When we think of Hawaii, we think of paradise, personified, and understandably so. After all, island life is quite surreal in all the right ways. Since there are endless views of the icy blue pacific everywhere you turn, and there’s lush hillsides and perfect temperatures, and there’s also great food and a real sense of tradition on these islands. Courtesy of Indigenous Hawaiians that share their culture in a place, that so many of us have learned of and yearned for… courtesy of television and film, and because that is our source, we tend to not know the real history of this paradise floating in the sea.
For before it was the 50th State of the United States of America, it was a vastly different place. One where tourism and Elvis Presley movies were unheard of. It was instead a chain of islands that were divided and sometimes mired in conflict, and it took one man to bring all of Hawai’i together, and well… the history of Hawai’I is of note today, because of the fact that a new series from Apple TV+ and megastar Jason Momoa, is coming to the network this summer that explores that unique era in the state’s history.
For
Chief of War will drop on August 1, 2025 and this series, which stars Jason Momoa, who also serves as an executive producer, writer and co-creator of the show, chronicles how Ka’iana (played by Momoa) worked to bring the islands together in the late 18th century before Western colonization arrived and this will be… an important series. For it not only explores the history of a state we adore, but it offers representation for certain. Since it will also feature a predominantly Polynesian cast and tell a story that really… few of us know of, and to properly celebrate this news, Apple TV+ was kind enough to offer up all the details on this show, and a first look photo, all of which we will share with you now. To properly prepare you for the arrival of this significant series.
‘Apple TV+ unveiled a first look at “Chief of War,” an epic new drama starring, executive produced and written by Jason Momoa. Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of the islands of Hawai’i, the nine-episode series based on true events, follows warrior Ka’iana, portrayed by Momoa, as he tries to unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century. "Chief of War” will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, August 1, 2025 followed by new episodes every Friday through September 19.
Performed by a predominantly Polynesian cast led by Momoa, “Chief of War” follows the epic and unprecedented telling of the unification and colonization of Hawai’i at the turn of the 18th century. The ensemble cast includes Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale’o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka and Te Kohe Tuhaka.
This series is a passion project for creators, Momoa and Sibbett, who both share native Hawaiian heritage, and is produced by FIFTH SEASON and Chernin Entertainment. Momoa directs the season finale and serves as executive producer. Doug Jung serves as showrunner and executive produces along with Sibbett, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tracey Cook and Brian Mendoza. Justin Chon directs the first two episodes and serves as executive producer. Anders Engstrom, Jim Rowe, Molly Allen, Francis Lawrence and Tim Van Patten also serve as executive producers. “Chief of War” follows the worldwide success of Apple’s hit series “See,” starring Jason Momoa. All three chapters of “See” are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 559 wins and 2,589 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
About Apple TV+Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at
tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
For more information, visit
apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.’