Full Cast And Character List For Chief of War

Nivedita Dubey
August 1, 2025

Key Points:

Chief of War is a nine-episode historical drama series premiering on Apple TV+ on August 1, 2025.
The cast includes Jason Momoa as Ka’iana, with Temuera Morrison, Luciane Buchanan, and other Polynesian actors playing key roles.
The series blends real historical figures and fictional characters, with strong emphasis on cultural authenticity and native storytelling.

Chief of War brings the untold story of Hawaii’s unification to life, led by Jason Momoa as a fierce warrior named Ka’iana. This historical Apple TV+ drama spans nine episodes and showcases the struggle against colonization, told through a Native Hawaiian perspective. With a Polynesian-led cast and grounded historical research, the show offers a powerful look into Hawaii’s past.

Who Are the Main Cast Members in Chief of War?

Jason Momoa in Chief of War — Official Trailer _ Apple TV+

The ensemble cast of Chief of War includes veteran actors and rising Polynesian talent, all portraying characters rooted in the history of 18th-century Hawai’i. Here’s a look at the key players:

Jason Momoa as Ka’iana
The lead protagonist and a Native Hawaiian warrior whose internal and external battles define the series. Momoa, also co-creator and director of the finale, delivers a performance filled with raw intensity and cultural pride.
Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili
The seasoned ruler and mentor to Ka’iana. Known for his roles in Aquaman and Star Wars, Morrison brings wisdom and gravitas to a character vital to Ka’iana’s transformation.
Luciane Buchanan as Ka’ahumanu
A politically influential figure, Ka’ahumanu plays a pivotal role in shaping Hawaii’s future. Buchanan portrays her with the strength and nuance the real historical figure deserves.
Te Ao o Hinepehinga as Kupuohi
A loyal companion to Ka’iana, Kupuohi’s character provides emotional balance and strategic insight. Despite initial confusion in early listings, her role is now confirmed across multiple sources.
Siua Ikale’o as Nahi
Ka’iana’s brother and fellow warrior, Nahi adds familial strength to the battle for unification.
Kaina Makua as King Kamehameha
A legendary figure in Hawaiian history, Kamehameha’s journey toward unifying the islands is brought to life by newcomer Kaina Makua.
Brandon Finn as Prince Kūpule
A royal caught in the political tide of change, Prince Kūpule represents the complex loyalties during this turbulent time.
Mainei Kinimaka as Heke
Kupuohi’s younger sister, Heke brings a grounded, familial dimension to the story’s otherwise warrior-heavy landscape.
Te Kohe Tuhaka as Namake
Another of Ka’iana’s brothers, Namake rounds out the sibling warrior trio in the series.
Moses Goods as Moku
As Kamehameha’s trusted advisor, Moku offers strategic counsel crucial to the island unification.
James Udom as Tony
A runaway enslaved man whose story collides with the central plot, Tony adds a vital lens into the global implications of colonization.
Cliff Curtis as Keōua
The cousin of Kamehameha and a key political rival. Curtis plays this layered role with a sense of ambition and rivalry.
Erroll Shand as Capt. John Meares
Representing the British colonial threat, Capt. Meares symbolizes the looming external forces that shape the internal Hawaiian struggle.
Siaosi Fonua as Maui
A warrior from the island of Maui, contributing to the inter-island dynamics that influence the narrative.

What Historical Roles Do These Characters Play?

Chief of War — Official Trailer _ Apple TV+

Chief of War draws heavily from real historical events that took place between 1782 and 1810, depicting the unification of Hawai’i’s islands during a time of cultural resistance and European encroachment.

Ka’iana, while fictionalized in dramatization, is inspired by real Hawaiian warriors who initially aligned with but later opposed Kamehameha.
King Kamehameha is portrayed with the reverence his legacy commands as the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands.
Ka’ahumanu historically became one of Hawaii’s most powerful female leaders, and her portrayal aligns with her political and cultural significance.
King Kahekili and Keōua are real figures with substantial influence during the transitional period of Hawaiian rule.
Tony, while fictional, introduces a broader view of slavery and colonial interaction, grounding the show in wider global realities.

Which Supporting Cast Members Appear in Chief of War?

The series features a wide array of minor and supporting characters, often appearing in single episodes. These roles help flesh out the historical context:

Ocean Kaowili – Listed in several sources but without a confirmed character role.
Kainoa Andrade as Maui Chief
Daniel Watta as King Hahana
Marie Falevai Sibbett as Namahana
Albert Mateni as Hawaii Warrior
Branscombe Richmond as King Kalaniopu’u
Peter Tait as Copley
Wolf Chen as China Jack
Jason Hood as Captain Metcalfe
Xavier Horan as Gunsmith

Chief of War Cast and Characters

Actor	Character	Role Description
Jason Momoa	Ka’iana	Fierce warrior leading the unification mission
Temuera Morrison	King Kahekili	Wise ruler and Ka’iana’s mentor
Luciane Buchanan	Ka’ahumanu	Influential political leader
Te Ao o Hinepehinga	Kupuohi	Loyal ally and strategist
Siua Ikale’o	Nahi	Ka’iana’s brother, devoted warrior
Kaina Makua	King Kamehameha	Historical king uniting Hawai’i
Brandon Finn	Prince Kūpule	Royal figure in political struggle
Mainei Kinimaka	Heke	Kupuohi’s sister, grounding the familial arc
Te Kohe Tuhaka	Namake	Another warrior brother of Ka’iana
Moses Goods	Moku	Kamehameha’s chief advisor
James Udom	Tony	Enslaved man intersecting the story
Cliff Curtis	Keōua	Political rival and cousin to Kamehameha
Erroll Shand	Capt. John Meares	British colonial sea captain
Siaosi Fonua	Maui	Warrior from the island of Maui

When and Where Can You Watch Chief of War?

Release Date: Premiered on August 1, 2025.
Platform: Available exclusively on Apple TV+.
Episode Format: The first two episodes dropped together, with the rest airing weekly through September 19, 2025.