film the television reboot Hawaii Five-0, he didn't expect the Pacific archipelago to completely redefine his personal life. Best known for portraying Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett, O'Loughlin faced the classic uncertainty of network television: short-lived series and demanding production schedules. Yet, relocating to the islands brought him far more than a long-running hit show. It led him straight to his future wife, professional surfer and model Malia Jones.
Understanding how their paths crossed requires looking at the unique culture of Oahu and the lifestyle that brought two high-profile figures together away from the relentless glare of Hollywood. Their relationship evolved organically from shared passions into a permanent island family, proving that sometimes stepping away from the mainland is the only way to find stability.
Relocating to Oahu and Joining Hawaii Five-0
Before landing his iconic role in 2010, O'Loughlin experienced the transient nature of American network television. He starred in short-run projects like CBS's Moonlight and the medical drama Three Rivers, both of which wrapped after a single season. When producers approached him about headlining the Hawaii Five-0 reboot, he felt genuine hesitation. He questioned whether uprooting his life for an unproven island-based procedural was the right career gamble.
Friends and colleagues urged him to take the leap. Once he arrived in Waikiki, the initial culture shock quickly gave way to a deep, permanent appreciation for Polynesian culture and the laid-back rhythm of island life. O'Loughlin immersed himself in the local community, eventually receiving a traditional Hawaiian name and raising his children within the island's unique ecosystem. Instead of treating Hawaii as a temporary workplace, he planted deep roots, building a home complete with tin roofs and wraparound verandas that reminded him of his Australian upbringing.
Meeting Malia Jones: Surfing, Community, and Romance
The fateful meeting with Malia Jones happened shortly after O'Loughlin settled into his new life in Hawaii. Jones was already a celebrated figure in the local and international sports communities. Born and raised in Hawaii, she gained worldwide fame as a champion professional surfer before transitioning into a successful international modeling career, working with major brands and appearing in high-profile campaigns.
Their introduction wasn't orchestrated by publicists or arranged at a Los Angeles industry party. Instead, their lives intersected naturally through the tight-knit coastal community in Honolulu. Surfing played a massive role in bridging their worlds. O'Loughlin picked up surfing shortly after moving to Oahu—a pursuit he joked might have finally won over the champion surfer. Shared days on the water and mutual friends within the island's surf culture allowed them to build a genuine friendship before romance blossomed in August 2011.
Building a Blended Family in Hawaii
By the time O'Loughlin and Jones connected, both had established independent lives and brought children into the relationship. O'Loughlin was already a father to his eldest son, Saxon, born in 1997. Jones was mother to her son, Spike, from a previous marriage.
Their blended family grew closer as they navigated life together on Oahu. In October 2012, the couple welcomed their first child together, a son named Lion. Living away from the intense media scrutiny of Los Angeles allowed them to raise their boys in a grounded environment where outdoor activities, ocean sports, and privacy took precedence over red carpet events.
A Quiet Hawaiian Wedding
After three years of dating, O'Loughlin and Jones decided to formalize their partnership. On April 18, 2014, the couple exchanged vows during an intimate, private ceremony in Hawaii, surrounded by close family and their children.
For O'Loughlin, who had previously been vocal about his apprehension toward marriage, the wedding marked a major personal milestone—it was his first marriage. For Jones, it was her third. The private ceremony reflected their shared values: a preference for quiet authenticity over public spectacle.
Life After Hawaii Five-0: Prioritizing Family
When Hawaii Five-0 concluded its ten-season run in 2020, O'Loughlin stepped back from relentless network television schedules. Years of performing his own stunts had taken a physical toll, and he frequently joked about his frequent visits to real-world hospitals due to character injuries.
Today, the family continues to reside full-time in Hawaii. O'Loughlin focuses heavily on fatherhood, creative writing, and supporting charitable causes like Donate Life America, while Jones balances her entrepreneurial ventures—including her timeless swimwear line—with raising their three boys. Their journey from mainland uncertainty to an entrenched island life highlights how a major career move can unexpectedly lead to lifelong love.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Alex O'Loughlin and Malia Jones start dating?
The couple began dating in August 2011 after meeting in Hawaii through mutual connections in the local surfing and coastal community.
How many children do Alex O'Loughlin and Malia Jones have?
They share a blended family with three boys: Saxon (O'Loughlin's son from a previous relationship), Spike (Jones's son from a previous marriage), and Lion, the son they welcomed together in October 2012.
Was Alex O'Loughlin married before?
No, his 2014 marriage to Malia Jones was his first marriage.
What is Malia Jones's background?
Malia Jones is a former professional surfer and international model who later transitioned into entrepreneurship, launching her own line of classic swimwear and working in fashion design. You can learn more about her athletic career via the World Surf League.
