Cast of Chief of War | Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Luciane Buchanan & More

Created by Jason Momoa, Thomas Paʻa Sibbett.

Chief of War series was launched globally on August 1, 2025.

Distributed worldwide by Apple TV+.

Series Review

Chief of War delivers a powerful and culturally rich retelling of Hawai‘i’s fight for unification, with Jason Momoa commanding the screen as Ka‘iana.

The series blends sweeping landscapes, raw tribal combat, and emotional storytelling to portray the rise of Kamehameha I and the turbulent alliances that shaped an island nation.

Momoa brings both physical strength and deep emotion to his role, while Temuera Morrison and Luciane Buchanan elevate the drama with layered performances as leaders caught in shifting tides.

The show succeeds in grounding historical authenticity with modern cinematic appeal, featuring detailed costumes, native language sequences, and stunning battle choreography.

Though slower in parts due to ritualistic pacing, Chief of War earns its place among today’s standout historical series.

It’s both a tribute to Hawaiian heritage and a gripping story of power, loyalty, and destiny.

Ratings

• Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

• Google Audience Score: 90% liked this TV show

Chief of War Actors

Jason Momoa as Kaʻiana

DOB: August 1, 1979

Bio: Born in Honolulu of Native Hawaiian and Native American descent, Jason Momoa trained at the University of Hawaii before launching his acting career.

He rose to international fame as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones and later as the title character in Aquaman. 

Role: Kaʻiana is a fearless Hawaiian warrior chief caught between upholding his people’s traditions and confronting the seductive power of Western weaponry.

His journey follows him from initial resistance through inner turmoil to a selfless act of redemption.

Episodes: 1–9

What to Expect: Sweeping battle scenes, emotional reckonings with colonial forces, and a hero’s ultimate sacrifice for his people.

Favorite Things: Momoa has said in interviews that he channels Kaʻiana’s warrior energy by playing bass guitar to heavy-metal tracks before shooting key scenes.

Notable Works: Aquaman, See, Game of Thrones.

Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili

DOB: December 26, 1960

Bio: Temuera Morrison is a renowned Māori actor from Rotorua, New Zealand.

He gained global recognition portraying Jango Fett in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and later starred as Boba Fett in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.

Role: As King Kahekili, Morrison embodies the powerful and respected ruler of Maui, a king fiercely loyal to his people and threatened by the winds of change brought by Western expansion and internal rebellion.

Episodes: 1–9

What to Expect: Intense duels with Kaʻiana, political machinations, and a ruler forced to face his own mortality.

Favorite Things: Morrison has said he draws strength from rugby and practicing traditional Māori haka, helping him stay focused and grounded on set.

Notable Works: Once Were Warriors, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Moana, The Book of Boba Fett.

Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu

DOB: July 22, 1993

Bio: Luciane Buchanan is a talented New Zealand actress of She is of Tongan and Scottish descent, best known internationally for her breakout role in The Night Agent.

Trained in both stage and screen acting, Buchanan is deeply committed to cultural authenticity. 

Role: A noblewoman and visionary whose intelligence and spiritual depth guide her through political upheaval.

She becomes a central architect in Hawaiʻi’s transformation, maneuvering court politics with grace and quiet strength.

Episodes: 1–9

What to Expect: Quiet but unbreakable resolve, emotional confrontations, and a key role in Hawaiʻi’s unification.

Favorite Things: Buchanan has shared that visiting sacred Hawaiian sites and engaging in daily chanting helped her emotionally connect with Kaʻahumanu’s spiritual core.

Notable Works: The Night Agent, Filthy Rich, Sweet Tooth.

Kaina Makua as Kamehameha I

DOB: N/A

Bio: Kaina Makua is a native Hawaiian actor whose casting as Kamehameha I marks a powerful debut.

Chosen for his cultural fluency and strong ancestral ties, Makua immersed himself in months of training with kūpuna (elders), historians, and traditional practitioners. 

Role: Makua portrays the rise of a strategic and visionary leader.

His presence grows stronger throughout the series as he navigates political unrest, spiritual duty, and the dream of a united kingdom.

Episodes: 1–9

What to Expect: Regal poise, philosophical dialogue, and the birth of a legend.

Favorite Things: Makua spent his off-set time learning traditional star navigation and studying royal genealogy to strengthen his portrayal.

Notable Works: Chief of War (debut).

Te Ao o Hinepehinga as Kupuohi

DOB: N/A

Bio: Te Ao o Hinepehinga is a Māori stage actor whose prior work centers on indigenous storytelling and cultural reclamation.

Known for her grace and strength onstage, she makes her screen debut in Chief of War with a role deeply rooted in ancestral identity and feminine agency.

Role: She plays a high-ranking noblewoman whose fate is intertwined with prophecy, spiritual duty, and shifting political tides.

Episodes: 1–9

What to Expect: Quiet resilience, moral dilemmas, and a personal journey of awakening.

Favorite Things: She embraced sacred spaces on set, practicing oli (chants) and engaging in dialogue with Hawaiian cultural advisors for emotional grounding.

Notable Works: Breakwater, Head High.

Siua Ikaleʻo as Nāhiʻ

DOB: N/A

Bio: Siua Ikaleʻo is a Polynesian descent actor with a background in classical theater and traditional Pacific martial arts.

His powerful stage presence and deep cultural roots make him a natural fit for warrior roles. 

Role: Nāhiʻ is a devoted warrior serving under King Kahekili. Fiercely loyal and unflinchingly brave, he embodies the strength and spirit of Hawaiʻi’s younger tribal factions.

Episodes: 1–9

What to Expect: Explosive battle sequences, fervent loyalty, and conflicted brotherhood.

Favorite Things: Ikaleʻo draws on his past as a competitive martial artist to shape Nāhiʻ’s battlefield presence and combat rhythm.

Notable Works: Normal Ain’t Normal, Another Barrio.

Brandon Finn as Prince Kūpule

DOB: N/A

Bio: Brandon Finn is a rising Native Hawaiian actor known for his deep commitment to cultural authenticity.

Before filming Chief of War, he trained in traditional oli (chanting), aliʻi etiquette, and Hawaiian royal customs to embody the young prince with reverence and detail.

Role: Prince Kūpule is a royal youth burdened with expectation. Torn between prophecy and personal belief, he represents the next generation’s hope amid looming war and shifting alliances.

Episodes: 1–9

What to Expect: Youthful idealism, familial tension, and evolving leadership.

Favorite Things: Finn enjoyed spending his free time researching his own genealogy and learning traditional canoe navigation from kūpuna (elders) on set.

Notable Works: FBI: International, Three Women.

Moses Goods as Moku

DOB: February 14, 1977

Bio: Moses Goods is a Pacific Islander actor, playwright, and cultural practitioner celebrated for preserving oral traditions and indigenous theater.

Known throughout Hawaiʻi for his solo storytelling performances, Goods brings a quiet authority and rich historical insight to screen.

Role: Moku is a trusted advisor to ruling chiefs, offering perspective drawn from generations of cultural wisdom while urging thoughtful adaptation in the face of colonization.

Episodes: 1–9

What to Expect: Thoughtful dialogue, layered loyalties, and pivotal turns in council.

Favorite Things: Goods finds inspiration in woodworking and ancestral genealogy studies, which he credits for giving Moku a sense of rooted depth and physical presence.

Notable Works: Inhumans, Hae Hawai’i.

Mainei Kinimaka as Heke

DOB: April 15, 198&

Bio: Mainei Kinimaka is a Hawaiian performer and cultural practitioner raised in the traditions of hula, storytelling, and oral history.

A descendant of legendary surfers and cultural ambassadors, she brings an innate sense of identity and spirit to her work.

Role: Heke is a grieving yet courageous warrior shaped by the trauma of colonization. Her storyline reflects the emotional toll of war, and her strength becomes a symbol of quiet resistance.

Episodes: 1–9

What to Expect: Emotional loyalty, moments of doubt, and shining bravery in crisis.

Favorite Things: Kinimaka often joined ancestral ceremonies and local healing circles during production to stay emotionally aligned with her character.

Notable Works: The Last Manhunt, Ka Po.

Te Kohe Tuhaka as Nāmakeʻ

DOB: April 8, 1982

Bio: Te Kohe Tuhaka is a respected New Zealand actor of Ngāti Porou and Ngāi Tūhoe descent, known for his work in indigenous television dramas and stage productions that center cultural identity and resistance.

With a strong background in both performance and cultural advocacy, Tuhaka brings intellectual depth and presence to his roles. 

Role: Nāmakeʻ is a cunning court strategist, navigating power dynamics with calculated insight. Behind the throne, his counsel shapes the tides of war and peace.

Episodes: 1–9

What to Expect: Subtle scheming, political chess matches, and dramatic reveals in council.

Favorite Things: Tuhaka immersed himself in research on chiefly customs and worked closely with cultural advisors to ensure authenticity in language, posture, and attire.

Notable Works: The Dead Lands, The Convert.

Cliff Curtis as Keōua

DOB: July 27, 1968

Bio: Born in Rotorua, New Zealand, Cliff Curtis is a globally acclaimed actor of Māori descent whose career spans powerful indigenous dramas and major Hollywood blockbusters.

Known for his chameleonic range and cultural authenticity, Curtis is deeply involved in projects that honor Pacific identities.

Role: Keōua is Kamehameha’s ambitious cousin and chief rival, torn between blood loyalty and the call to lead. His presence introduces political tension and spiritual depth to the series.

Episodes: 1–9

What to Expect: Nuanced confrontations, shifting alliances, and a performance rooted in ancestral pride.

Favorite Things: Curtis found peace in traditional canoeing and participated in nightly storytelling sessions with local elders, which he credits for deepening his portrayal.

Notable Works: Once Were Warriors, Whale Rider, Fear the Walking Dead, Doctor Sleep.

Benjamin Hoetjes as John Young

DOB: N/A

Bio: Benjamin Hoetjes is a British-New Zealand actor with a background in theater and historical drama.

Known for his methodical approach, he immersed himself in 18th-century maritime history to prepare for his role in Chief of War. 

Role: John Young, a historical sailor turned royal counselor, navigates cultural collisions and political intrigue.

Episodes: 1–9

What to Expect: Cultural diplomacy, tense negotiations, and the cost of colonial entanglements.

Favorite Things: Hoetjes dedicated himself to learning traditional seafaring skills and pored over journals from 18th-century explorers to embody Young’s worldview.

Notable Works: Avatar: The Way of Water, Mystery Road.

More Actors

• James Udom as Tony

• Erroll Shand as Captain John Meares

FAQ – Chief of War Series

What language is the series in?

The series is primarily spoken in ʻŌlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian), with selective English dialogue, supported by cultural advisors and language transcription specialists for authenticity.

Is Chief of War based on historical events?

Yes. It dramatizes the real unification wars of the Hawaiian Islands (late 18th century), focusing on warrior Kaʻiana and the rise of Kamehameha I amid internal conflict and colonial pressures.

Is Chief of War expected to continue beyond season one?

While no official renewal has been confirmed, Jason Momoa has expressed hope for continuation and said the story “picks up exactly where we left off.”

How many episodes does Chief of War have?

The series comprises nine episodes.

Chief of War historically accurate?

Based on events from late 18th-century Hawaiʻi, the series dramatizes the unification and colonization wars.

It blends real figures like Kaʻiana, Kamehameha I, and Kaḥekili with fictionalized dialogue and narrative arcs, balancing emotional depth with documented history.

Conclusion

Chief of War is more than a historical drama; it is a cinematic tribute to Hawaiian culture, identity, and resilience.

With breathtaking visuals, emotionally driven performances, and a storyline rooted in true events, the series carves its own path in the historical epic genre.

Jason Momoa leads a stellar cast that brings honor, conflict, and complexity to the screen, portraying a time of revolution and unification with dignity and heart.

For viewers seeking a story that honors indigenous roots while delivering big-screen energy on the small screen, Chief of War is a must-watch.

It is bold, reverent, and deeply personal, a warrior’s tale told with purpose.