With Jason Momoa’s Chief of War set to debut August 1 on Apple TV+, visitors may find themselves rethinking their connection to the islands—and the stories they’ve been told.
The nine-part drama follows Kaiana, a Native Hawaiian warrior chief during the 1790s, as Hawaii’s islands clash and unify under the looming threat of Western colonization. The series, filmed in Hawaii and New Zealand, stars a mostly Polynesian cast, including Temuera Morrison and Cliff Curtis, and was co-created by Momoa, who also directed the season finale.
For travelers and fans alike, this could be the most significant Hawaii-set production since The Descendants—but with far more at stake.
Why this series could shift the Hawaii visitor’s perspective.
Tourism images often show a version of Hawaii filtered through resort brochures and social media. Chief of War may offer something different: a dramatic retelling of actual events through Native eyes, set against Hawaii’s own landscapes.
The story centers on a man both revered and controversial. Kaiana was a chief who navigated shifting alliances, fought alongside and against Kamehameha, and ultimately died in battle. While not a documentary, the series draws from history in a way that few screen projects have.
This could be a rare door of opportunity for visitors who want to better understand the islands they are visiting and why some residents feel conflicted about Hawaii’s visitor industry to engage differently.
A deeper way to explore Hawaii’s history.
For travelers, Chief of War offers an opportunity to get a different glimpse of Hawaii’s complex past. Watching the series before or during a trip might deepen visitors’ relationships with the places they see.
Those interested in learning more can extend their experience by visiting cultural sites such as Puukohola Heiau, Iolani Palace, or the Bishop Museum, joining guided tours led by Native Hawaiians, or supporting community-based programs across the islands.
This isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about seeing Hawaii as more than a backdrop.
Jason Momoa and a shift in storytelling.
Beat of Hawaii previously covered Momoa’s promotion of a mainland-based bottled water brand marketed as Hawaiian, which led to questions about authenticity. He also made headlines for impersonating a flight attendant on a Hawaiian Airlines flight to promote the product, a stunt some viewed as tone-deaf.
That’s partly why this series marks a turning point. Rather than promoting a brand, Chief of War is a personal project years in the making. Momoa has described it as his “Braveheart” and “homage to my people,” calling it the most challenging and important work of his career.
By focusing on Native stories and surrounding himself with Polynesian creatives, he appears to be leaning into cultural storytelling more seriously than ever.
Acknowledging potential criticism.
Of course, no Hollywood production is beyond scrutiny. Some Native Hawaiians may question how their history is depicted, who controls the narrative, and whether the storytelling is truly centered on indigenous voices.
Still, the fact that this story is being told at all—on a global platform, with Polynesian actors and creators at the helm—is an interesting shift worth watching. At minimum, it creates space for broader conversations about Hawaii’s past and its ongoing place in pop culture.
A call to think differently about travel.
For years, readers have written to Beat of Hawaii asking how to be more respectful travelers. Chief of War may serve as a reminder that understanding Hawaii starts long before you land.
As you plan your next Hawaii visit, this presents an opportunity for those seeking meaningful engagement.. Support local businesses, attend cultural events, or visit historical sites like Puukohola Heiau or Iolani Palace. And when you watch Chief of War, approach it with curiosity and humility—it’s a chance to see Hawaii through a different lens not often offered to visitors.
Looking ahead to the August premiere.
Chief of War will debut August 1, 2025, with two episodes on Apple TV+, followed by weekly releases through September 19.
If the series succeeds, it might influence how visitors approach Hawaii. If it misfires, it may still provoke needed conversations. Either way, this is a story travelers should know about.
We’ll check it out—and we want to hear from you.
In a time when Hawaii’s identity is often overshadowed by its image as a tourist paradise, Chief of War is a chance to see the islands as they truly are—complex, resilient, and deeply rooted in history.
Will the Chief of War change how you see Hawaii? Let us know in the comments.
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Dear: Jason Momoa it’s brilliant that your idea will work that way everyone can experience a memory vacation in Hawaii the Hawaiian people could show their greeting and visitors love to be greeted after all the king of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley put Hawaii on the map and you can too tell the past in a story line of real events, beautiful land, water wave 🌊 and the different food that’s out off this world, sight seeing, canu, mountain sights, Hawaii has a lot to offer to the world if everyone gives Hawaii a chance to do their vaccinations believe me, everyone’s mind will blow away from the gorgeous beautiful it has I remember when I was younger people all over the world went to Hawaii to get married, I’m going this summer ,to get married 🌺I know I’m going to have fun 🙏 and I hope to see people from all over the world visit too, that would be great 👍 I’ll see you this summer 🏝️🌞
I’m pretty sure it will have us looking at the Islands differently. I’m Native American and it’s pretty sad to look back in history and see how the Indians were treated. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be similar to that. I’m looking forward to seeing the series.
Nice photo but what part of Hawaiian culture involves natives wearing a suit on an airplane. Enough said.
Just a bunch of hype in which it is not. Hawaii is so commercialized with big resorts, traffic congestion, crowds, and the all might spend spend spend personna that what it is and what it was gets washed out. Your eyes believe in what it sees and not what occurred way back when. The reality is that the culture is rarely experienced live on the islands so bringing that experience back to the tourist is what empowers all to respect and admire the culture. How many people really take their shoes off before entering a hotel room or in fact a hotel? None.
Most individuals perception of the Hawaiian islands was formed by watching The Brady Bunch and Adam Sandler’s Hawaiian movies, so even if Jason Momoa’s Chief of War becomes a success it will have little impact on tourists respect of Hawaiian culture.
Jason Mamona. He isn’t from Hawaii… He didn’t even grow up in Hawaii… what does he know about hawaii… not much he no Even live in Hawaii.. he is a Sell Out…
Hay BornAndRaised, – at least he talks Hawaiian, English and different other languages what do you know just criticism instead of helping your people 😕 grow up and be happy that Jason Momoa helped his birth land after the great fire, and is connected to his history and helping the world 🌎 to understand. Two 👍👍🏝️🌺 J.M.
Jason was born in Hawaii, so he is originally from that state. When his parents divorced, he accompanied his Mom to Iowa. Now he lives in Kauai (but he does travel all over the world for work). He has done nothing but extol Hawaii and the Hawaiian way of life. To insinuate that he is a phoney is mean-spirited.
I look forward to seeing the new show. I will never get to see Hawaii in person. I enjoy anything I can see about Hawaii.
With all that Hawaii has to offer, why would any of this be filmed in New Zealand? That takes away from its authenticity IMO.
Cheaper to film there possibly?
I have been vacationing in Hawaii since 1971. I love the culture, the natural beauty of the State but the best part of vacationing there is the beauty of the Hawaiian people. I have always felt welcomed and treated so kindly. It will be my “go-to” place for as long as I am able to travel. Mahalo.
How about being a bit more upfront about the bit in Hawaii’s history where the United States runs roughshod over the Hawaiian monarchy, and to make a long story short, ends up “acquiring “ it, against the wishes of the natives? Don’t hear much about that debacle, do we?! The Bailey house museum in Wailuku gives a good rendition of this usually ignored part of your history. Hopefully history won’t be repeated.
you wonder how “hawaiian” these so called transfers to the mainland, who resided most of their life on the mainland are just taking advantage of the Hawaiian allure and profiting just because they have a Polynesian last name and lived here for a little while? Are they taking advantage of the Aloha and cashing in?
There are plenty of people taking advantage of the “Aloha” culture and cashing in on it; including those whose families have lived here for generations.
I still remember when he pretended to be a flight attendant to push his water brand from the mainland. Now suddenly he’s the voice of Hawaiian history? Hmmm.
This could cut either way. Powerful storytelling or a cultural mess on our hands. Hoping for the first, preparing for the second.
I’m booking my next Hawaii trip and just added Iolani Palace to the plan. This show teaser already changed how I think about the islands.bill
Love Jason Momoa tho a point, but he better get this right. This isn’t fantasy or superhero stuff—it’s history that still affects people today.
Not sure how I feel about Hollywood telling Hawaii’s story again. Let’s see if this is really for the people or just another pretty backdrop. For now I’m unconvinced.