'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAFAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMF/8QAIBAAAwACAgEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDABEEIRIFBiIxYf/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQF/8QAGhEAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQQAAgNCUv/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8A1b+u8lrCi/GZoGWYC6C+Xak+Oz11vLw9yVnGaNxYUKqFLvss2h9n9xjIN32OzFBbEdZ//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Chief of War, premiering on Apple TV+ on August 1, 2025, is a historical drama created by Thomas Pa’a Sibbett and Jason Momoa, who also plays the lead role. The show consists of 9 episodes, follows the compelling journey of Ka'iana, a Native Hawaiian warrior and high-ranking noble.
It depicts a fragile time when the Hawaiians were divided into four warring kingdoms, and Ka'iana returns home after a long journey. His motive is only to unite the people under a single rule on the Island. He eventually becomes a rebellious force in the community, becoming the anchor point of all the drama and conflict that unfolds in the series.
Being a period drama, the production design of the show has been meticulously done, and locations have been carefully chosen to make the fictional work seem real on screen. Filming for the show took place across two breathtaking locations — New Zealand and Hawaii — to authentically bring 18th-century Polynesia to life.
Where was the Chief of War shot? Revisiting key filming locations
The show is inspired by true events, portraying the real-life unification of Hawaii between 1782 and 1810. The show blends epic battles, cultural identities, and personal transformations. With its native storytelling roots and high production value, the show promises to be both visually stunning and historically rich.
The series is shot primarily in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, located in the far north. The location offers its lush green hills and pristine beaches along with clear water bodies, serving as a stunning backdrop to portray 1700 Hawaii. This region is frequently used in film and TV productions due to its untouched, natural appearance, perfectly suited for portraying a historical, pre-modern setting.
The next location featured in the show is Kalapana Lava Fields, Hawaii. In 2022, the production moved to Lava Fields on the Big Island of Hawaii to film the intense battle sequences. The location comes with stark, black lava rock, adding some visual drama to the terrain. This particular landscape helped add authenticity and weight to the story’s climactic war scenes.
Who is behind the spectacular show, Chief of War?
The Apple show is co-created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, both of whom share Native Hawaiian heritage. Doug Jung is the showrunner and also serves as the co-writer of all the episodes. Looking at the credits, one can say that Momoa is deeply involved—he stars as Kaʻiana, exec‑produces, co-writes, and directs the season finale. Other directors include Justin Chon (episodes 1 & 2), Anders Engström, and Brian Andrew Mendoza.
The makers, being native Hawaiians, understand how the Hawaiian Islands are central to the story of the show, not just as a backdrop, but as the heart of the narrative. This thoughtful combination of locations ensured the Chief of War could showcase both the epic scale and the intimate cultural depth of Kaʻiana’s journey, rooted in real Hawaiian history.
Trending
Catch the show only on Apple TV+.
Reply
