Island Infiltration Operation Kickoff under the Command of Retired Military Chief: A Prolonged and Brutal Island Invasion
In the first episode of the new historical series, "Chief of War," on Apple TV Plus, we are introduced to Kaʻiana, a warrior chief from Maui living in exile on Kauaʻi. The episode opens with Kaʻiana wrestling a shark, a symbol of his physical prowess and respect for life.
Kaʻiana, played by Jason Momoa, is summoned by King Kahekili of Maui, his former ruler. Despite feeling betrayed and reluctant, Kaʻiana returns to Maui under the king’s coercion. Upon his return, he is caught in a prophecy and a manipulative power struggle that leads to war, largely driven by vengeance.
The Hawaiian Islands in the 18th century are split into four island kingdoms: Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi, and Kaua'i. Kaʻiana is greeted by King Kahekili (Temuera Morrison), who is also his uncle and the brother of his father, the former Chief of War. King Kahekili reveals that one of the neighboring kingdoms, O'ahu, seems poised to invade and wants Kaʻiana by his side to carry out the prophecy of uniting the islands.
The series depicts native inhabitants unifying against European colonizers to protect their land and way of life. Kaʻiana and his family are taken to a camp on Maui where warriors are training. Kaʻiana’s son is an outcast and is confronted by Kaua'i kids in the series.
A prophecy in the series tells of a great king who will unite the islands, but no such king has appeared yet. Kaʻiana has a vision of the prophetess, Taula, who implies that the gods want him to fight. He wins a fight against one of the warriors by breaking his foe’s arm. However, he is threatened that if he tries to run again, he will be found.
Kaʻiana proposes a plan to take O'ahu without much bloodshed, with Maui engaging in a diversion on the western shore while Kaʻiana leads a small band of warriors to the east to take the priest and cause the king to surrender. The episode ends with Kaʻiana witnessing considerable bloodshed and contemplating his next move, foreshadowing rebellion against the king's violent tactics and the unification efforts under Kamehameha I.
The new Apple TV Plus historical epic "Chief of War" explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, prophecy, and the harsh realities of consolidating power in a deeply divided region. It sets the tone for the series by highlighting the complexities of Hawaiian leadership, alliances, and warfare in the late 18th century. The series premiered on Friday, August 1, 2025, with the first episode titled 'The Chief of War.'
- The first episode of the series, "Chief of War," premiered on Apple TV Plus on Friday, August 1, 2025, and is now available for streaming.
- To watch the first episode, viewers can log into their Apple TV Plus account or sign up for a subscription to stream the show.
- The series has garnered positive reviews for its compelling narrative, authentic portrayal of Hawaiian history, and strong performances by Jason Momoa as Kaʻiana and Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili.
- As the series unfolds, viewers can look forward to watching more episodes that follow Kaʻiana as he grapples with power struggles, prophecies, and the challenges of uniting the Hawaiian Islands.
- In addition to the first episode, the series includes several more episodes that delve deeper into the lives of the characters and the historical context of the 18th-century Hawaiian Islands.
- With its engaging storylines, stunning visuals, and strong cast, "Chief of War" is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and those interested in learning more about the rich culture and history of the Hawaiian Islands.
