Bringing ‘Chief of War’ to life: Friends of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau series of cultural programs tied directly to Apple TV+ original

Friends of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is collaborating with Apple TV+’s original new historical epic series “Chief of War,” bringing to life a series of programming at the park in Hōnaunau designed to provide a deep understanding of the traditions and history highlighted in the show.

At the core of the partnership will be authentic cultural events tied directly to the themes of “Chief of War,” which is based on true events and follows the unification and colonization of Hawai‘i.

Each will feature a viewing of a specific clip from the TV series followed by a demonstration that will teach participants about an art form depicted in the show.

These demonstrations will be led by cultural practitioners and the people and traditions they represent.

They will educate the public and provide support to the local community by compensating cultural practitioners for sharing their invaluable knowledge and skills.

“This partnership is an extraordinary opportunity to share the authentic practices of this sacred place with a global audience,” said Friends of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Fien in an announcement about the collaboration. “By connecting the narrative of ‘Chief of War’ with hands-on, culturally-led programs, we can offer rich experiences that honor the legacy of our island’s aliʻi and its traditions.”

Actor Jason Momoa — who was born in August 1979 in Honolulu and raised in Norwalk, Iowa, before moving to Hawaiʻi after high school — is executive producer, writer and star of “Chief of War,” which is set amid the scenic backdrop of the Hawaiian Islands.

The original TV series is a thrilling, unprecedented telling of the unification of Hawaiʻi from an indigenous perspective, told through a Hawaiian war chief who joins a bloody campaign to bring the warring islands together in order to save them from the threat of colonization.

“We are particularly proud that these events will be led by cultural practitioners, ensuring authenticity and providing a meaningful way to perpetuate these art forms for generations to come,” Fien said about the event series.

Friends of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park posted on Facebook that the collaboration is about much more than the show — “it’s a chance to step into the very history of our lands.”

“This is a new chapter in how we can share the history of our ‘aina with the world,” the nonprofit wrote. “Stay tuned for details on how you can join us!”

The first season of “Chief of War” is now streaming around the world on Apple TV+. New episodes premiere every Friday.

Nonprofit Friends of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park envisions a park for the benefit and inspiration of all people.

It protects the wahi pana, or sacred place, and interconnected cultural and natural resources of the Hōnaunau, Keokea and Kīʻilae ahupuaʻa, or Hawaiian land division, so traditional Hawaiian values and practices will thrive now and into the future.