'Chief of War' Review: How Jason Momoa's Series Honors Authentic Hawaiian Storytelling
Author's Note: This article is presented as an informational and educational piece from a kānaka ʻōiwi perspective, not as a scholarly publication. All content about "Chief of War" is based on documented interviews, reviews, and production information, as well as my own viewing of the first 2 episodes.
Quick Facts: Chief of War at a Glance
Streaming Platform: Apple TV+
Premiere Date: August 2025
Creator/Star: Jason Momoa
Language: First two episodes primarily in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi with subtitles
Historical Figure: Based on aliʻi Kaʻiana (ca. 1755-1795)
Cast: Predominantly Polynesian actors including Temuera Morrison
Cultural Significance: First major Hawaiian historical drama with full kānaka ʻōiwi creative control
When Jason Momoa's "Chief of War" premiered on Apple TV+ this August, it marked more than just another historical drama hitting streaming platforms. For kānaka ʻōiwi and those who understand the power of authentic moʻolelo, this series represents something profound: Hawaiian stories told by Hawaiian voices, on Hawaiian terms, for the world to witness.
In an entertainment landscape where Hawaiian culture has long been filtered through colonial lenses, "Chief of War" stands as a testament to what becomes possible when kānaka ʻōiwi control their own narratives. The series doesn't just tell a Hawaiian story—it embodies the very principles that guide authentic cultural expression in our modern, globalized era.
Moʻolelo with Mana: The Foundation of Authentic Hawaiian Storytelling
At its heart, "Chief of War" draws from the moʻolelo of Kaʻiana, a real aliʻi and koa born around 1755 who lived during the pivotal period of Hawaiian unification. This isn't a fictional tale inspired by Hawaiian themes—it's rooted in the documented experiences of our kūpuna, compressed from twenty years of historical events into a compelling narrative that honors both accuracy and dramatic storytelling.
Kānaka ʻŌiwi co-creators Thomas Paʻa Sibbett and Jason Momoa understood that authentic Hawaiian storytelling requires more than just setting a story in Hawaiʻi. It demands deep cultural knowledge, respect for the kaona (hidden meanings) within our moʻolelo, and recognition that these stories carry the mana of our people.
The series takes viewers into the world of late 18th-century Hawaiʻi, when our aliʻi navigated complex relationships with foreign traders while maintaining their commitment to the lāhui. Kaʻiana's journey—from exile to his ventures beyond our shores—reflects the broader Hawaiian experience of engaging with a changing world while remaining rooted in cultural identity.
Kānaka ʻŌiwi Behind the Camera: Indigenous-Led Production
What sets "Chief of War" apart from other Hawaiian-themed media isn't just its subject matter, but who controls its creation. Jason Momoa didn't simply star in this series—he co-created, co-wrote, produced, and directed episodes, ensuring that Hawaiian perspectives shaped every aspect of production (and many times while wearing malo on set). Showrunner Doug Jung worked alongside cultural experts and consultants who guided the authenticity of each frame. These cultural experts were made up of kūpuna, lōea, kumu hula, kumu ʻōlelo hawaiʻi, mea oli, mea mele hawaiʻi, and community leaders. The stones of our Hawaiian community are what formed the kahua, the foundation, of this projectʻs success.
This level of kānaka ʻōiwi involvement in major media production represents a significant shift from decades of Hawaiian stories being told by outsiders. When our people control the narrative process, the results speak with an authority that no amount of research by non-Hawaiian creators can replicate.
The series features a predominantly Polynesian cast, with actors like Temuera Morrison (Kahekili), Luciane Buchanan (Kaʻahumanu), Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, and Mainei Kinimaka bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. This casting choice reflects a commitment to representation that goes beyond tokenism—it centers Hawaiian, Māori, Tongan, and Sāmoan actors in a story that connects their cultures.
This commitment to authentic representation aligns with our mission at Kekoa Creative, where we partner with Hawaiian and Pasifika creators to ensure our products honor genuine cultural traditions. Link here.
ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi as Living Language in Modern Media
Perhaps most significantly, "Chief of War" presents its first two episodes almost entirely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi with subtitles. This bold choice acknowledges that our language isn't a relic of the past—it's a living, breathing part of contemporary Hawaiian identity.
By centering ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in mainstream media, the series challenges audiences to engage with Hawaiian culture on its own terms rather than expecting it to be translated and simplified for outside consumption. This approach honors the decades of work by Hawaiian language revitalization advocates and demonstrates the beauty and complexity of our ancestral tongue.
The decision to prioritize ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi also reflects a deeper understanding of how language carries culture. When characters speak in Hawaiian, they're not just communicating—they're embodying a worldview that sees relationships between people, ʻāina, and akua differently than Western perspectives.
Strength Through Storytelling: Cultural Reclamation in Action
The intention behind "Chief of War" mirrors the mission driving Kekoa Creative and countless other kānaka ʻōiwi-led initiatives: demonstrating that Hawaiian culture was and remains strong, that we are still here, and that we haven't forgotten who we are. The series shows our kūpuna as complex, intelligent leaders navigating challenging circumstances with wisdom and strategic thinking.
This representation matters because it counters decades of media portrayals that reduced Hawaiians to simple stereotypes or tragic figures. "Chief of War" presents aliʻi like Kaʻiana and Kahekili as the sophisticated political and military leaders they were, capable of adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining their cultural integrity.
Just as the series asks how our kūpuna chose to holomua (move forward) during a time of dramatic change, contemporary kānaka ʻōiwi face similar questions about how to navigate modernity while honoring tradition. The answer, both in the series and in real life, isn't to retreat into the past or abandon cultural identity—it's to engage with the contemporary world from a position of cultural strength.
At Kekoa Creative, we approach this same challenge by creating products that honor traditional knowledge while meeting contemporary needs, like our Lāʻau ʻAla collection that celebrates Hawaiian sandalwood traditions through modern sustainable practices.
Impact on Hawaiian Representation and the Lāhui
"Chief of War" represents what cultural reclamation looks like in practice. Rather than waiting for others to tell our stories correctly, kānaka ʻōiwi took control of the narrative process. The series demonstrates that we don't need permission to center our own experiences or to present our culture with the complexity and dignity it deserves.
For kānaka ʻōiwi audiences, seeing our moʻolelo presented with this level of respect and authenticity provides validation that mainstream media has rarely offered. Young Hawaiians can see their ancestors as the brilliant leaders they were, speaking their ancestral language and navigating complex political situations with skill and dignity.
For non-Hawaiian audiences, the series offers an opportunity to understand Hawaiian history from an indigenous perspective. Rather than the familiar narrative of "discovery" and inevitable cultural loss, "Chief of War" presents a story of Hawaiian agency, intelligence, and cultural continuity.
The series also contributes to broader conversations about indigenous representation in media. Its success demonstrates that audiences are hungry for authentic stories told by the communities they represent, paving the way for more indigenous-led productions across different cultures.
Lessons for Contemporary Cultural Work
"Chief of War" offers important lessons for anyone engaged in cultural preservation and expression work. First, authenticity requires community involvement at every level—not just consultation, but actual control over the creative process. Second, presenting culture with complexity and dignity serves both the community being represented and broader audiences seeking meaningful content.
The series also demonstrates that honoring tradition doesn't mean avoiding contemporary relevance. By showing how our kūpuna navigated change while maintaining their cultural identity, "Chief of War" provides a template for contemporary kānaka ʻōiwi facing similar challenges.
These same principles guide our work at Kekoa Creative, where we honor traditional practices while creating products that meet contemporary needs and support sustainable Hawaiian businesses. Learn more here.
Holomua with Cultural Integrity
As "Chief of War" continues to reach audiences worldwide, it stands as proof that kānaka ʻōiwi stories, told by kānaka ʻōiwi voices, can achieve both cultural authenticity and broad appeal. The series doesn't compromise its Hawaiian identity to reach mainstream audiences—instead, it invites viewers to engage with Hawaiian culture on its own terms.
This approach reflects a broader shift in how indigenous communities are choosing to share their stories with the world. Rather than allowing others to interpret and present their cultures, communities are taking control of their own narratives, ensuring that their voices remain central to their own stories.
For the lāhui, "Chief of War" represents more than entertainment—it's a declaration that our stories matter, our language lives, and our culture continues to evolve on our own terms. It shows the world that Hawaiian strength didn't end with historical contact—it continues today through every kānaka ʻōiwi who chooses to holomua with cultural integrity.
The series reminds us that authentic storytelling isn't just about preserving the past—it's about creating space for Hawaiian voices in contemporary conversations, ensuring that our perspectives shape how our stories are understood by future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chief of War
Is Chief of War based on a true story? Yes, "Chief of War" is based on the historical moʻolelo of Kaʻiana, a real Hawaiian aliʻi who lived from approximately 1755-1795 during the period of Hawaiian unification.
What language is Chief of War filmed in? The first two episodes are presented almost entirely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) with subtitles, making it one of the first major streaming series to center indigenous Hawaiian language.
Who created Chief of War? Jason Momoa co-created the series with Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, ensuring kānaka ʻōiwi (Native Hawaiian) creative control throughout the production process.
Where can I watch Chief of War? "Chief of War" is available exclusively on Apple TV+ streaming platform.
Why is Chief of War significant for Hawaiian representation? The series represents unprecedented Hawaiian creative control in major media, featuring predominantly Hawaiian and Polynesian casting, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi dialogue, and authentic cultural consultation throughout production.
ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Glossary
Kānaka ʻōiwi - Native Hawaiian people
Moʻolelo - Stories, legends, narratives
Mana - Spiritual power, divine energy
Aliʻi - Hawaiian chiefs, royalty
Koa - Warrior; also Hawaiian native tree
Kūpuna - Ancestors, elders
Kaona - Hidden meaning, symbolism
Lōea - cultue keepers, honored kānaka of their discipline
Kumu Hula - Hula Master and Educator
Kumu ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi - Hawaiian Language Educator
Mea Oli - Chanter
Mea Mele Hawaiʻi - Musician of Hawaiian Music
Kahua - Foundation
Lāhui - Hawaiian nation, people
ʻĀina - Land (with spiritual connection)
Akua - Gods, deities, spirits
Holomua - To move forward, progress
ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi - Hawaiian language
Kaʻiana - Historical Hawaiian chief (ca. 1755-1795)
Kahekili - Historical Hawaiian chief of Maui
Sources and References
Mashable. "Chief of War review: Jason Momoa's historical epic is..." 2025.
Time Magazine. "The True Story Behind Hawaiian History Epic 'Chief of War'" 2025.
Cold Tea Collective. "Jason Momoa's 'Chief of War' epic drama series boldly..." 2025.
AOL Entertainment. "Jason Momoa Explains How He Cast 'Chief of War'" 2025.
The Garden Island Newspaper. "Jason Momoa honors Hawaiian history with 'Chief of War'" 2025.
USA Today. "Review: Jason Momoa's 'Chief of War' is a towering accomplishment" 2025.
Town & Country Magazine. "A Guide to the Cast and Characters in Chief of War" 2025.
Wikipedia. "Chief of War" 2025.
IMDb. "Chief of War (TV Mini Series 2025)" 2025.
