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The Ultimate Guide To The 'Chief Of War' Cast: 8 Polynesian Stars Redefining The Epic Hawaiian Saga

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The highly anticipated Apple TV+ historical drama, Chief of War, is finally here, and as of today, December 21, 2025, it stands as one of the most significant and culturally rich television events of the year. Co-created by and starring Jason Momoa, this nine-episode limited series offers an unprecedented look into the brutal and complex unification of the Hawaiian Islands at the end of the 18th century, a narrative rarely explored on a global scale. The show is a passion project for Momoa, who has deep Hawaiian heritage, and its commitment to authenticity—including the extensive use of the indigenous language, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi—is evident in every scene.

The true power of Chief of War lies in its phenomenal, predominantly Polynesian and Māori ensemble cast, who bring to life the real-life historical figures who shaped the future of Hawaiʻi. From the exiled warrior Kaʻiana to the formidable Queen Kaʻahumanu and the legendary King Kamehameha I, these actors shoulder the immense responsibility of telling a sacred and complex story. Below is a complete breakdown of the main cast, their characters, and the powerful legacies they embody in this epic historical saga.

The Main Chiefs and Warriors: A Complete Cast & Character List

Chief of War is a true ensemble piece, featuring a remarkable cast of actors who are deeply connected to the cultures they portray. The series is based on true events and centers on the pivotal moment when the four major Hawaiian kingdoms began their bloody path toward unification.

  • Jason Momoa as Kaʻiana: The series protagonist, Kaʻiana, is a fierce, exiled Hawaiian chief and warrior. The series follows his controversial and pivotal role in the power struggles that eventually led to the rise of Kamehameha I. Momoa, who is also a co-creator and executive producer, considers this his most personal project to date.
  • Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu: Buchanan portrays the formidable Kaʻahumanu, a real historical figure who would become the First Queen (Kuhina Nui) of a unified Hawaiʻi. She is depicted as one of the most powerful rulers of early Hawaiian history, bringing a crucial female perspective to the narrative.
  • Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili: Morrison, a veteran Māori and Tainui actor, plays King Kahekili, the powerful and cunning King of Maui. Historically, Kahekili was a significant figure who controlled several islands before the unification wars.
  • Kaina Makua as King Kamehameha I: Makua, a Native Hawaiian kalo farmer and cultural practitioner, makes his breakout acting debut as Kamehameha I. Kamehameha is the legendary chief who ultimately conquers and unifies the Hawaiian Islands, becoming its first king.
  • Te Ao o Hinepehinga as Kupuohi: The Māori actress plays Kupuohi (also known as Kekupuohi), a warrior from Hawaiʻi island and the wife of Jason Momoa’s character, Kaʻiana.
  • Cliff Curtis as Keōua: Curtis, a prolific Māori actor, portrays Keōua, a high-ranking chief who is in line to inherit the Hawaiʻi throne from his father, King Kalaniʻōpuʻu. Curtis notably performed his entire role without speaking a single word of English.
  • Moses Goods as Moku: Goods, a Native Hawaiian actor and theater veteran, plays Moku (Keʻeaumoku), a chief advisor to the future King Kamehameha I and the father of Kaʻahumanu.
  • Siua Ikaleʻo as Nāhi: Ikaleʻo plays Nāhi, the younger brother of Kaʻiana (Jason Momoa). His role provides a personal and familial connection to the central conflict.
  • Brandon Finn as Prince Kūpule: Finn is listed in the ensemble cast as playing Prince Kūpule.

Jason Momoa's Personal Journey: The Heart of the Series

For Jason Momoa, Chief of War is more than just an acting role; it is a deeply personal and cultural undertaking. Momoa, who has Polynesian roots, has long been a vocal advocate for authentic storytelling that honors the history of his people. His character, Kaʻiana, is based on a real-life figure known for his exceptional skill in battle and his complex moral decisions during a time of immense political upheaval.

The star’s commitment is evident in his preparation, which included extensively learning to speak ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. The language itself is a central entity in the show, with many scenes and even the first two episodes primarily featuring the indigenous tongue, a powerful statement on cultural preservation and representation in mainstream media.

The Indigenous Ensemble Cast and The Power of Representation

One of the most praised aspects of Chief of War is its commitment to casting actors of Polynesian descent, including Māori, Native Hawaiian, and Tongan talent. This decision ensures that the story is told by those who share a deep ancestral connection to the narrative, a crucial element for a historical drama of this magnitude.

Luciane Buchanan: The Breakout Queen Kaʻahumanu

New Zealand actress Luciane Buchanan has been highlighted as a breakout star for her portrayal of Kaʻahumanu. Her character is a powerful female figure who navigated the male-dominated political landscape of 18th-century Hawaiʻi. Buchanan’s performance is inspired by the historical Kaʻahumanu's strength and her role in shaping the newly united kingdom.

Temuera Morrison and Cliff Curtis: Veteran Māori Talent

The inclusion of veteran actors Temuera Morrison and Cliff Curtis adds significant gravitas to the cast. Both are well-respected Māori performers from New Zealand, known for their roles in international blockbusters. Morrison, famous for his work as Jango Fett and Boba Fett in the Star Wars universe, brings a commanding presence to King Kahekili. Curtis, known for films like Whale Rider and Fear the Walking Dead, embraced the challenge of performing entirely in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi as Keōua, further underscoring the show's linguistic commitment.

Kaina Makua and Moses Goods: Native Hawaiian Authenticity

The casting of Kaina Makua as King Kamehameha I is a powerful choice. Makua is not a career actor but a cultural practitioner and farmer from Kauaʻi. His deep understanding of Hawaiian culture and history provides an inherent authenticity to the portrayal of one of Hawaiʻi's most revered figures. Similarly, Moses Goods, a Native Hawaiian storyteller, brings his extensive knowledge of local culture to his role as Moku, the chief advisor.

Filming Locations and Historical Context: Entities of Authority

To achieve its epic scope and deep authenticity, Chief of War utilized stunning and significant filming locations across the Hawaiian Islands and New Zealand. The production team ensured that the visual backdrop was as historically resonant as the script.

  • The Big Island (Hawaiʻi Island): Key battle sequences, such as the massive Black Desert Battle, were filmed on the stark, dramatic lava fields of Kalapana near the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. These locations provide a raw, powerful landscape that reflects the volcanic intensity of the historical period.
  • Oʻahu: Filming also took place on Oʻahu, including the culturally significant Waimea Valley, which was historically governed by high-ranking aliʻi (chiefs).

The series is a historical epic, though the creators admit to condensing a 20-year chronology of events to fit the nine-episode structure. However, the focus remains on the real-life historical figures and events that led to the formation of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, grounding the drama in significant historical context. Entities like the Kingdom of Maui, the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, the concept of the Kuhina Nui, and the Unification Wars are all central to the narrative, providing rich topical authority for viewers interested in the history of the Pacific. The series is a vital piece of indigenous storytelling, using the high-profile platform of Apple TV+ to share a crucial part of Hawaiian history with a global audience.

The Ultimate Guide to the 'Chief of War' Cast: 8 Polynesian Stars Redefining the Epic Hawaiian Saga
chief of war cast
chief of war cast

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  • Name : Guy Hodkiewicz
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  • Bio : Blanditiis illum ut repellendus impedit ut quo enim. Quae error sequi nisi ab quos. Est tenetur tempora inventore quia et. Neque et consequuntur impedit nemo.

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