Outside of the contiguous United States lie territories and states whose stories are yet to be told on a grand scale. Revealed through an indigenous lens, Chief of War is an epic series that chronicles the difficulty of uniting the Hawaiian islands. Taking place in the late 18th Century, the surface beauty of the Polynesian paradise belies the violence that lay beneath. The thirst for power is spurred on by prophecy in a polytheistic culture led by gods and chiefs. Removing the veil on the history of America’s 50th state, the series educates and empowers through the islands’ native language, customs, and intricate details found in both traditional garments and cultural relics.
Series creators Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett and Jason Momoa deliver a powerful series that, although fictional, goes into great detail about Hawaii’s history and culture. Fictional in the sense you could argue it’s Game of Thrones in the tropics (the battles are pretty gruesome), the series is based on real people and events that shaped what we now know as the popular vacation destination.
The nine-episode series follows the warrior Ka‘iana (Jason Momoa) after he defects from the Kingdom of Maui. With his family by his side, he attempts to carve out a new future that would better suit their interests, as opposed to the reckless destruction under the rule of King Kahekili (Temeura Morrison). But every choice comes with a risk, and Ka’iana learns that certain consequences can’t be avoided.
The phenomenal series doesn’t just entertain, it also educates. Produced in Ōlelo Hawaiʻi with English subtitles, every ounce of this show oozes authenticity. Language advisors and cultural consultants were involved in every step of its creation, and it shows. This visually stunning historical epic was filmed in both Hawaii and New Zealand, boasting the most enchanting views imaginable. To top that, Chief of War can make a case for the best theme song in television. Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer wrote the theme and co-produced the score for all nine episodes with composer James Everingham. The theme perfectly sets the tone for each episode with its grand composition.
When Ka‘iana flees the Kingdom of Maui, he leaves with his two brothers, Namake (Te Kohe Tuhaka) and Nahi’ (Siua Ikale’o), his wife, Kupuohi (Te Ao o Hinepehinga), and her younger sister, Heke (Mainei Kinimaka). Through all of their respective difficulties, one thing that doesn’t waiver is their dedication to Ka‘iana. With the islands warring amongst themselves, they’re caught off guard when a ship happens upon their territory. Fueled by power and greed disguised as “trade”, white men (referred to as “pale skin”) discovering the islands would pose an immediate threat to its people.
The show is a guaranteed awards season contender. Jason Momoa gives a powerful portrayal of the warrior Ka‘iana, while Siua Ikale’o is noteworthy as his loyal brother. I loved the relationship between Ka’iana and Tony (James Udom), and James Brumbly gave a spot-on performance as the greedy, selfish opportunist. The rest of the cast is equally impressive, with Luciane Buchanan’s remarkable performance as Ka’ahumanu and amazing leadership from Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, and Kaina Makua.
A few things you should know before starting this series. First is a familiarity for the five islands: Hawaiʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, and Lānaʻi. Gears shift unexpectedly between the isles, but Momoa and co. plaster the name of each one in huge font onscreen every time there’s a pivot. Then there’s the violence. Don’t let the first pair of episodes fool you, what awaits you the rest of the season can get downright barbaric. Someone might get stabbed in the face, a chief might prove his might by punching out his own teeth, and there’s an uncomfortable scene with a warrior’s eye toward the end of the season that I was ill-prepared for. If you’re a person of faith, there are a laundry list of idols, equipped with chants and sacrifices. And lastly, make sure you’re awake and aware, because you’ll be reading captions for the majority of each episode.
Chief of War gets a 9.5 out of 10. Apple TV+ strikes again with another hit program. The passion project from Momoa and Sibbett is unique, original, and hits every note on the head. The costume designs and tropical backdrops are as breathtaking as the score and the passion displayed in every scene.
Chief of War premieres globally on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, August 1, 2025, followed by new episodes every Friday through September 19.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of Apple TV+
Genre: Drama/History
Rating: Unrated (As of now, but should be TV-MA for brutal violence and sexual themes)
Runtime: Nine Episodes | 45 mins.
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: August 1, 2025