Jason Momoa Chief of War marks a groundbreaking television event as the first series performed entirely in native Hawaiian, premiering on Apple TV+. The nine-episode drama launched in 2024, chronicles the life of Ka’iana, a warrior and nobleman in 18th century Hawaii, amid fierce battles for control and unification of the islands.
An Immersive Journey into Hawaiian History and Conflict
Co-created and executive produced by Jason Momoa alongside Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, the series is a passionate project for the Hawaiian-born actor. Momoa stars as Ka’iana, a figure drawn from historical accounts who embodies the turmoil and valor of this era. The story begins with Ka’iana in self-imposed exile on the island of Kaua’i, engaging in the peaceful practice of shark hunting alongside his wife Ka’ahumanu and his brothers, Nāmake and Nahi’. Despite the serenity of this life, Ka’iana is soon called back to Maui by King Kahekili, reigniting old conflicts that threaten the fragile balance among the islands.
The drama vividly portrays the tension between four Hawaiian kingdoms—Maui, Kaua’i, O’ahu, and Hawai’i—during a period teeming with warfare and prophecy. Filmed across striking locations in Hawaii and New Zealand, the production showcases vast ridges, lush forests, and sandy shores, all bathed in natural sunlight that enhances the authenticity of this era. Intricate ceremonial tattoos and moody close-ups further deepen the cultural immersion.
The Story Unfolds: Ka’iana’s Return and the Looming War
Ka’iana’s quiet life is disrupted by urgent news from the war chief’s son, King Kahekili, who faces rising unrest across the islands. After proving his combat prowess in a brutal, spear-studded duel that resonates with the primal violence of his time, Ka’iana listens to Kahekili’s warning about impending conflict.
“The omens are clear. The Prophecy does not foretell the rise of a king. It predicts the birth of a moment. And that moment is now.”
—King Kahekili
This prophecy hints at a monumental change that could unite the fractured kingdoms. Although Ka’iana harbors doubts about Kahekili’s true intentions, he remains tied to his family legacy, his loyal companions, and the welfare of Maui’s people. His path soon intertwines with a mystical encounter with a medicine woman, who communicates cryptic messages through visions.
“Taula told me to take my father’s hand,”
Ka’iana confides to his wife,
“I don’t know what that could mean.”
—Ka’iana and Ka’ahumanu
A Rich Cultural Tapestry Anchored by Language and Myth
Distinctively, Chief of War commits fully to the Hawaiian language, delivering a rare and respectful portrayal free from anglicized accents or diluted dialogue. This linguistic choice reinforces the sense of place and cultural authenticity, surrounding viewers with a world where omens, ancestral wisdom, and celestial guidance are vital to understanding the balance of power.
The series also explores how European arrival, although occurring later than the period depicted here, set the stage for ongoing cultural and political changes. Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Ka’iana melds toughness and introspection, offering more than mere physical dominance; his character wrestles with identity and destiny amid relentless strife.
Dynamic Cast and Intense Character Interactions
Accompanying Momoa are a notable ensemble including Luciane Buchanan as Ka’ahumanu, Temuera Morrison portraying King Kahekili, and upcoming appearances from Cliff Curtis, slated to play Keōua, a noble with his own ambitions for power. The cast brings depth and complexity to the interconnected stories of loyalty, rivalry, and survival.
“When you left Maui’s army, I vowed to feed your heart to the pigs.”
—Unidentified warrior challenging Ka’iana
These charged exchanges underscore the intensity of allegiances and grudges that permeate the narrative. Meanwhile, the series intersperses moments of tenderness, such as when Ka’ahumanu reassures Ka’iana with quiet determination.
“We will face what’s ahead together.”
—Ka’ahumanu
Visual and Emotional Storytelling with a Stark and Poised Tone
Apple TV+ delivers on cinematic scope with Chief of War, blending expansive battle scenes with intimate drama. The violence is potent but measured, portraying warfare as brutal yet purposeful. Battle choreography features spear duels, shark hunting, and traditional weaponry, including Ka’iana’s shark tooth war club and Ka’ahumanu’s sling, evoking the raw struggle for dominance.
Despite the harshness, the series balances intensity with human connection, clearly showing Ka’iana’s vulnerability beneath his fierce exterior. He openly denies being a chief early on, revealing an internal conflict that enriches his character and hints at potential growth. This duality invites viewers to invest emotionally in his uncertain future within this fractured society.
Context Within Today’s Television Landscape
Chief of War draws thematic parallels to other epic dramas about conquest and cultural collision, echoing series like Shogun, which also depict complex historical periods marked by war and transformation. Jason Momoa’s recent Apple TV+ role in See showcased his talent in action-heavy, character-driven narratives, making this new venture a natural extension of his career.
Luciane Buchanan’s involvement bridges projects, as she currently stars in The Night Agent, demonstrating the rising prominence of this cast in streaming content.
Why Chief of War Matters and What to Expect Next
This series stands out not only for its dedication to indigenous language and historical authenticity but also for its exploration of leadership, prophecy, and the cost of power. By focusing on Ka’iana—a warrior caught between personal desire and collective destiny—the show raises questions about identity, legacy, and the possibility of peace in a world built on conquest.
The arrival of Cliff Curtis as Keōua promises to complicate existing power dynamics and deepen the intrigue surrounding the fate of the islands. Fans can anticipate a tense unfolding of alliances and betrayals, with high stakes for all characters involved.
With all these elements combined, Chief of War invites viewers into a visually stunning, emotionally charged saga that sheds light on a pivotal chapter in Hawaiian history, one that resonates with timeless themes of prophecy, loyalty, and the enduring human spirit.
Viewers seeking intense drama grounded in rich cultural storytelling will find Jason Momoa’s Chief of War a compelling and urgent series to watch on Apple TV+.
