Chief of War: Jason Momoa's Fierce Hawaiian Epic, Cultural Triumphs, and Exotic Filming Locations in New Zealand and Hawaii
These are the Chief of War filming locations in New Zealand and Hawaii you can visit
If you're craving a historical drama that's equal parts brutal battles, cultural depth, and Jason Momoa shirtless (let's be honest, that's a draw), Chief of War is your August 2025 binge. This Apple TV+ miniseries, which dropped its full season on August 1, transports viewers to late 18th-century Hawaii, chronicling the unification wars that shaped the islands' destiny. Momoa, who co-created the show with Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, stars as Kaʻiana, a legendary warrior navigating alliances, betrayals, and colonial threats in a bid to protect his people's sovereignty.
Picture this: Hawaii before the tourists, when chiefs like Kamehameha I (played by Kaina Makua) clashed with rivals amid volcanic landscapes and crashing waves. The series dives into real Indigenous history, blending high-stakes action – think spear fights and canoe battles – with poignant explorations of tradition, identity, and resistance against European intruders. Momoa's Kaʻiana is a complex anti-hero: fierce in combat, torn by loyalty, and grappling with prophecies that could doom or save his homeland. Supporting cast shines with talents like Luciane Buchanan as a cunning strategist and Te Ao o Hinepeita as a spiritual advisor, adding layers of intrigue and emotion.
Entertaining? Absolutely. Episodes are packed with edge-of-your-seat sequences, like a massive beach assault that rivals Game of Thrones in scale, but with Polynesian flair – haka dances before battles, tattoo rituals, and ocean voyages that feel epic. Momoa's passion project emphasizes authenticity: dialogue mixes English with Hawaiian Pidgin and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), and cultural consultants ensured respectful portrayals. One hilarious behind-the-scenes tidbit: Momoa, a Hawaii native, insisted on real lava rock props, leading to a few singed eyebrows during fiery scenes. Critics are raving about its 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it "a visceral love letter to Hawaiian resilience."
Chief of War: Jason Momoa's Fierce Hawaiian Epic, Cultural Triumphs, and Exotic Filming Locations in New Zealand and Hawaii
Now, the filming locations – a tale as dramatic as the show itself. Though set in Hawaii, only about 20% was shot there, with the bulk in New Zealand due to cost, logistics, and tax incentives. Controversial? A bit – Momoa addressed it, noting New Zealand's similar volcanic terrain and experienced crews made it feasible, while still employing Hawaiian talent. Principal photography happened at Auckland's studios and North Island spots, where lush rainforests and black-sand beaches doubled for Hawaiian paradises. Key sites include the Waitakere Ranges, with their dense ferns and waterfalls mimicking Big Island jungles, and Piha Beach for coastal skirmishes, where crashing waves added natural drama.
For the authentic Hawaiian touch, the team spent a month on the Big Island, filming in lava fields around Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. These stark, otherworldly expanses – think jagged black rock under starry skies – captured the raw power of the islands' gods and battles. Imagine Momoa charging through steam vents and craters; it's as intense as it sounds. Other spots like Waipio Valley provided verdant cliffs for cliffside confrontations, evoking the sacred valleys where chiefs once ruled.
New Zealand's choice sparked debate, but it allowed for stunning visuals – Hobbiton-esque green hills reimagined as tropical battlegrounds. If you're adventure-bound, visit Hawaii's Big Island for lava hikes (safely!), or New Zealand's North Island for beach treks. Chief of War isn't just entertainment; it's a cultural odyssey that makes you appreciate the lands that birthed these legends. Grab your lei and stream it – aloha to epic TV!