Ep. 77 - CHIEF OF WAR Leads with Hawai’ian Culture and History

CHIEF OF WAR (2025) featuring Jason Momoa as Ka’iana Photo: Apple TV+

Episode 77 features a conversation with the Apple TV series CHIEF OF WAR co-creator, writer, and co-executive producer Thomas Pa'a Sibbett. 

CHIEF OF WAR, set between 1782 and 1810, tells the story, based on true events, of Hawai'i's unification from an indigenous perspective, featuring a predominantly Polynesian cast, including Jason Momoa (co-creator with Sibbett) as the warrior Ka'iana.

Thomas Pa’a Sibbett emphasizes the importance of cultural authenticity, working with cultural advisors to ensure accuracy in costumes, tattoos, and historical details. The conversation also touches on the broader themes of cultural assimilation, resistance, and the importance of indigenous narratives in understanding history and sustainability.

“... we’re in a place where we can really look at ourselves, look at our histories, look at each other face to face, and say, ‘look, there are definitely problems with how we’ve arrived where we are.’ And if we can acknowledge those problems and learn from what has happened in the past, then hopefully we can move forward in a place of mutual respect and understanding.”

— Thomas Pa'a Sibbett

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Guest: THOMAS PA’A SIBBETT

Thomas Pa’a Sibbett is a screenwriter and producer. He rose in the ranks on the film side having penned several features including BRAVEN and THE LAST MANHUNT, in addition to developing the story on “AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM” – all featuring his CHIEF OF WAR co-creator Jason Momoa. 

As a Native Hawaiian, Sibbett’s early life was marked by a deep connection to his Polynesian heritage. His family actively engaged in cultural activities, using art and dance to foster community and deter youth from gang involvement. Beyond his professional endeavors, Paa’a is committed to uplifting Polynesian narratives and voices in media. He emphasizes the importance of self-identity and aligning one’s path with cultural values and faith.

Connect with Thomas Pa’a Sibbett: IG

Download the Transcript for Episode 77

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CHIEF OF WAR

CHIEF OF WAR official trailer Apple TV+

CHIEF OF WAR is the epic story of the unification of the 4 kingdoms (Hawai’i, Kaua’i, Mauai, and O’ahu) into what we know today as Hawai’i. The series is inspired by Hawai’i’s history before the impact of Western colonization, and takes place roughly between the years 1782 - 1810.

CHIEF OF WAR’s story of Hawaii’s unification and encounters with outside people is told from an indigenous perspective. The actors speak Hawai’ian for much of the series, and the attention to historical and cultural detail, along with the action-packed plot and historical characters, makes the series a must see.

In addition to Jason Momoa (Ka’iana) the cast includes Luciane Buchanan (Ka’ahumanu), Temuera Morrison (King Kahekili), Te Ao o Hinepehinga (Kupuohi), Cliff Curtis (Keoua), Kaina Makua (King Kamehameha), Moses Goods (Moku), Siua Ikale’o (Nahi), Brandon Finn (Prince Kupule), James Udom (Tony), Mainei Kinimake (Heke), Te Kohe Tuhaka (Namake), and Sisa Gray (Vai).

Apple TV official site for CHIEF OF WAR (Subscription required to stream the series)

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A Brief Guide to CHIEF OF WAR Historical References in episode 77

Ka’ahumanu (c. 1768 - 1832)

Ka’ahumanu portrayed by Luciane Buchanan - One of the most powerful women in Hawai’ian history and favored wife of King Kamehameha. She was an astute politician and was one of the most powerful rulers of early 19th century Hawai’i. For more information, visit the National Park Service Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park website.

Kamehameha (c. 1736 - 1819)

portrayed by Kaina Makua. Known as “Kamehameha the Great,” Kamehameha was born into a royal family. After several pivotal battles, Kamehameha was able to unite the 4 island kingdoms (Hawai’i, Kaua’i, Mauai, and O’ahu) and became Hawai’is first king as prophesized. More information available on the Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park website.

Ka’iana (c. 1755 - 1795)

Ka’iana, portrayed by Jason Momoa, was a prominent warrior chief and the most famous Hawai’ian of his time because of his travels around the world. Ka’iana boarded a British ship and travelled the world. He sailed to China, the Phillipines, and the Pacific Northwest. 

However, Ka’iana may not be the first Native Hawai’ian globetrotter. Winée’ or ‘Wynee, a middle-aged woman, boarded a merchant ship and encountered Ka’iana in China. ‘Wynee could be the inspiration for the character Vai (portrayed by Sisa Grey) who is introduced in episode 3 of CHIEF OF WAR.

More information about ‘Wynee and Ka’iana is included in this article from the Five Oaks Museum in Washington (state) 

Keone Nunes

Keone Nunes is a master tatoo artist using traditional tattoo Hawai’ian/Polynesian tools. He is credited for bringing traditional tattooing back to the islands. His work can be seen in CHIEF OF WAR (some permanent, some temporary). Photo: Brandon Finn as Prince Kupule (Apple TV Plus), Keone Nunes (First Peoples Fund)

Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace, located in Honolulu, was the home of Hawai’i’s last reigning monarchs including Kamehameha III and Hawai’i’s last queen Queen Liliʻuokalani. Visit the Iolani Palace website.  

Black Settlers in Hawai'i

Tony, portrayed by James Udom, is a composite of prominent Black settlers who lived in Hawai’i before and shortly after the white missionaries arrived in the early 19th century. Mr. Keaka’ele’ele aka “Black Jack” was on the island of Oahu during the time of Kamehameha’s campaign to unify the four kingdoms. For Black settlers, Hawai’i was a place where they could be free and build an abundant life. Learn more about Hawai’i’s Black community history on the NPS Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park website.

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