Jason Momoa’s new historical drama, Chief of War, has taken viewers back to a pivotal era in Hawaiian history. Premiered on August 1, 2025, on Apple TV+, the series depicts the turbulent period of Hawaii’s unification under King Kamehameha I. But when exactly does Chief of War take place, and what historical events does it cover? Here are all the details.
Here’s when Jason Momoa’s Chief of War takes place
Chief of War is set in the late 18th century, a time when the Hawaiian Islands were divided into warring factions.
The series follows Kaʻiana, a real-life warrior chief who played an important and controversial role in the rise of Kamehameha the Great, the leader who ultimately unified Hawaii in 1795.
Alongside military strategy and tribal politics, the show also depicts the increasing influence of European forces. The arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778 was a turning point for the islands. After Cook died in 1779, foreign influence continued to deepen militarily, culturally, and economically.
Beyond political unification, Chief of War highlights the internal dilemmas of Hawaiian leaders—the aliʻi—who struggled to balance tradition with foreign influence. The show also reflects on the spiritual and cultural disruption caused by colonization, setting the arc for Hawaii’s eventual overthrow as a monarchy in 1893 and annexation by the U.S. in 1900.
Kaʻiana, played by Jason Momoa, was a real historical figure who initially supported Kamehameha’s campaign but later defected to his rival. His involvement in the infamous Battle of Nuʻuanu in 1795, where he was ultimately killed, is one of the bloodiest moments in Hawaiian history. It is also a dramatic focal point for the series.
After all, Kaʻiana wasn’t just a warrior—he was a voyager who traveled aboard foreign ships to China, the Pacific Northwest, and the Philippines. These journeys gave him knowledge of firearms and Western military tactics, which he initially brought back to help Kamehameha’s cause.
Chief of War is currently streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes released every Friday.
