Chief of War Review: A sweeping indigenous epic, led by Jason Momoa, that captures the soul of Hawaii’s past

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‘Chief of War,’ directed by Justin Chon, Anders Engstrom, and Brian Andrew Mendoza, was released on 1st Aug on Apple TV+ and stars Jason Momoa, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Brandon Finn, and Temuera Morrison.

A saga rooted in Hawaiian history

In recent memory, few shows have dared to mount a production as large, ambitious, and culturally significant as ‘Chief of War.’ This Apple TV+ historical drama, fronted and co-written by Jason Momoa, is not just grand in scale—it’s a full-bodied cinematic experience. Set during the unification of the Hawaiian Islands in the late 18th century, the series dives deep into a chapter of history that has rarely been told on screen, and almost never from this perspective. Told almost entirely in the Olelo Hawaii language, the show takes a bold creative leap—and lands confidently on its feet.

A journey of war and betrayal

‘Chief of War’ begins with a quiet narration that lays the foundation for what’s to come. Hawaii, then divided into four rival kingdoms—Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii—has been torn apart by battles between powerful rulers and age-old gods. The prophecy of a great leader uniting the islands sets the stage for the arrival of Ka’iana, the son of a famed Maui warrior. Having given up the life of combat, Kaiana lives a peaceful existence with his brothers Namake and Nahi. But peace is short-lived. When King Kahekili of Maui requests Kaiana’s help in his war against Oahu, the reluctant hero is pulled back into conflict. Kaiana’s decision to join the campaign sets off a chain of events marked by betrayal, bloodshed, and personal transformation. Once the kingdom of Oahu falls, Kaiana realises he’s been used. The war wasn’t about unity—it was about power. His disillusionment turns into rebellion, as he vows to topple Kahekili’s dominance. On the run from Prince Kupule’s wrath, Kaiana eventually crosses paths with Captain Cook and Tony, who introduces him to foreign concepts like firearms and the English language. These encounters add a rich layer to the narrative, contrasting the traditional Hawaiian worldview with the emerging colonial presence in the Pacific.

Authenticity in every frame

What sets ‘Chief of War’ apart from other historical epics is its unwavering commitment to indigenous authenticity. With a primarily Polynesian cast and Jason Momoa at the forefront, the show fully embraces the culture it’s trying to depict. The production design is meticulous—every feathered cape, bone weapon, and stone village feels grounded in history. The costumes, handcrafted with local detail, speak volumes without needing exposition. The result is a series that doesn’t just look like 18th-century Hawaii—it feels like it. The cinematography is nothing short of spectacular. Sweeping aerial shots of dense forests and sun-drenched shorelines are woven seamlessly into the storytelling. The battles are fierce, raw, and grounded—never overly choreographed. And while the violence is intense, it never feels gratuitous. It serves the story, showing what’s at stake for those who live—and die—in pursuit of their land, legacy, and freedom.

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Performances with heart and depth

Jason Momoa delivers one of his most personal performances to date. As Kaiana, he brings both physical intensity and emotional vulnerability. His quiet moments are as impactful as his warrior scenes, and it’s clear that the character—and the culture he represents—means something deeply personal to him. Luciane Buchanan as Kaahumanu brings quiet strength to the narrative, playing a significant role in shaping Kaiana’s choices. Temuera Morrison’s King Kahekili is intimidating and complex, commanding fear and fascination in equal measure. Kaiana’s brothers, portrayed by Te Kohe Tuhaka and Siua Ikaleo, round out the ensemble with performances that bring heart and warmth to the otherwise grim world of tribal warfare.

Epic storytelling with cultural soul

The series doesn’t shy away from darker themes. Colonisation, betrayal, and loss are ever-present. Yet, there’s also beauty—in brotherhood, in ritual, in the fierce resilience of a people determined to preserve their way of life. The show’s decision to let the Hawaiian language lead the narrative is both radical and respectful. English is spoken only when absolutely necessary, which adds another layer of authenticity and cultural depth. From the moment Ka’iana dives underwater to capture a shark barehanded to his adventures in the Spanish East Indies, every episode carries the weight of myth and the thrill of historical fiction. These scenes are more than visual spectacle—they’re woven into the emotional fabric of the story, highlighting Kaiana’s evolution from reluctant warrior to driven revolutionary. ‘Chief of War’ is unlike anything currently on television. It’s not just a series; it’s a reclamation—of language, of memory, and of historical narrative. In telling the story of Hawaii’s fractured past through the lens of its own people, it challenges the typical colonizer-driven viewpoint and offers something far more layered and humane. Epic in scale but intimate in emotion, ‘Chief of War’ stands tall as a richly drawn, deeply affecting drama.

Rating: 4/5