The new Apple TV+ series “Chief of War,” starring Jason Momoa, is more than just a television show — it’s a breakthrough for Hawaiian storytelling and representation. For the first time, authentic Hawaiian history is being told on a major streaming platform,

His contemporary was Kamehameha I (played in Chief of War by Kaina Makua), who would eventually become known as Kamehameha the Great. Like Kaʻiana, he was probably born in the 1750s, and came from the Big Island. And his aristocratic lineage, though questioned, cemented his future as a strong leader too, according to National Geographic.

Chief of War is one of the rare historical dramas shows that delves into the history of Hawaii. Created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, the show premiered on August 1, 2025 and has received rave reviews for exploring the hitherto unknown history of the beautiful island.