Curious about Taylor Wily’s net worth? You’re not alone. The beloved actor who played Kamekona on “Hawaii Five-0” left behind more than just memorable performances when he passed in 2024.
This article breaks down exactly how much money Taylor Wily made during his unique career. From sumo rings to Hollywood sets, we’ll trace his financial journey.
We’ve gathered the most accurate information about his wealth, career earnings, and the legacy he left for his family. Let’s dive into the numbers behind the man fans knew as the friendly shrimp truck owner.
How Much Was Taylor Wily Worth?
Taylor Wily’s net worth was estimated at $5 million at the time of his passing in June 2024. This figure comes from various sources that tracked his career earnings and assets over the years.
The “Hawaii Five-0” star built his wealth through multiple career paths. From sumo wrestling to UFC fighting to acting, Wily created several income streams throughout his life.
His most steady paycheck came from his role as Kamekona on “Hawaii Five-0,” where he appeared in about 170 episodes. This long-running part on a major network show formed the backbone of his financial success.
Earlier estimates of Taylor Wily’s net worth ranged from $500,000 to $1 million. These figures, from before his TV career peaked, show how his wealth grew over time.
Money from acting jobs, possible endorsements, and business ventures all added up to create his final net worth. His financial legacy now rests with his family following his death at age 56.
Early Life
Born on June 14, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Taylor Tuli Wily grew up in a culture rich with tradition. His American Samoan heritage would later influence many of his career choices.
Young Taylor attended Farrington High School after transferring from Kahuku High School. During these years, he played football and picked up the nickname “Big T” that would stick with him for life.
His size stood out even then – he weighed around 396 pounds (180 kg) in high school. This impressive stature would later become his calling card in both sports and entertainment.
Not much is known about his family’s financial situation during childhood. However, his path to wealth began with using his natural physical gifts to pursue unconventional careers.
These early years in Hawaii shaped the work ethic that would eventually lead him to financial success. His island roots remained important to him throughout his rise to fame.
From Sumo to UFC: Wily’s Sports Career Earnings
Taylor Wily’s first major earning opportunity came through sumo wrestling in Japan. In March 1987, former sekiwake Takamiyama Daigor recruited him to join the Azumazeki stable.
Wrestling under the name Takamishi Daikichi, Wily quickly made a name for himself. In a 2016 interview, he joked about his first match: “I won a case of Spam and some rice, and that was it, I was into sumo.”
His sumo career included impressive achievements that likely came with financial rewards. He remained undefeated in his first 14 official bouts and won two consecutive tournament championships.
At 6’2″ and nearly 440 pounds (200 kg), Wily became one of the largest wrestlers in sumo. He also made history as the first foreign-born wrestler to win a championship in the makushita division.
Knee problems forced him to retire from sumo in July 1989, but his combat sports journey wasn’t over. In November 1993, competing as Teila Tuli, he fought in the very first UFC match, adding another paycheck to his growing resume.
“Hawaii Five-0” Salary: Wily’s Biggest Income Source
Taylor Wily’s most significant wealth came from playing Kamekona Tupuola on CBS’s “Hawaii Five-0” reboot. This character appeared in approximately 170 episodes over the show’s run.
Industry insiders suggest that supporting actors on network TV shows can earn between $20,000 and $40,000 per episode. For Wily, this would translate to substantial earnings over multiple seasons.
While the show’s main stars reportedly earned around $115,000 per episode with total net worths reaching $7 million, Wily’s pay scale was likely more modest but still considerable.
His character’s popularity led to appearances on the Magnum P.I. reboot as well. These crossover episodes provided additional income beyond his main role.
The steady work on a successful network show gave Wily financial stability rare in Hollywood. This consistent income formed the foundation of his estimated $5 million net worth.
Other Acting Roles and Income
Beyond “Hawaii Five-0,” Wily appeared in several other projects that contributed to his net worth. His most notable film role came in the popular comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.”
The film role, while smaller than his TV work, helped increase his visibility in Hollywood. Greater recognition often leads to better-paying opportunities for actors.
He also made appearances on the television series “MacGyver,” another project that would have added to his income. These guest spots typically pay well for established actors.
While not as lucrative as his main role, these additional acting jobs helped diversify his income portfolio. Multiple revenue streams are often key to building lasting wealth in entertainment.
These supplementary acting roles helped push Taylor Wily’s net worth toward the $5 million mark by the end of his career. Each job contributed to his overall financial picture.
Business Ventures and Investments
Taylor Wily showed entrepreneurial spirit beyond acting. He became part-owner of a real shrimp truck in Honolulu called “Big T’s,” named after his longtime nickname.
This business venture connected his real life to his on-screen character, who also owned a shrimp truck. The business allowed him to leverage his TV fame into a real-world investment.
Reports indicate that the shrimp truck eventually closed, showing the risks of restaurant ventures. Not all of Wily’s investments may have been successful long-term.
Like many actors, Wily likely invested portions of his earnings in stocks, real estate, or other assets. These investments would have helped grow his wealth beyond just salary income.
Unfortunately, detailed information about his investment portfolio remains private. His family now manages whatever assets and investments made up his $5 million estate.
How Taylor Wily’s Net Worth Compares to Co-Stars
When comparing wealth among “Hawaii Five-0” cast members, Taylor Wily’s $5 million net worth was respectable but not tops. The show’s leads accumulated significantly more wealth during the series.
Main cast members like Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan reportedly earned around $115,000 per episode. Their total net worths climbed to approximately $7 million or higher.
As a supporting cast member, Wily’s per-episode pay was likely lower. However, his consistent presence across nearly 170 episodes meant steady income over many years.
The wealth gap between leads and supporting actors is common in television. Star power and screen time typically determine salary levels in the industry.
Despite not reaching the financial heights of the show’s leads, Wily’s $5 million net worth represents impressive success for a supporting actor. His consistent work paid off in the long run.
Personal Assets and Lifestyle
Taylor Wily lived in Laie, Hawaii, with his wife Halona and their two children, Taga Telo Wily and Asia Wily. Property values in this area can be substantial, suggesting a significant real estate investment.
His wife formerly taught at Kahuku High and Intermediate School and worked as a dancer at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This connection to local culture remained important to the family.
While specific details about his home value and personal assets aren’t publicly documented, his long-term television success likely allowed for a comfortable lifestyle. Island living in Hawaii often comes with premium costs.
Like many successful actors, Wily probably owned vehicles, possibly collectibles, and other personal luxury items. These assets would be counted in his overall net worth calculation.
After his passing in June 2024 in Hurricane, Utah, his estate passed to his family. As of 2025, no major public updates regarding the disposition of his assets have emerged.
What Influenced Taylor Wily’s Wealth Growth?
Several factors helped Taylor Wily build his $5 million net worth. First, his unique background gave him opportunities others might not have had in entertainment.
His distinctive appearance and physical presence made him perfect for certain roles. This “type casting” worked in his favor, landing him a steady, long-running television part.
Timing also played a role in his financial success. The reboot of “Hawaii Five-0” became a hit show with a decade-long run, providing years of steady employment.
The show’s Hawaii filming location allowed Wily to work in his home state. This likely reduced living expenses compared to actors who maintain homes in both Los Angeles and filming locations.
His business venture with the shrimp truck showed entrepreneurial thinking. While not all entertainers leverage their fame into business opportunities, those who do often build greater wealth.
Future Value of Taylor Wily’s Estate
Following Taylor Wily’s passing in 2024, his $5 million estate will likely maintain or increase in value over time. Television shows continue generating income through syndication and streaming deals.
Residual payments from “Hawaii Five-0” reruns will continue flowing to his estate. These payments, while smaller than original salaries, can add up significantly over years.
If Wily made wise investments in real estate or other appreciating assets, these holdings may grow in value. Hawaii property, in particular, tends to appreciate well over time.
His family may also find new ways to honor his legacy that generate income. Celebrity estates sometimes create foundations, merchandise lines, or other ventures that preserve and profit from the star’s image.
Without public details about his estate planning, it’s unclear how his assets are structured for his heirs. However, proper estate planning can help preserve wealth for generations.
Conclusion
Taylor Wily’s journey from sumo wrestler to beloved TV character resulted in a $5 million net worth at the time of his death. His diverse career path shows how talent can find success in unexpected ways.
His most valuable asset was likely his recurring role on “Hawaii Five-0,” which provided steady income for years. This consistency is rare in the often unstable world of acting.
While not as wealthy as some Hollywood stars, Wily built significant wealth through smart career choices. His willingness to embrace his unique qualities led to his most lucrative opportunities.
For fans of Taylor Wily, his legacy goes beyond money. His cultural impact through memorable performances has value that can’t be calculated in dollars.
The financial security he built now benefits his family, perhaps his most important achievement. His $5 million estate represents a life of successful work across multiple fields.
FAQs About Taylor Wily’s Net Worth
What was Taylor Wily’s highest-paying role?
Kamekona Tupuola on “Hawaii Five-0” was almost certainly Taylor Wily’s highest-paying role. With approximately 170 episodes, this character provided his steadiest income stream.
Did Taylor Wily own businesses besides acting?
Yes, Taylor Wily was part-owner of a shrimp truck called “Big T’s” in Honolulu. This business mirrored his on-screen character’s entrepreneurial ventures but reportedly closed after some time.
How did Taylor Wily’s wealth compare to other actors?
At $5 million, Taylor Wily’s net worth was solid but modest by Hollywood standards. Lead actors on “Hawaii Five-0” reportedly earned around $115,000 per episode with net worths of $7 million or more.
What happened to Taylor Wily’s money after his death?
Taylor Wily’s estate likely passed to his wife Halona and their children following established inheritance laws. No public details about specific distributions have been released.
How reliable are the net worth estimates for Taylor Wily?
Net worth estimates vary from $500,000 to $5 million depending on the source and timing. The most recent figure of $5 million comes from memorial videos and posts following his June 2024 passing.
Check out our article on Joel Osteen’s net worth for more information about TV actors’ earnings and investments.
