Chief of War revolves around a Hawaiian war chief’s efforts to unite the conflicted islands and save them from colonization. With the series’ premiere on Apple TV+, fans have been curious about its shooting locations. So, where was Chief of War filmed, and what makes its filming locations so intriguing?
Here is everything you need to know about the shooting spots of the historical drama show.
All filming locations where Chief of War was shot
The show was primarily shot in New Zealand.
Below are all the places where the Chief of War was filmed.
- Bay of Islands, New Zealand
It is a New Zealand enclave located in the North Island. The place is popular for its fresh beaches, green hills, the cultural artefacts of Maori, and big-game fishing. The Chief of War makers uses this location to provide the backdrop of 1700 Hawaii. The show is inspired by true events and the unification of the state between 1782 and 1810. It showcases some epic battles for identity, deeply rooted in the cultures.
As a result, the makers deemed it fit to use the breathtaking location of New Zealand to provide an authentic storytelling experience. The Bay of Islands provides the ideal setting for a historical and pre-modern world. Several films and series have been shot in this place for its untouched and natural appearance, which proves to be a visual treat for viewers.
- Kalpana Lava Fields, Hawaii
Following New Zealand, the makers decided to shoot in the Lava fields of the Big Island of Hawaii. The team used this location to shoot the intense battle scenes. The black lava rock and the landscape also provide a raw and realistic feel in the battle sequences.
Additionally, there have been questions on why the Chief of War was shot primarily in New Zealand and not Hawaii. However, the reason was due to the difficult state of the film industry in Hawaii. On the other hand, the New Zealand screen industry has been quite successful. It also provides a 20-25% rebate for International productions and 40% for local. Meanwhile, Hawaii offers only a 22-27% rebate, including other issues. (via RNZ)
Chief of War premieres on August 1, 2025, and will have 9 episodes.
