“Have you seen Chief of War?” If you’ve been to Hawai‘i lately, chances are you’ve been asked this question – by a tour guide, an Uber driver, or even the person making your morning coffee. The Apple TV+ series was a passion project for Honolulu-born actor Jason Momoa, whose father is Native Hawaiian. Best known for Aquaman, Momoa co-created and executive-produced the Chief of War series, and also stars in the lead role.
While the historical drama has earned international acclaim, what’s most striking is how warmly it has been embraced at home. There’s a palpable sense of validation in seeing Native Hawaiian culture, language and legends portrayed with such reverence, and on a global stage. For travellers keen to connect with the story behind the screen, here’s where to go to get close to the world of Chief of War.
Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Friends of Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park on island of Hawai‘i has launched a series of cultural programs designed to deepen understanding of the traditions and history explored in Chief of War. Each event features a screening of a selected clip from the series, followed by a hands-on demonstration led by cultural practitioners. Through these experiences, participants learn about the art forms depicted in the show and the people, knowledge and living traditions behind them.
Bishop Museum
At Bishop Museum in Honolulu, visitors can see traditional Hawaiian garments featured prominently in the series. They include ‘ahu ‘ula (feather cloaks) and mahiole (feather helmets) – distinguished by their colours, which signify different islands and royal lineages – as well as weapons adorned with shark teeth. The museum’s cultural advisor, Marques Hanalei Marzan, also served as an advisor for the series.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
The lava fields on island of Hawai‘i provided the backdrop for the most epic battle scene in the series, with the shoot coinciding with the eruption of Mauna Loa volcano for the first time in nearly 40 years. Filmmakers embraced the unpredictability of the environment, using the flowing lava and billowing ash to amplify the emotional intensity of the moment.
Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Built by King Kamehameha I to fulfill a prophecy foretelling his rise, the monumental stone temple at the centre of this historic site marks a turning point in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands. Overlooking the Kohala Coast on island of Hawai‘i, its stark lava-rock presence and sacred history echo the series’ themes of power, sacrifice and destiny, making it a fascinating real-world counterpart to the show’s epic storytelling.
Kualoa Ranch
Initially, filmmakers were reluctant to shoot at Kualoa Ranch because its dramatic cliffs and landscapes had been featured on screen so often, in films including Jurassic Park and Godzilla, as well as TV shows such as Lost. But they ultimately chose the site because the land itself was essential to the storyline. Kualoa has long been considered by Hawaiians as one of the most sacred places on the island of O‘ahu. It served as the residence of ali’i (kings), a place of refuge and sanctuary, and a training ground for Hawaiian royalty, where they were taught the arts of war, history and social traditions.
The Naha Stone
This massive volcanic rock, which plays a key role in the story’s narrative, can be found outside Hilo Public Library on island of Hawai‘i. According to legend, whoever was able to move or overturn the stone was prophesied to unite the Hawaiian Islands. King Kamehameha I – a formidable warrior and one of the show’s central figures – famously lifted and overturned the stone, fulfilling the prophecy.
