Common Sense Media Review
By Weiting Liu
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, real representation in Hawaiian historical epic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Chief of War
What's the Story?
In CHIEF OF WAR, Native Hawaiian warrior Kaʻiana (Jason Momoa) returns home in the late 1700s to serve under King Kahekili (Temuera Morrison), only to find himself swept into a brutal campaign to unify the Hawaiian Islands—no matter the cost. Once a proud fighter, Kaʻiana begins to question the violence and betrayal surrounding him, even as prophecy marks him for greatness. As tensions rise, he crosses paths with political power players like the shrewd Kaʻahumanu (Luciane Buchanan) and rising rival Kamehameha I (Kaina Makua). Torn between cultural loyalty and personal conscience, Kaʻiana must decide where he stands in a war that could forge a nation—or destroy everything he loves.
Is It Any Good?
This Hawaiian historical drama is a rare epic that combines authenticity with grandeur. Chief of War's sweeping cinematography captures the lush Hawaiian landscape in all its majesty, from crashing waves to volcanic peaks, grounding every frame in lived-in beauty. Rich production design brings 18th-century Hawai‘i to life with striking details. Every costume, every moment––tattooing, canoeing, and royal regalia––feels purposeful and rooted. Composers Hans Zimmer and James Everingham––working hand-in-hand with Hawaiian cultural musicians like Kaumakaiwa Kanakaʻole––create original scores that are equally transporting; thunderous and irreverent, the music brings out not only the action but the spiritual and emotional stakes.
Momoa delivers a commanding lead performance as Kaʻiana, using his potent physicality to convey not just strength, but anguish, pride, and moral complexity. The entire cast leans into the cultural depth of their roles, with the dramatization of Hawaiian rituals and warfare feeling both theatrical and respectful. But what elevates Chief of War is its contextual significance as a watershed moment in media representation—not only telling a Native Hawaiian story from an Indigenous perspective, but doing so with the large scale and artistry such histories deserve. It sets a new standard for how television can bring vital cultural narratives to a global audience with integrity and power.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Native Hawaiian people and culture are portrayed in Chief of War. What are some examples from the series that feel particularly authentic or respectful? And why do you think that matters in terms of who tells the story and how it's told?
How does the series change or add more nuance to your understanding of Hawaiian history, especially the unification of the islands? Do you think it presents unification as a heroic act, or something more complicated?
How do the characters demonstrate courage, integrity, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 1, 2025
- Cast : Jason Momoa , Temuera Morrison , Luciane Buchanan
- Network : Apple TV
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures , Arts , History ( Biopic , War: Other ) , Competition , Family Stories , Friendship , Royalty ( Kings ) , Sports ( Martial arts ) , Travel
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 4, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate