Chief Of War Episodes: Your Ultimate Guide To Jason Momoa's 9-Episode Hawaiian Epic On Apple TV+

The historical epic Chief of War, a passion project brought to life by co-creator and star Jason Momoa, has captivated audiences globally, offering a raw and visceral look into the unification of the Hawaiian Islands. As of today, December 12, 2025, fans are eagerly dissecting every moment of the first season, which premiered exclusively on Apple TV+ and delivered a powerful narrative centered on a pivotal, turbulent era in Hawaiian history. This limited series, initially conceived as a miniseries, has cemented its place as a must-watch historical drama, blending intense political maneuvering with breathtaking action and deep cultural reverence.

The series is not just a showcase for Momoa, who plays the fierce warrior chief Ka'iana, but a monumental effort to tell an authentic story of the islands before Western contact. With its initial two-episode drop, followed by a weekly release schedule, Chief of War has kept viewers on the edge of their seats, tracking the volatile landscape of Hawaiʻi’s four warring kingdoms. The full nine-episode arc of the first season provides a complete, gripping narrative that explores themes of exile, betrayal, and the quest for ultimate dominance.

Jason Momoa's Chief of War: Season 1 Biography and Series Profile

The core of Chief of War lies in its dedication to historical and cultural authenticity, spearheaded by its creator and star, Jason Momoa. The series is a landmark production for Apple TV+, marking a significant investment in indigenous storytelling.

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• Series Title: Chief of War
• Genre: Historical Drama, Hawaiian Epic, Limited Series
• Platform: Apple TV+ (Exclusive)
• Creators: Thomas Paʻa Sibbett and Jason Momoa
• Executive Producers: Jason Momoa, Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, Francis Lawrence, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Peter Kiernan, and Doug Jung.
• Premiere Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
• Season 1 Episode Count: 9 Episodes
• Finale Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
• Setting: 18th Century Hawaiʻi, during the era of the four warring kingdoms.

Key Cast and Characters

The series boasts a talented cast, many of whom have deep ties to the Pacific and Indigenous communities, lending an unparalleled authenticity to the production.

• Jason Momoa as Kaʻiana: The central protagonist, a powerful and exiled Hawaiian chief who must navigate the treacherous political landscape to protect his people and secure his legacy.
• Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili: A formidable and cunning ruler, one of the key figures in the struggle for control over the islands. Morrison brings a gravitas rooted in his own Polynesian heritage.
• Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu: A young, intelligent, and ambitious figure who plays a crucial role in the political maneuvering of the era.
• Te Ao o Hinepehinga as Kaʻala: Another key indigenous actor helping to bring the historical figures to life.
• Kahiwaokalani as Kamehameha: The legendary figure who would eventually unite the islands, providing a compelling historical backdrop to Ka'iana's journey.

The Complete Chief of War Episode Release Schedule and Titles

The first season of Chief of War was structured as a nine-episode event, launching with a highly anticipated two-episode premiere. This release strategy allowed viewers to immediately immerse themselves in the complex world of Ka'iana and the warring Hawaiian kingdoms before settling into a weekly cadence. The full schedule, which ran from early August to mid-September 2025, is essential for anyone looking to binge-watch or follow the narrative chronologically.

The nine episodes track Ka'iana's journey from a chief in exile to a central figure in the escalating conflicts. Each episode title hints at the major thematic or plot development within the installment, focusing on the shifting power dynamics, the harsh realities of war, and the deep spiritual connection the people have to their land, or ʻāina. The series expertly uses the limited episode count to maintain a tight, focused narrative, avoiding the slow-burn pacing of some other historical epics.

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Season 1 Episode Guide (August – September 2025)

Here is the definitive guide to all nine episodes of the Apple TV+ limited series, including their original air dates:

• Episode 1: "The Chief of War" (Release Date: Friday, August 1, 2025) – The double-episode premiere immediately establishes Ka'iana's exile and the volatile political climate.
• Episode 2: "Changing Tides" (Release Date: Friday, August 1, 2025) – The second part of the premiere explores the immediate fallout of the initial conflicts and the shifting alliances between the kingdoms.
• Episode 3: Title TBA (Release Date: Friday, August 8, 2025) – The first weekly episode begins the deep dive into the strategic maneuvering following the initial battles.
• Episode 4: Title TBA (Release Date: Friday, August 15, 2025) – Focuses on the escalation of the conflict and the introduction of new betrayals.
• Episode 5: Title TBA (Release Date: Friday, August 22, 2025) – The mid-season climax, often featuring a major battle or political turning point.
• Episode 6: Title TBA (Release Date: Friday, August 29, 2025) – The aftermath of the mid-season events and the regrouping of forces.
• Episode 7: Title TBA (Release Date: Friday, September 5, 2025) – Focuses on the personal stakes and the deepening relationships between the key characters, including Ka'iana and Ka'ahumanu.
• Episode 8: Title TBA (Release Date: Friday, September 12, 2025) – The penultimate episode, setting the stage for the season's explosive conclusion.
• Episode 9: Title TBA (Season Finale) (Release Date: Friday, September 19, 2025) – The final episode of the limited series, resolving the major conflicts and securing the fate of the Hawaiian kingdoms.

The Historical Context and Topical Authority of the Hawaiian Epic

To truly appreciate the nine-episode narrative of Chief of War, it is crucial to understand the historical period it covers. The series is set in the late 18th century, a time of immense upheaval in the Hawaiian archipelago. This pre-unification era saw four major kingdoms—Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island (The Big Island)—locked in a brutal struggle for supremacy. The arrival of Western explorers, such as Captain James Cook, also complicated the political landscape, introducing new technologies and diseases that irrevocably changed the social fabric.

The show’s topical authority is strengthened by its focus on the LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords and entities that ground the story in reality. Terms like Mōʻī (King or Sovereign), aliʻi nui (high chiefs), and the concept of mana (spiritual power) are woven into the dialogue and plot, providing a rich, educational layer to the drama. The central conflict of the series is the political tension between the powerful figures like King Kahekili of Maui and the ambitious rise of Kamehameha, who would eventually become Kamehameha I, the unifier of the islands.

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The character of Ka'iana, played by Jason Momoa, is a fictionalized composite or a figure inspired by the era's complex warrior chiefs. His journey embodies the spirit of resistance and the fight to preserve the Hawaiian way of life against internal strife and external influence. The series does not shy away from the brutality of the period, depicting the alliances, betrayals, and decisive battles that shaped the future of the nation. This commitment to a specific, high-stakes historical moment is what gives the limited series its compelling narrative drive across all nine episodes.

The production's use of authentic locations in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, further enhances its topical authority. The stunning cinematography captures the raw beauty of the islands, making the setting itself a character in the story. This attention to detail, from the costuming to the language, elevates Chief of War beyond a simple action drama into a serious piece of historical storytelling that resonates deeply with the culture it portrays.

Why Chief of War is a Must-Watch Limited Series

The nine-episode structure of Chief of War ensures a focused, high-impact storytelling experience. Unlike open-ended series that can suffer from mid-season lulls, the limited series format forces a tight, propulsive plot that moves Ka'iana's story and the larger historical narrative forward with urgency. From the explosive two-episode premiere to the climactic finale on September 19, 2025, the pacing is relentlessly engaging.

For fans of historical epics like Vikings or The Last Kingdom, Chief of War offers a fresh, underrepresented cultural perspective. The themes of power, family, and sovereignty are universal, but the Hawaiian context—with its unique spiritual beliefs and martial traditions—makes the series stand out. The involvement of Jason Momoa, who is of Native Hawaiian descent, ensures that the story is told with respect and genuine passion, making it a significant cultural event as well as a major television production.

The critical success of the series, coupled with its strong initial viewership on Apple TV+, has already sparked discussions about a potential Chief of War Season 2, despite its initial designation as a limited series. While the nine episodes of the first season tell a complete and satisfying story, the rich historical backdrop leaves ample room for further exploration of the unification wars or the subsequent challenges faced by the unified kingdom. For now, the existing nine episodes serve as a powerful testament to the strength and complexity of the Hawaiian people during a time of monumental change.