Hey, everyone! How are things going? Today, I’m diving into a review of the series Chief of War, which is making its debut on Apple TV+. Jason Momoa brings us this intimate historical epic about the unification of Hawaii!
Launching on Apple TV+ on August 1, 2025, Chief of War is a nine-part historical drama miniseries conceived by Thomas Paʻa Sibbett and Jason Momoa. The series kicks off with its initial two episodes on August 1, followed by weekly releases every Friday until September 19. Each episode spans around 50-60 minutes, vividly depicting the grand tale of Hawaiian unification with remarkable production quality.
Rooted in true events, Chief of War presents an epic and unique narrative of Hawaii’s unification and colonization from the perspective of its native people. Set amid Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes, the series follows the warrior Ka’iana in his quest to unite the islands before they fall to Western colonization in the late 18th century. This story blends grand historical drama with personal cultural tales, marking a deeply personal endeavor for Momoa, who shares his Native Hawaiian roots with co-creator Thomas Pa’a Sibbett.
Uniting the Islands Amidst Colonial Peril
With Hawaii’s four kingdoms torn apart by conflict, the determined warrior Kaʻiana sets out on a monumental mission to bring his people together as a looming threat emerges. The narrative begins at the close of the 18th century, centered on a Hawaiian war chief who embarks on a violent campaign to unify the fragmented islands to protect them from the looming threat of colonization.
The storyline delves into the intricate political and cultural intricacies of pre-colonial Hawaii, illustrating how native leaders maneuvered through internal disputes while acknowledging the increasing peril posed by Western expansion. The series portrays unification not as a conquest but as a desperate effort to safeguard Hawaiian sovereignty and culture.
Ka’iana: The Warrior’s Challenge
Jason Momoa takes on the role of Ka’iana, delivering what seems to be an intensely personal performance as the Hawaiian warrior charged with unifying the islands. Momoa also participates as co-creator, writer, and executive producer, making this a passion project that draws from his Native Hawaiian lineage.
The role permits Momoa to exhibit both his imposing physicality and dramatic depth, portraying a leader who must reconcile the harsh demands of warfare with the cultural duty of safeguarding his people’s heritage against colonial threats.
King Kamehameha I: The Master Unifier
Siua Ikale’o plays King Kamehameha I, the legendary Hawaiian monarch who historically unified the Hawaiian Islands. His portrayal captures the strategic intelligence and warrior ethos that established Kamehameha as one of history’s most effective indigenous leaders during a time of severe colonial pressure.
The character embodies the intricate challenge of upholding traditional Hawaiian values while adapting to new military technologies and political realities introduced by Western contact.
Queen Kaahumanu: The Force Behind the Throne
Luciane Buchanan portrays Kaahumanu, the formidable queen who played a vital role in Hawaiian politics during this transformative era. Her portrayal highlights how Hawaiian women held significant political sway and maneuvered through the shifting dynamics of their society.
Kaahumanu’s character delves into themes of female leadership and cultural preservation, illustrating how Hawaiian nobility had to balance tradition with the practical demands of shielding their people from colonization.
The Cost of Unity
The series builds towards the dramatic unification of the Hawaiian Islands, depicting both the military campaigns and political negotiations necessary to unite the battling kingdoms. The climactic episodes unveil the personal and cultural sacrifices required for this unification, as leaders must forgo aspects of their traditional lifestyles to create a unified defense against colonial threats.
The concluding episodes ponder whether unity achieved through conflict can truly preserve the cultural values it sought to protect, and how indigenous leaders must evolve to endure in a rapidly transforming world.
A Polynesian Cast
The series showcases a primarily Polynesian cast, including Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis in a recurring role, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, Te Kohe Tuhaka, and Benjamin Hoetjes. This genuine casting decision ensures cultural accuracy and provides platforms for Polynesian actors to narrate their own stories.
Each supporting role represents different facets of Hawaiian society during this crucial time, from warriors and advisors to commoners caught in the political turmoil.
Achieving Success on Apple TV+
Chief of War marks a pivotal moment for indigenous storytelling on streaming platforms, providing an unparalleled depiction of Hawaiian unification from a native perspective. Positioned as one of Apple TV+’s major releases for 2025, the series is uplifted by authentic Hawaiian music and breathtaking island cinematography. Its dedication to cultural authenticity and predominantly Polynesian casting has sparked considerable excitement among both Hawaiian communities and mainstream audiences seeking diverse historical narratives.
For fans of epic historical dramas featuring authentic indigenous viewpoints, stunning visuals, and compelling performances centered around cultural survival, Chief of War is the ideal series to immerse yourself in on Apple TV+.
A groundbreaking historical epic that narrates the tale of Hawaiian unification from a native perspective, merging spectacular action with profound cultural authenticity and showcasing Jason Momoa’s most personal performance to date.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 9 episodes (limited series)
Platform: Apple TV+
Rating (IMDb): TBD (premieres August 1, 2025)
Genre: Historical Drama, Epic, War, Cultural Drama
Main Characters: Jason Momoa (Ka’iana), Luciane Buchanan (Kaahumanu), Siua Ikale’o (King Kamehameha I), Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Kaina Makua
Antagonist: The threat of Western colonization and the internal divisions among Hawaiian kingdoms that render them susceptible to foreign takeover