The thunderous clash of swords in feudal Japan still echoes in viewers’ minds months after Shōgun‘s finale. Now, a new historical epic promises that same rich immersion—but transports audiences to 18th-century Hawaii. Apple TV+’s Chief of War, co-created by Jason Momoa, chronicles the true story of Kaʻiana, a Hawaiian noble who traveled beyond his homeland and returned to help unify the islands against colonial threats. Premiering August 1, 2025, this visually stunning saga offers Shōgun enthusiasts precisely what they crave: cultural authenticity, political intrigue, and warrior spirit rooted in real history.
Chief of War Revives Overlooked Hawaiian History
A Passion Project Years in the Making
Unlike fictionalized accounts, Chief of War meticulously reconstructs Hawaii’s unification era (1780s-1810) through indigenous perspectives. Momoa and co-creator Thomas Paʻa Sibbett—both of Hawaiian heritage—consulted historians, cultural practitioners, and language experts for five years to ensure accuracy. Weapons, costumes, and even battle formations mirror historical records from the Bishop Museum Archives and Hawaiian Kingdom government documents. The series boldly uses ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) in over 40% of dialogue, with English subtitles preserving linguistic integrity. As Dr. Noelani Arista (University of Hawaiʻi) notes in The Hawaiian Journal of History, “This level of dedication to presenting pre-contact Hawaii is unprecedented in mainstream media.”
Why Shōgun Devotees Will Feel Instantly at Home
Fans captivated by Shōgun‘s intricate power struggles will find similar depth here. Both series:
- Center on cultural outsiders navigating volatile political landscapes (John Blackthorne in Japan; Kaʻiana encountering Europeans)
- Examine leadership under pressure as islands/regions face unification
- Prioritize native languages without “whitewashing” narratives
- Showcase breathtaking cinematography filmed on location (Kauaʻi replaces Vancouver)
Yet Chief of War diverges in historical fidelity. While Shōgun adapted James Clavell’s novel, Momoa’s project draws directly from oral histories and primary sources like King Kamehameha’s own chronicles.
The Cast Bringing Hawaii’s Warriors to Life
Jason Momoa stars as Kaʻiana—a real historical figure documented in explorer George Vancouver’s 1793 journals. The supporting cast includes:
- Te Ao o Hinepehinga Rauna as Kupuohi, a strategist navigating royal politics
- Luciane Buchanan as Queen Kaʻahumanu, architect of Hawaii’s legal reforms
- Native Hawaiian actors filling 90% of roles, per Apple’s production notes
How to Experience Chief of War
Release Schedule and Viewing Details
All nine episodes will stream exclusively on Apple TV+, with this release schedule:
| Episode | Title | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | The Chief of War | August 1 |
| 3 | City of Flowers | August 8 |
| 4 | City of Flowers Part II | August 15 |
| 5 | The Race of the Gods | August 22 |
| 6 | The Splintered Paddle | August 29 |
| 7 | Day of Spilled Brains | September 5 |
| 8 | The Sacred Niu Grove | September 12 |
| 9 | The Black Desert | September 19 |
New episodes drop Fridays through September 19. The first two episodes debut simultaneously, letting viewers immediately immerse in Hawaii’s volcanic cliffs and intricate tapestries of island diplomacy.
For fans still feeling the void after Shōgun‘s finale, Chief of War delivers the same majestic storytelling with unprecedented Hawaiian authenticity. Jason Momoa’s passion project doesn’t just entertain—it resurrects a pivotal chapter of Pacific history with reverence and cinematic grandeur. Stream the first episodes of Chief of War on Apple TV+ now and witness unification born from fire.
Must Know
Q: Is Chief of War based on real events?
A: Yes. It dramatizes the unification of Hawaii under King Kamehameha I between 1782-1810, using historical figures like warrior chief Kaʻiana (Jason Momoa’s role) and British explorer George Vancouver. Key battles, alliances, and cultural practices are drawn from Hawaiian oral histories and Western explorers’ journals.
Q: How does Chief of War compare to Shōgun?
A: Both feature political intrigue, clashing cultures, and warrior codes during unification periods. Chief of War uses more indigenous language (Hawaiian vs. Shōgun‘s Japanese) and sticks closer to documented history, while Shōgun adapted a fictional novel.
Q: Do I need an Apple TV+ subscription?
A: Yes. All episodes stream exclusively on Apple TV+. New users get a 7-day free trial; subscriptions start at $9.99/month. The series isn’t available on other platforms.
Q: Will there be a Season 2?
A: Currently billed as a limited series. Like Shōgun, renewal depends on reception, though the story covers events through 1819—leaving narrative potential.
Q: Why is Hawaiian language used so prominently?
A: Creators prioritized linguistic authenticity. ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi was Hawaii’s sole language until 1896. Advisors ensured contextually appropriate usage, even when historical accuracy required creative interpretation.
Q: How accurate are the battle scenes?
A: Fight choreographers studied traditional Lua martial arts and weapons like the leiomano (shark-tooth club). Tactics reflect descriptions from Kamehameha’s conquests, including his legendary “Pali Battle” strategy.
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