Te Kohe Tuhaka and Siua Ikale‘o in "Chief of War," now streaming on Apple TV+. Photo courtesy Apple TV+

“Chief of War,” the acclaimed new Hawaiian history-based dramatic series on Apple TV+, has a secret weapon in its ensemble cast.

While Jason Momoa, the former “Aquaman,” leads “Chief of War” as the heroic Ka’iana and is the big draw, the show’s growing audience is quick to notice a real scene stealer: Siua Ikale’o, who plays Ka’iana’s brother, Nahi.

Ikale’o, with his imposing presence (he’s 6-foot-5) and winning performance, is becoming a fan favorite.

Early years as an actor

Born in the U.S. but raised in Tonga, Ikale’o recalls an early memory that signaled his direction into the arts.

“I played a donkey,” said Ikale’o. “The skit was called ‘The Jacket.’ It was something I was going through at the time. We performed the skit in front of schools. I saw the crowd weeping. It connected within me. It was the first time I looked at this as an outlet to talk to people.”

The early experiences led to the First Take Acting Program. “It was humbling,” said Ikale’o. “I had been doing a few things, student films, short films, I always liked acting. Did a few scenes, but felt it was weird.”

The breakthrough

After years of performing in skits and church dramas, an early break came in the form of “NCIS: Hawaii.” The assignment: playing a hit man. The memory of the experience makes Ikale’o smile.

“Playing Ricky Sio was fun,” said Ikale’o. “That specific episode, the script was based on Samoan culture in Hawaii. It was all Polynesian talent, aside from the main cast. Beautiful thing to debut. I was a huge fan of ‘NCIS.’ To be a part of it was huge fun.”

Meeting a Maui acting veteran

Speaking of “NCIS: Hawaii,” Ikale’o encountered a Maui film veteran on the show who would later appear with him in “Chief of War.” It was Branscombe Richmond from “Renegade.”

“I remember seeing him with that mullet,” Ikale’o recalled. “It was very entertaining. I did not to expect to see him on ‘NCIS: Hawaii.’ I ran into him at a hotel. I hear someone in lobby. He yelled at me, “Hey sasquatch!” He’s a beautiful human being. I love that he got a part in this.”

Preparing for ‘Chief of War’

Which skill was the hardest for Ikale’o to learn or sharpen for his role in “Chief of War”? Ikale’o replied, “All of them.”

“One thing I will say is you’ve got to treat every single thing with reverence,” he explained. “Jason had said it: We’re afraid of this. There was a certain amount of fear that goes with reverence. My process was bringing stuff from First Take — breaking down scenes, learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Before I met Jason, I worked on chemistry between the brothers, broke down a few things. Completion of the process is when I’m in the zone. Completion of my process for Nahi is to watch what I bring.”

Following the training and rehearsals, Ikale’o found himself testing the waters with his co-star.

“The first day on the set was picture test day,” Ikale’o recalled. “A couple days before filming, we were in costume, putting tan spray on me, tattoos, on set standing around, camera crew and prop people. Jason comes in. I’m in a forest standing with Jason. I’m like, he’s awfully quiet. We start changing our regalia. He was quiet. I gotta break the ice. I turn around, looking at him in his outfit. I said to him, ‘You look majestic.’ It hits him and he grins, looks away, he says, ‘… majestic.’ Back to awkward silence. That was picture test day.”

Ikale’o felt how special the project was from the beginning.

“The first day of actual filming was of Ka’iana, Namake and Nahi, our first time we were all together as a family,” said Ikale’o. “A beautiful day to film and be together. Just the best.”

Creative battles and victories on the set

During the first days of production, Ikale’o had a constant recurring thought: “I’m just thinking, ‘Don’t get fired, don’t get fired.'”

“If I make my part work, then that’s my goal for every single day. I just had to make my part work,” said Ikale’o. “The characters are all in service of the day. Every single one of the actors were there to serve the mission of the show. I didn’t have any doubts it wasn’t going to work.”

Ikale’o spoke highly of Momoa, who is also co-writer and producer.

“All the fights Jason had to go through — he fought a lot,” said Ikale’o.

In addition to starring and other creative responsibilities, Momoa also directed the spectacular final episode.

“It was epic. He has a beautiful eye for things,” Ikale’o said. “To sit back and watch him in his element is even more impressive. Everything he was doing, even while he’s being director, he can be an actor. So, when he steps into a directing role, there’s such a beauty in the way he gets excited. It was cool to watch him in his creativity.”

The future of ‘Chief of War’

The potential of where Ikale’o wants to see Nahi develop reveals promising creative directions, even though we’re not seeing everything that was filmed.

“Obviously I want to take Nahi as far as I can,” said Ikale’o. “He’s a deep feeling guy — to explore more of that would be awesome. For all of the things we’ve shot so far, there’s lots of scenes that didn’t make the cut, and the show still works.”

Facing the inevitable question about a second season, Ikale’o was careful but optimistic with his answer.

“I don’t get privy to those discussions,” he said. “All I can say is, you want to see more Nahi, you’ve got to watch the show. Get those numbers up. I’m a very positive guy to put that out there, but we’ve got to keep supporting the show.”

Watching ‘Chief of War’ with the world

Like many other people across Hawaii and the U.S., Ikale’o has been keeping up with audience reactions and the weekly arrival of each new episode.

“I’ve been watching it every week,” said Ikale’o. “I enjoyed it when I first got it. It was a whole different experience to be at the Hawaii premiere, then to keep watching it on Apple TV+ and tuning in with fans, their reactions to it. It continues to tickle that emotional button in our hearts, that our work is finally being seen.

“The voice of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is being heard. It’s been really good. Somebody asked me if I see a negative review. They have a right to their opinion, but it’s Kanaka Maoli and the keikis that matter. Each of us were assigned a specific language coach. I told my language coach, ‘I think the worst critic I could have is your kids! As long as your kids say they like it.”

Next stop for Siua

Next up for Ikale’o is “Nemesis,” a crime drama TV series on Netflix from the creators of “Power.”

“I’m blessed to have another opportunity,” said Ikale’o. “I feel blessed to keep telling Polynesian stories through my bits and pieces. The showrunner for ‘Nemesis’ is Courtney A. Kemp and Tiffany Marrow. Matthew Law is the star — most of my scenes were with him, the No. 1 on the show. Really fun to be a part of that and create the chemistry between our characters. I think it will be a thrill for audiences when it comes up.”

Different sides to Siua

When Ikale’o considers what kind of roles he wants to keep playing, he only sees possibilities.

“I don’t mind playing more Polynesian characters,” said Ikale’o. “Different kinds of uncles and cousins, I don’t mind playing those as much as possible, but I’d also love to be in a comedy or something family friendly. There’s also a soft and goofy side to me — my nieces and nephews know that. I’d love to be a part of a show where my nieces and nephews could recognize the guy they know. Also, sci-fi.”

“Chief of War” airs weekly on Apple TV+ and “Nemesis” will premiere on Netflix.