Premise: Based on true events, the story begins at the end of the 18th century when the four major kingdoms of the Hawaiian Islands were in a state of war: Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. The series follows Kaʻiana, a warrior chief (aliʻi) of Kauaʻi who travels outside the islands, returns home, and joins a bloody campaign until, at the last minute, he rebels against the unification of Hawaiʻi that took place from 1782 to 1810 under Kamehameha I.
The miniseries was So good.
Pros: I give credit to Jason Momoa carrying this series on his knees as the lead and succeeded. It’s impressive how there visually & stunning this series was a long with production design being on point. It does showcase the culture of Hawaiʻi and how they operate. I felt the tension and suspense are very heavy and can be emotionally investing going through each episode.
Cons: I wish the pirates was more involved in the main story. I didn’t get a clue of the language that well and not a lot of people had access to this series or Apple TV+ to watch it.
Genre: Drama, History
Created by Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, Jason Momoa
Starring: Jason Momoa, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Brandon Finn, Siua Ikaleʻo, Mainei Kinimaka, Roimata Fox, Keala Kahuanui-Paleka, Moses Goods, James Udom, Benjamin Hoetjes & Kaina Makua.
Composers: Hans Zimmer, James Everingham
Executive producers: Molly Allen, Brian Andrew Mendoza, Jim Rowe, Jason Momoa, Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, Francis Lawrence, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Erik Holmberg, Doug Jung, Tracey Cook, Anders Engström, Timothy Van Patten
Production companies: On the Roam, Hard J Productions, about:blank, Fifth Season, Chernin Entertainment
Network: Apple TV+
Cast & Characters:
Main
- Jason Momoa as Kaʻiana
- Luciane Buchanan as Kaʻahumanu
- Te Ao o Hinepehinga as Kupuohi
- Te Kohe Tuhaka as Namake
- Brandon Finn as Prince Kūpule
- Siua Ikaleʻo as Nāhi
- Mainei Kinimaka as Heke
- Roimata Fox as Taula
- Keala Kahuanui-Paleka as ʻŌpūnui
- Moses Goods as Moku
- James Udom as Tony
- Benjamin Hoetjes as John Young
- Kaina Makua as Kamehameha I
Supporting
- Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili
- Charlie Brumbly as Marley
- Erroll Shand as Captain John Meares
- Sisa Grey as Vai
- Cliff Curtis as Keōua
- Ioane Goodhue as Lima
- Branscombe Richmond as King Kalaniʻōpuʻu
- Jason Hood as Captain Simon Metcalfe
- Kekuhi Keali‘ikanaka‘oleohaililani as Keōua’s mother
Additionally, several former New Zealand All Blacks players including Piri Weepu, Frank Bunce, Kees Meeuws, Troy Flavell, Liam Messam, and Ofa Tuʻungafasi cameo as Maui Kingdom warriors in the first episode.
I recommend watching this series on Apple TV+
Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars
Ryan Balkwill:
Resident TV reviewer,
Level Best Art Cafe