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One West Waikiki Theme Song Details
Official Theme Video
Behind the Theme: Meaning & Story
The One West Waikiki Theme Song introduced audiences to a unique blend of forensic science and police procedural set against the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii. Premiering on CBS on August 4, 1994, the show was created by the legendary Glen A. Larson, the creative mind behind other hits like Magnum, P.I. and Knight Rider.
The series starred Cheryl Ladd as Dr. Dawn “Holli” Holliday, a medical examiner, and Richard Burgi as Mack Wolfe, a detective. The theme music reflected Larson’s penchant for driving, memorable scores that evoke the setting of the show—in this case, the rhythmic and breezy yet mysterious vibes of Waikiki.
While the show had a relatively short run, its production value and Larson’s influence made it a notable entry in 1990s television. The theme serves as a perfect musical shorthand for the high-stakes investigations and the romantic tension between the two lead characters under the Hawaiian sun.