Since its premiere on Aug. 1, Apple TV+’s historical epic Chief of War has ignited a wave of buzz. Anchored by Jason Momoa and a powerhouse cast, the series weaves deeply authentic Hawaiian culture into its storytelling. More than just entertainment, it empowers Native Hawaiian creatives to reclaim their heritage and share their history on a global stage. Chief of War is a rare cinematic deep dive into indigenous history, identity and legacy. It was co-created by Momoa, who plays the central character. Since the story centers around a seemingly iconic Hawaiian figure, the show has fans wondering just how true the narrative is. 

The story centers around the legendary Hawaiian chief Ka’iana and features some fantastic visuals, details that immerse audiences in the time period and an intriguing take on the colonial history that Hawaii has endured. Alongside Momoa is Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, Te Ao o Hinepehinga and Kaina Makua, in key roles. For any viewers wondering how authentic Apple TV+’s latest project is, here’s what we know about the Chief of War real story. 

Is ‘Chief of War’ based on a true story?

Yes, Chief of War is actually based on the real-life events of Hawaii’s Wars of Unification, as Men’s Health confirms. These occurred roughly between 1782 and 1810 and involved the four Hawaiian island kingdoms, Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, marking an important part of the native culture’s early history.

Audiences get to dive right into the story of the complex historic figure Ka’iana, a high chief who was known for traveling overseas. He ventured to China, the Philippines and Alaska, so his life was quite exploratory. But ultimately, this story is about his impact on the campaign to unite the islands. He is known for partnering with King Kamehameha I, but eventually opposing his aim to join together. 

At the time, the archipelago of Hawaii, which is now a part of the US, was pretty much independent and in conflict. The different islands were ruled by different kingdoms and even worshipped different gods. So, these kingdoms were self-governing and had head chiefs, but they butted heads frequently for control. This desire for control applied to their own parts of Hawaii and the general kingdom. This conflict and the threat of British colonization are the focus of Chief of War.

Who is Ka’iana in Hawaiian history?

Ka’iana, who is also known as Keawe‑Kaʻiana‑a‑ʻAhuʻula, was the chief of Kauaʻi. As National Geographic reports, he (and Kamehameha) is estimated to have been born around the mid-18th century. Ka’iana even accompanied British sea captain John Meares in 1787, which gained him prominence as the first Hawaiian chief to travel abroad. Due to this journey, he is recorded by some contemporary British accounts. He is described as tall, muscular and fiery, which audiences will be able to witness through Momoa’s interpretation of him. 

When he returned home in 1788, he reportedly even brought back firearms and Western trade knowledge (although the extent of that is debated by historians). The story goes that he initially aligned with the ambitions of Kamehameha to unify the kingdoms. He even fought alongside him in the conquest of Maui and Oʻahu. But later on, the two became enemies.

This switch in loyalty is credited to personal slights. The two were cousins, but they were torn apart by ancestral beef and rivalry. As National Geographic describes, the elderly ruler named Kalani‘ōpu‘ulay actually chose Kamehameha over his own son, Ka’iana, to be named guardian of the war god. According to legend, whoever was given this title was supposed to be able to unite and rule all of Hawaii. So, that probably stung.  

What happened between Ka’iana and Kamehameha? 

The true story of Chief of War ends pretty brutally, which audiences might be able to tell from its title and premise. Basically, the rising tensions between the cousins led to a violent end when Ka’iana was around 40 years old, as People describes. In fact, the end of Ka’iana’s life can be traced back to the Battle of Nuʻuanu in 1795.

The two leaders (and their followers) engaged in a hand-to-hand brawl on a beach. Then, one of Kamehameha’s soldiers ended up killing Ka’iana with a spear. Eventually, Kamehameha did gain more power and became the king of the Kingdom of Hawaii. He became known as Kamehameha the Great, too. Ka’iana helped pave the way for the unification of the Hawaiian islands. Despite his change of heart and death, he played a big part in Hawaii’s fate. And despite the unification not lasting very long, this historical event is incredibly important to share. 

Is ‘Chief of War’ filmed in Hawaii?

Chief of War was filmed in Hawaii in part, but the majority of filming was done elsewhere. Many scenes were shot in New Zealand due to the dramatic natural backdrops. Shots featuring the island kingdoms, sacred temples, volcanic terrain and coastal rituals were filmed in the Southern Hemisphere, not Hawaii. Still, the island was utilized in part to give the narrative an authentic feel and establish the creators’ commitment to staying true to the story. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chief of War violent?

As Common Sense Media has shared, the series contains some graphic violence, given the frequent battle scenes.

Who discovered the Hawaiian islands?

Captain James Cook is credited with the discovery of the Hawaiian islands, since he was the first European to make contact. Despite this, native Hawaiians inhabited the islands for centuries, as Go Hawaii recalls.

When did Hawaii become a state?

Hawaii officially became the 50th state of America in 1959, but statehood hasn’t been embraced by all people who live on the islands. For some, it represents colonization of the islands, as reported by History.com.