The epic upcoming Apple TV+ miniseries CHIEF OF WAR, which was developed by Jason Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, will debut on August 1, 2025. The true story of Ka‘iana, a Native Hawaiian warrior and noble during the fervent unification of the Hawaiian Islands in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, serves as the basis for this nine-episode historical drama.
The show, which stars Jason Momoa as Ka‘iana and stars Temuera Morrison, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikaleʻo, and Brandon Finn—transports viewers to Hawaii’s rich and frequently violent past by showcasing the indigenous leaders’ struggles, pride and rebellion during a period of significant political upheaval.
The narrative follows Prince Kaʻiana of Kauaʻi as he returns home after spending time overseas. Initially regarded as a pivotal player in Kamehameha I’s ascent, Kaʻiana eventually rebels against the king’s attempt to unite the islands under a single kingdom.
WHERE WAS CHIEF OF WAR FILMED?
Filming for Chief of War started in October 2022 and took place in Hawaii and New Zealand—both of which provided distinctive settings for depicting Polynesia in the 18th century. In order to maintain authenticity, the show made extensive use of local casting, authentic settings—and production design with cultural roots.
HAWAII, USA
As the story of Chief of War is deeply rooted in Hawaiian history, much of the series was filmed on location throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
MANAWAINUI GULCH, MAUI
Manawainui Gulch, Maui, which is renowned for its untamed landscape and secluded beauty, is where Jason Momoa and his crew shot dramatic scenes. The area’s natural formations served as a stunning backdrop for early scenes. Momoa posted sneak peeks on Instagram, capturing the camaraderie of cast and crew in action.
MOKULEIA, MAKAU, AND HEʻEIA (OʻAHU)
Filming also occurred on the North Shore of Oʻahu, including Mokuleia, Makua, and Heʻeia—areas known for their raw coastal cliffs and ancient cultural sites. These locations doubled as battle sites and native villages in the series.
LAIE, OʻAHU
The laid-back coastal town of Laie, home to the Polynesian Cultural Center, offered a lush, cultural environment. Its beaches, trails, and temples gave authenticity to scenes involving daily life, rituals, and ceremonies.
KUALOA RANCH, (OʻAHU) HAWAII
A private nature reserve of 4,000 acres, Kualoa Ranch is on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It is famous for its beautiful scenery, lush valleys and dramatic mountain ranges.
A lot of people like to go to the ranch to do outdoor activities like horseback riding, ATV tours, and ziplining. It is also famous for being the setting for many movies and TV shows, like Lost and Jurassic Park.
KALAPANA, BIG ISLAND
Significant battle sequences were shot on the lava fields of — Kalapana — a region on Hawaiʻi Island renowned for its bleak, volcanic scenery, in December 2022. There was once a church in this town called—the Star of the Sea Painted Church. The raw terrain added a gritty realism to the warfare scenes, reflecting the brutality and high stakes of the period.
HILO, BIG ISLAND
Hawaii’s filming ended in Dec 2022 in Hilo, where the last scenes were shot. Over 600 local crew members were hired, which shows how much the production cared about the area. The shoot ended with a celebration, including a custom cake shaped like a mahiole (feathered helmet) and ahuʻula (royal cloak), handmade by local baker Maria Short.
NEW ZEALAND
To finish filming, the cast and crew moved to New Zealand in early 2023. The Bay of Islands was a proxy for Hawaiʻi in the 18th century. The area was perfect for filming because of its lush forests, breathtaking coastlines—and strong Māori cultural ties.The collaboration between Hawaiian and Māori artists enhanced storytelling, especially in scenes with vast, unspoiled landscapes.
The move to New Zealand was partially due to the lack of sufficient tax credits in Hawaii, but it allowed the production to benefit from New Zealand’s well-established film infrastructure while maintaining cultural continuity through Polynesian collaboration.
BEHIND THE SCENES
The show embraced cultural authenticity, from elaborate costume designs to scenes in Hawaiian. Key hairstylist Ralph Malani pointed out that “several episodes are shot completely in the Hawaiian language,” emphasizing the show’s adherence to indigenous storytelling. Stunt team member Ashlee Ana Fidow praised the efforts of coordinators and riggers in July 2023, saying she was proud to see Polynesian stories presented on a large scale.
Even as filming wrapped, cast and crew reflected on the significance of the project. Actor and local contributor vincekeala808 shared on Instagram how meaningful it was to work on Chief of War across his ancestral lands. “Retelling the mo’olelo of our ali’i… was awe inspiring.”
OFFICIAL TRAILER
Stay tuned to Netfilming.com for more updates, filming news, and behind-the-scenes.
