Chief of War Review: Momoan Masterpiece

Jason Momoa stars in Chief of War on Apple TV+, an epic Hawaiian historical masterpiece that, as one of the best shows of 2025, is a summertime must-see.

With its curiously engrossing narrative full of twists and turns, breathtaking cinematography, outstanding performances and skilled fight scenes, and its authentic historical accuracy, Chief of War is your next summertime must-see.

The series tells the mostly unknown story of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands from a completely indigenous perspective, and that part right there—a completely indigenous perspective—is what makes this series so fascinating. It does, however, weave in fictionalized elements for dramatic purposes, but the fiction is miniscule compared to everything else happening on screen.

The epic historical drama follows outcast but prominent tribal chief and skilled warrior Ka’iana (Jason Momoa, of Dune) as he joins a bloody campaign to unite the four warring kingdoms amid the impending Western threat of colonization. It also sheds light on the tale of Kamehameha the Great, with whom Ka’iana’s fate was intertwined in their massive efforts.

Who and what? Here’s a quick history lesson.

As the first Hawaiian prince to travel abroad, Ka’iana was considered the most famous Hawaiian in the world during the late 1700s. When he returned to the Islands after his journey, he was enlisted to fight for Kamehameha the Great to unify the warring kingdoms.

Kamehameha was a great warrior, diplomat, and leader who was the first to conquer and rule the Kingdom of Hawaii. After years of conflict, he united the Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810. His story is legendary. Destined for greatness from birth, a prophecy foretold that a light in the sky with feathers like a bird would signal the birth of a great chief. Historians believe Kamehameha was born in 1758, the year Halley’s comet passed over Hawaii.

As a child, the future king was hidden from warring clans while he trained as a warrior. His legendary strength was proven when Kamehameha overturned the Naha Stone, which reportedly weighed between 2.5 and 3.5 tons. During this time, warfare between island chiefs was rampant, so when Captain James Cook showed up in 1778, his arrival dove-tailed with the chief’s ambitions, which you see in the series.

Chief of War provides a peek at this struggle and effort from an indigenous perspective, which Momoa was a big part of making sure happened. The A-lister not only stars in the series, but he also created, co-wrote, and serves as executive producer. It was his goal to make sure his people were portrayed and represented with as much historical accuracy as possible.

“Chief of War is a story rooted in my home, my culture, and my heart. Hawaiian history has never been told like this,” Momoa told Honolulu Magazine. I would say he’s right. He did a fabulous job, but I found the series needing more backstory on both figures instead of just verbal moments that referenced history … and maybe that’s coming in another season, in which case, excellent. While this story is fascinating and engaging, it’s clearly full of depth, and we don’t exactly get a full feel for that yet because we don’t have all the foundational information. 

Still, I was so engrossed in this series, I binge-watched all nine episodes back-to-back, in one sitting. From the depth of cultural nuance in its storytelling to its fascinating characters to its genuine Native representation, Chief of War is authenticity at its finest and most effective.

Series creators made some very smart choices here, like their decision to have the first two episodes spoken entirely in Native Hawaiian language, which I loved. This was extremely effective in helping connect me more deeply with what was happening on screen. It makes you feel like you’re right there, watching all of this play out from all sides in real time. 

Also, series creators were mindful in their use of a predominantly Polynesian cast and crew, as well as in the construction of everything you see on-screen, which was all done under the advisement of cultural practitioners. From handcrafted kapa garments and eloquently feathered capes to the precise recreation of 18^th-century Hawaiian villages, boats, and weapons, Chief of War’s commitment to accuracy and authenticity is honorably astounding. Quite honestly, it’s deeply moving.

Momoa is, of course, intense and powerful in his compelling performance as Ka’iana (and his brutal fight scenes), which is one of his best roles yet, in addition to Baba Voss from See (also on Apple TV+) and Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones. His character arc is expansive and emotional, and Momoa is a force in projecting who the great warrior really was. Momoa might’ve been born to play Khal Drogo, but he was destined to be Ka’iana, Chief of War.

Cliff Curtis takes on a surprising role as King Kamehameha’s rival chief, Keōua, and the series also features memorable performances from Kaina Makua as King Kamehameha, Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili, Mainei Kninimaka as Ka’iana’s wife Heke, and Luciane Buchanan as Heke’s sister Ka’ahumanu. These women are warriors just like the men, but we could use more of their stories in another season.

Chief of War will make you feel like you have a front-row seat to something special, past and present, like you’re part of it in some way. There will be moments that cover you in chills, enrage you, fill you with sympathy and compassion, break your heart, and intrigue you to the max. In fact, given the way season one ends, I’d say it’s extremely likely we’ll see a season two—hopefully a season three … however many it takes to wrap up this retelling of such a crucial time in history.

There’s only one drawback to the series for me, and it’s the fact that it was mostly filmed in New Zealand, thanks to financial incentives. While still gorgeous, a shot-on-location-in-Hawaii tag would’ve certainly sealed the authenticity circle. However, it’s not that big of a deal, as you still get shots of the Islands, and the cinematography is gorgeous.

Overall, Chief of War is an epic must-see that’s worth your time. It beautifully depicts a mindful deep dive into the culture, customs, hierarchies, and belief systems that shaped pre-colonial Hawaii, placing particular emphasis on the role of women, spiritual leaders, and the sacred ties to both land and sea. It features just enough intriguing mystical elements and moments to whet your appetite and leave you not wanting but needing more.

Impressive and well done, Apple TV+ and Jason Momoa. Bring on season two.

Chief of War will be available to stream globally on Apple TV+ from August 1, 2025.

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