Chief of War — Jason Momoa’s Epic Series Brings Hawaiian History to the Global Stage

In recent years, television has embraced historical epics with renewed ambition, blending cinematic visuals with intimate storytelling. Few upcoming series, however, carry the cultural weight and personal passion behind Chief of War. Created by and starring Jason Momoa, the Apple TV+ series promises not just sweeping battles and political intrigue, but a long-overdue exploration of Hawaiian history told through an Indigenous lens. Watch Chief of War on Apple TV in Iceland.

Set in the late 18th century, Chief of War chronicles a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history, when the islands were divided by warring chiefs and on the brink of unification. At its heart, the series is about identity, leadership, and survival in the face of immense change. For Momoa, who is of Native Hawaiian descent, this project represents far more than another starring role—it is a reclamation of history rarely portrayed accurately on screen.

A Story Rooted in Real History

Chief of War is inspired by the true story of Kaʻiana, a warrior and aliʻi (chief) who lived during one of the most transformative eras in Hawaii’s past. This was a time when the Hawaiian Islands were fractured into rival kingdoms, each ruled by powerful leaders vying for control. The arrival of Western explorers, traders, and weapons only intensified these conflicts, accelerating the path toward unification.

Rather than presenting history as a backdrop, the series places it front and center. The narrative explores the political tensions between island chiefs, the strategic alliances formed through bloodlines and warfare, and the moral complexity of leadership during times of upheaval. By focusing on Kaʻiana’s journey, Chief of War examines what it means to fight not just for power, but for the soul of a people.

Jason Momoa’s Most Personal Project

Jason Momoa has long been known for playing physically imposing warriors, from Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones to Aquaman in the DC universe. Chief of War, however, marks a significant evolution in his career. As co-creator, writer, and executive producer, Momoa is deeply involved in shaping every aspect of the series.

This level of creative control allows the show to move beyond Hollywood stereotypes. Hawaiian culture is not presented as exotic scenery or mythic fantasy, but as a living, breathing civilization with its own political systems, spiritual beliefs, and social structures. Language, ritual, and tradition are woven into the story, grounding the series in authenticity.

Momoa has spoken openly about his desire to honor his ancestors and tell a story that generations of Hawaiians were never allowed to tell on a global scale. That sense of responsibility is evident in the show’s commitment to cultural accuracy and Indigenous representation, both on screen and behind the camera.

A World Before Colonization

One of the most striking aspects of Chief of War is its setting: Hawaii before colonization irrevocably altered its future. The series depicts a world governed by ancient laws, spiritual practices, and a deep relationship with the land and ocean. Power is not merely political; it is spiritual, communal, and tied to genealogy.

The arrival of Western influence introduces a looming sense of danger. Firearms, foreign alliances, and shifting economic interests disrupt long-standing traditions and accelerate violence between rival factions. The show does not shy away from this complexity, portraying the consequences of cultural collision without reducing them to simplistic villains or heroes.

This nuanced approach allows Chief of War to function both as entertainment and as historical reflection, inviting viewers to question how history is written—and who gets to write it.

Epic Scale Meets Emotional Storytelling

While Chief of War boasts large-scale battle sequences and breathtaking natural landscapes, its emotional core lies in its characters. Kaʻiana is portrayed not just as a warrior, but as a man torn between loyalty, ambition, and moral responsibility. His relationships—with family, allies, and rivals—drive the story forward, revealing the human cost of leadership.

The series explores themes familiar to fans of historical dramas: betrayal, sacrifice, and the burden of legacy. Yet it distinguishes itself by grounding these themes in Hawaiian values, such as kuleana (responsibility) and aloha ʻāina (love of the land). These concepts shape characters’ decisions in ways that feel both culturally specific and universally relatable.

By balancing spectacle with intimacy, Chief of War avoids becoming a hollow action series. Instead, it builds a layered narrative that rewards patience and emotional investment.

Representation That Matters

For decades, Indigenous stories—particularly Pacific Islander histories—have been marginalized or distorted in mainstream media. Chief of War actively challenges that pattern. The production features a predominantly Polynesian cast and crew, ensuring that cultural representation extends beyond performance to authorship.

This commitment matters. When communities are allowed to tell their own stories, the result is not only more accurate but more powerful. Viewers are invited into a perspective rarely centered in global television, expanding the scope of what historical drama can be.

At a time when audiences are increasingly aware of representation and authenticity, Chief of War stands as an example of how large-scale productions can honor both artistic ambition and cultural responsibility.

Why Chief of War Stands Out

In a crowded streaming landscape, Chief of War distinguishes itself by refusing to follow familiar formulas. It is not a fantasy dressed in historical clothing, nor a simplified retelling of events. Instead, it is a character-driven epic rooted in real history, told by those with a personal stake in its legacy.

The series also arrives at a moment when conversations about colonization, cultural preservation, and historical erasure are more relevant than ever. By revisiting the past, Chief of War speaks directly to the present, reminding viewers that the consequences of history are still felt today.

A Story Long Overdue

Ultimately, Chief of War is more than a television series. It is an act of remembrance and resistance—a declaration that Hawaiian history deserves the same epic treatment long afforded to European kings and conquerors.

With Jason Momoa leading both in front of and behind the camera, the show carries a rare sense of purpose. It invites audiences to witness a world on the brink of transformation, guided by characters who must decide what is worth fighting for.

As Chief of War prepares to make its debut, it stands poised to redefine historical drama, proving that the most powerful stories are often the ones history nearly erased.