Chief of War: Everything you should know before streaming

Chief of War is a sweeping nine‑episode historical drama co-created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, premiering exclusively on Apple TV+ on August 1, 2025. Told primarily in Hawaiian, the series charts the tumultuous unification of the Hawaiian Islands in the late 1700s, blending mythic intensity with political intrigue to foreground an indigenous perspective like never before.

Plot Overview & Historic Context

Set at the turn of the 19th century, Chief of War follows Kaʻiana, a noble-born Hawaiian warrior who travels abroad and returns as one of the most famous Hawaiians of his time. Kaʻiana initially allies with King Kahekili of Maui, joining a violent campaign against rival kingdoms, but ultimately rebels against the unification led by Kamehameha I. As European colonizers arrive with muskets and new allegiances form, the story explores themes of loyalty, prophecy, betrayal, and resistance through a deeply personal lens.

The series opens dramatically with Kaʻiana wrestling a shark, setting the tone for a visceral narrative that interweaves Hawaiian cultural depth with epic war scenes and mythic symbolism.

Cast & Creative Crew

• Jason Momoa stars as Kaʻiana, while also co-creating, co-writing, executive producing, and directing the season finale.
• Supporting cast features Luciane Buchanan (Kaʻahumanu), Temuera Morrison (Chief Kahekili), Kaina Makua (Kamehameha I), along with Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Moses Goods, Siua Ikaleʻo, Brandon Finn, and Te Kohe Tuhaka.
• Cliff Curtis appears in a recurring role, with representation spanning across Polynesian heritage.

Behind the camera, Hans Zimmer co-composed the cinematic score, and episodes were directed by Justin Chon, Anders Engström, Brian Andrew Mendoza, and Momoa himself.

The production prioritized authenticity: cultural advisors oversaw every department, the cast learned ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, and war vessels (waʻa) were built using traditional techniques. Most filming took place in New Zealand (not Hawaii), notably the Bay of Islands standing in for Hawaiian landscapes, with major battle sequences shot on lava fields in Kalapana. These choices reflect a deep cultural alignment between story and place.

Episode Count, Release Schedule & How to Stream

The limited series consists of nine episodes. It launches August 1, 2025 with the first two episodes, followed by weekly releases every Friday through September 19. Chief of War streams exclusively on Apple TV+. International viewers may need a VPN in regions where Apple TV+ content is restricted. Subscription pricing around $9.99/month with a free trial is standard

Filming Locations & Visual Spectacle

While only a portion was filmed in Hawaii, Chief of War stands out for its cinematic visuals. New Zealand’s Bay of Islands served as a lush stand-in for 18th-century Hawaiʻi, and the Kalapana lava fields provided dramatic landscapes for epic battle scenes. The setting becomes almost a character, grounding the story in raw natural power and cultural resonance.

Reception & Cultural Significance

Critics laud the series as a significant step forward in indigenous representation. Praised for its immersive realism and emotional weight, Chief of War is being compared to high-end historical dramas like Game of Thrones for its storytelling ambition and stylized violence (Financial Times).

While its cultural authenticity and epic scope are strengths, some reviews note pacing issues, script-heavy exposition, and thinly drawn supporting roles. Momoa’s performance is praised for physical charisma and cultural passion, though some critics feel the emotional range is limited (The Guardian).

Still, the series is widely regarded as a milestone in bringing Hawaiian history and language to a global streaming platform, serving as both entertainment and a corrective act to overlooked history.

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Chief of War offers more than epic battles, it’s a narrative reclamation, told from the viewpoint of those who lived it. It blends historical drama, cultural integrity, and linguistic preservation into a cinematic package that educates while entertaining. For Jason Momoa, this series is deeply personal, returning him to his roots and childhood home while spotlighting ancestral stories through a modern lens.

In an era of global storytelling, Chief of War stands out not merely for its visuals or action, but for its authenticity, ambition, and heartfelt commitment to giving voice to Hawaiian history and indigenous agency.

Watch Official Trailer Here

Before the Kingdom, there was war.#ChiefOfWar — August 1 pic.twitter.com/MAr86TDZBW

— Apple TV (@AppleTV) July 10, 2025