The Apple TV+ series Chief of War immediately grabs you with a visceral opening: Jason Momoa, embodying the formidable Kaʻiana, plunges into the ocean to confront a shark, his powerful physique gleaming. This epic struggle between man and beast isn’t just a thrilling spectacle; it’s a potent metaphor for the series’ grand narrative. We witness the true, monumental story of Hawaiʻi’s unification, meticulously orchestrated by Kamehameha (Kaina Makua) between 1782 and 1810, bringing together the islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. As Kaʻiana hauls his catch aboard, his profound words, “in your death may life be preserved,” beautifully underscore the deep reverence and interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, a theme central to Hawaiian culture.
Chief of War (Hawaiian, English)
The decision by creators Thomas Paʻa Sibbett and Jason Momoa (who also serves as executive producer) to shift the narrative focus from Kamehameha to Kaʻiana opens up rich new storytelling avenues. Kaʻiana is portrayed as the first high-ranking islander to explore the wider world, returning with invaluable insights into European customs and advanced weaponry. His journey, however, is tinged with tragedy; through his experiences, he starkly realizes that “the pale man’s greed is stronger than any god or prophecy,” setting a somber tone for the impending conflicts.
Initially, Kaʻiana loyally served King Kahekili (played by Temuera Morrison) as war chief. However, the brutal massacre of innocent farmers during the battle of Oʻahu compels him to abandon his post. Fleeing Kahekili’s wrath, Kaʻiana embarks on a perilous journey with his stepbrothers, Namake (Te Kohe Tuhaka) and Nāhi (Siua Ikaleʻo), his wife, Kupuohi (Te Ao o Hinepehinga), and her sister, Heke (Mainei Kinimaka). Amidst the sweeping historical events, complex political maneuverings, ancient prophecies, and inevitable bloodshed, the series truly shines by highlighting the profound human emotions and connections at its core.
The show beautifully portrays Kamehameha’s unexpected devotion to agriculture and growth over the devastation of war. He draws wisdom from the land itself, observing, “The quality of the taro is seen in its shoots.” His queen, Kaʻahumanu (Luciane Buchanan), is depicted as a remarkably progressive woman, fiercely dedicated to her husband, her people, and her own destiny. Adding a layer of complex personal drama is the burgeoning attraction between Kaʻahumanu and Kaʻiana, a development that deeply troubles her father, Moku (Moses Goods), who also serves as Kamehameha’s chief counselor.
Meanwhile, intense family rivalries escalate. Keōua (Cliff Curtis) harbors profound jealousy and resentment towards his cousin, Kamehameha, especially after their father, King Kalaniʻōpuʻu (Branscombe Richmond), names Kamehameha as war chief. This festering anger culminates in Keōua dramatically knocking out his own tooth, a powerful symbol marking the end of mourning and the commencement of war. Prince Kūpule (Brandon Finn) grows increasingly uneasy with his father Kahekili’s extreme actions. The emotional landscape further complicates with Kaʻiana’s prolonged absence; his stepbrother Namake and wife Kupuohi find solace in each other, irrevocably altering relationships upon Kaʻiana’s eventual return.
The arrival of Westerners introduces new dynamics. Key figures include John Young (Benjamin Hoetjes), a shipwrecked sailor, Captain John Meares (Erroll Shand), who dramatically rescues Kaʻiana from Maui, and Tony (James Udom), who educates Kaʻiana in English and the mysteries of “red-mouthed weapons.” A notable aspect of the series is its use of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the native Hawaiian language. Far from being a barrier, this linguistic authenticity deeply enhances the immersive quality of the storytelling. After the Europeans’ arrival in the third episode, English becomes more prevalent, cleverly justified within the narrative as a means to thwart spies. The series doesn’t shy away from intense, often graphic action sequences; one episode title, “Day of Spilled Brains,” hints at the relentless brutality. The holua sled racing, in particular, stands out as a truly breathtaking and expertly choreographed spectacle.
Visually, Chief of War is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography captures the stunning beauty of Hawaiʻi, from its vibrant green hills and pristine azure waters to the ominous, lava-spewing volcanoes. The costumes are equally magnificent, showcasing the proud feathered headdresses (mahiole) and intricate, culturally significant tattoos that bring the world to life. The musical score, a collaborative effort between renowned composers Hans Zimmer and James Everingham with native Hawaiian artist Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole, is a lush, multi-layered, and utterly captivating accompaniment to the unfolding drama.
While initially envisioned as a mini-series, the impactful finale strongly suggests a future for this epic tale, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating a second season. Chief of War is an enthralling watch, currently available for streaming on Apple TV+.