To explore the little-known history of Hawaii, Apple TV+ produced Chief of War, a period drama starring Jason Momoa that debuted last summer but is definitely worth catching up on. The nine-episode show is inspired by real events that took place in the late 18th century, focusing on the various powers in conflict on the islands before their unification under King Kamehameha (you’re thinking of the energy wave from Dragon Ball, right?), the conqueror and first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The project’s origins date back to 2015, when actor and producer Jason Momoa, together with Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, later creators of the series, began developing the idea, originally conceived as a biopic about King Kamehameha I.
Over the years, the project has been reworked into a television series and shifted its focus to Ka’iana, a warrior less known to the general public but who, in oral tradition, represents a key element in the conflicts between the islands. Momoa plays this role, as well as serving as screenwriter, executive producer, and director of the final episode. He and Sibbett relied on cultural and linguistic consultants to ensure that the representation of Hawaii at the time was as close to historical reality as possible, especially with regard to language pronunciation, rituals, and fighting style.
Chief of War follows the return of the leader Kaʻiana, exiled from his land some time ago, when he becomes involved in military campaigns led by King Kahekili of Maui against other islands. The latter, in fact, wishes to fulfill a prophecy about unification. The episodes chronicle the decisions the protagonist must face both on the battlefield and at home, following a non-linear narrative developed around personal conflicts, military conquests, and an in-depth exploration of Hawaiian culture and religious beliefs.
Jason Momoa, whose full name is Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa, owes his passionate involvement in the show to his Hawaiian origins—he was born in Honolulu. He explained that Chief of War is the ideal way for him to tell the story of his roots, something he has not often seen represented in film or television in a credible and realistic way. “I wanted to do justice to the history of my people and set a positive example for the younger generation,” he revealed. For the same reason, he and the other producers decided to use mainly the Hawaiian language for the series’ dialogue.
Regarding the role, Momoa also explained: “Playing Kaʻiana scared me because it’s connected to my ancestors: it’s not just another job,” and he called the project “the work of my life, where I can finally tell the story of my people.” . He also revealed a personal anecdote: “I put my father in a cameo during a traditional ritual: it was a really beautiful moment for my family.” Well received by critics, Chief of War was praised for its attention to historical and cultural reconstruction, for the quality of its direction, especially in the war scenes, and for the particular care taken in the choreographic reconstruction of the latter. Audiences appreciated Jason Momoa’s performance, who was very credible in the role of the strategist and clearly taken with the idea of faithfully recounting the history of his roots.
