Chief of War: A Local Hawaiian Perspective

When you grow up in Hawaiʻi, your sense of history isn't just something you read in school textbooks. It's in the stories your grandparents tell, in the chants you hear at cultural events, and in the names of places you pass every day. For many of us, the stories of our aliʻi—our chiefs—have always been powerful, but also distant. We’ve seen their portraits, read their names, but never seen them come to life.

Until now.

“Chief of War” is more than just a TV series. For the people of Hawaiʻi, it feels like a long-overdue homecoming—a visual, emotional, and cultural return to a past we’ve always honored but never truly seen played out on screen. And for those who were part of making it? The experience was life-changing.

Finally Seeing Our Chiefs in Action

For one local actor who worked on set, the experience was so emotional he said he’d go home crying. “We’ve never seen our aliʻi in live action. Never,” he shared. “We’ve only seen our chiefs in paintings.” Imagine what it’s like to step into history like that—to walk onto a big-budget set where the costumes, the scenes, and the stories reflect your ancestors. It wasn’t just a job—it was personal.

Each episode reportedly had a budget of around $20 million, and you can see the care and detail that went into every scene. But beyond the visuals, what makes “Chief of War” stand out is its heart. The storytelling feels grounded, powerful, and rooted in something sacred.

A Hawaiian Warrior Culture, Finally Represented

For far too long, Hawaiian culture has been portrayed through the lens of tourism—think leis, luaus, and aloha shirts. But this show is flipping that script. “Chief of War” gives viewers a glimpse into the warrior side of Hawaiian history—the side often overlooked in favor of the peaceful, smiling image of Waikīkī. The creators made it a point to show that aloha and strength aren’t opposites. There’s no Lono (peace) without Kū (war).

Writer and co-creator Paʻa Sibbett did his homework. He brought in cultural experts, respected kumu, and advisors to make sure the story was told right. The central figure of the series is Chief Kaʻiana, played by actor Jason Momoa, and the show focuses on the internal and external conflicts during a time of great political change in Hawaiʻi.

But beyond the names and dates, what the series captures is mana—that spiritual energy and power that defines the Hawaiian worldview. You don’t just watch “Chief of War.” You feel it.

Language, Casting, and Controversy

Another standout feature? The show is mostly in ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi—the Hawaiian language. That alone is historic. This marks the first time a major series has used ‘ōlelo as the primary language, and it’s already making waves. For Hawaiian speakers and learners, it’s a huge source of pride. For others, it’s a chance to hear the language spoken in full flow, not just sprinkled in.

But not everything was met with universal praise. The casting sparked some controversy. While many roles went to Polynesian actors, some Hawaiians questioned why more Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) weren’t cast in key roles. And honestly? That’s a fair concern. Still, others pointed out that for the first season to succeed and secure future seasons, the producers needed actors with established reputations who could draw an audience.

As one local shared, “You can’t gamble on the first season. If it doesn’t perform, there won’t be a second one.”

It’s a tough balance—authenticity vs. marketability—but one that the community is still unpacking.

An Emotional Celebration of Culture

There were beautiful, unscripted moments too—like the show’s wrap party, held at a local restaurant. During the celebration, actor Temuera Morrison (who plays the high chief of Maui) surprised everyone with an impromptu performance of Here Is My Heart. That moment, surrounded by local musicians and community members, reminded everyone why this series matters.

It’s not just about entertainment. It’s about reconnecting. It's about reclaiming. And for many Hawaiians, it’s about healing.

Final Thoughts: Why It Matters

"Chief of War" is giving the world a chance to see Hawaiʻi the way locals have always known it: fierce, beautiful, complex, and full of heart. For the people of Hawaiʻi, it’s not just a show. It’s a statement.

It tells us:

• Our stories are worth telling.

• Our language is worth hearing.

• Our ancestors are worth remembering.

It’s hard not to get emotional when something this meaningful finally gets its due. And whether you're Hawaiian or not, watching “Chief of War” offers a rare opportunity to witness the depth and dignity of a culture that’s often been misunderstood or flattened into stereotypes.

So yeah—watch it for the action, the costumes, the drama. But also watch it with respect. Because for the people of Hawaiʻi, this is more than entertainment.

It’s personal.