Series Details
Genre
Historical Drama, Action, War
Release Date
August 1, 2025
Episodes
9 (Mini-Series)
Language
Hawaiian & English
Creators
Jason Momoa, Thomas Paʻa Sibbett
IMDb Rating
9.1/10 (Expected)
Full Story
"Chief of War" is a groundbreaking historical drama mini-series that brings to life the epic story of Ka'iana, the legendary Hawaiian warrior who fought to unite the warring islands of Hawai'i in the late 18th century. Created by and starring Jason Momoa, this visually stunning series offers an authentic portrayal of Hawaiian history and culture rarely seen in mainstream media.

Jason Momoa as Ka'iana in Chief of War
The series begins as foreign ships appear on the horizon, bringing both opportunity and threat to the Hawaiian islands. Ka'iana (Jason Momoa), a formidable warrior and strategist, recognizes that the only way to protect his people from the coming storm of colonization is to unite the fractured Hawaiian kingdoms under one banner. But standing in his way are powerful chiefs like Kahekili (Temuera Morrison) and Keōua (Cliff Curtis), each with their own ambitions and alliances.
What sets "Chief of War" apart is its unprecedented commitment to cultural authenticity. The dialogue alternates between Hawaiian and English, with careful attention to historical accuracy in costumes, weapons, and traditions. The series features breathtaking cinematography of Hawaiian landscapes and intense, visceral battle sequences that showcase traditional Hawaiian warfare tactics.

Epic battle scene from Chief of War
At its heart, "Chief of War" is a story about leadership, sacrifice, and cultural preservation. Ka'iana's journey takes him from the battlefield to the political arena as he navigates complex alliances with figures like Ka'ahumanu (Luciane Buchanan) and Kamehameha I (Kaina Makua). The series doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of war while also celebrating the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of the Hawaiian people.
With a powerful original score by Hans Zimmer and James Everingham, and directed by a team including Justin Chon and Jason Momoa himself (who helms the finale), "Chief of War" has been praised by early reviewers as "a landmark achievement in indigenous storytelling" and "the most authentic portrayal of pre-colonial Hawaii ever put to screen." The series promises to redefine historical epics through its indigenous perspective and stunning visual storytelling.
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