Jason Momoa, star of the series Chief of War, recently disclosed that the majority of the show’s dialogue is spoken in Hawaiian, with English introduced gradually in later episodes. After the series launched on Apple TV+ on August 1, 2025, Momoa explained that both he and co-creator Thomas Paʻa Sibbett prioritized the use of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi to maintain cultural and historical integrity, a decision fully supported by Apple’s production team.
Momoa on the Importance of Language Authenticity
During an interview with The Globe and Mail, Momoa emphasized the deal-breaking significance of using Hawaiian over English in the series.
Brother, that was the deal-breaker for us. We wouldn’t have been able to go home if we did this in English. Like, we can’t.
—Jason Momoa, Chief of War star
The creator Thomas Paʻa Sibbett also underscored the critical role language plays in authenticity, telling The Wrap,
If you remove the language, you remove the reality.
He further highlighted the commitment of both the studio and creators to lead the production with cultural accuracy, noting the
dedication being put in by the studio and creators
to prioritize culture and authenticity.
Gradual Inclusion of English Reflects Historical Context
Momoa noted that while most characters begin speaking in Hawaiian, some will transition to English as the story progresses. He explained,
Some characters would learn English, like Ka’iana, as any chief of war would. You have to know the enemy’s language,
reflecting the historical necessity for Hawaiian chiefs to understand English for diplomatic and military matters.
Subtitles are automatically enabled during Hawaiian-language scenes, while English dialogue is not subtitled by default. However, viewers have the option to activate subtitles for English if preferred. Apple indicated that they are confident audiences are more accustomed to navigating subtitles in streaming content today.
The Cultural Significance of Using Native Language in Storytelling
In a conversation with TIME, Thomas Paʻa Sibbett expressed that hearing the native language is essential to grasping the mindset and culture of the people portrayed in the series. He stated,
To hear and to know someone’s language is to know the people and the way they think. It was integral.
Momoa admitted to the challenges of learning Hawaiian for the role, candidly sharing,
I was probably the worst. But I worked really hard.
Series Release and Future Episodes
The first two episodes of Chief of War debuted on Apple TV+ on August 1, 2025, with new episodes scheduled for weekly release through September 19. The decision to prioritize the Hawaiian language throughout the series marks a significant step in preserving indigenous culture and presenting a vivid, authentic portrayal of Hawaii’s history and leadership during times of conflict.
