🔱 Who Was the Real Kaʻiana in Chief of War? The Hawaiian Warrior Who Defied a King
The Apple TV+ series Chief of War, co-created by Jason Momoa, brings a forgotten piece of Hawaiian history to global audiences. But at the center of this sweeping epic lies a real figure—Kaʻiana, a noble-born warrior who was as bold in battle as he was curious about the world.
Often left out of mainstream history books, Kaʻiana’s story is one of exploration, defiance, political intrigue, and ultimate tragedy. He was a man who crossed oceans, adopted foreign customs, and eventually turned against the future king of Hawai‘i, Kamehameha I.
So, who was Kaʻiana—and why does his story deserve to be told?
🌺 A Warrior Born
Kaʻiana was born around 1755 into a high-ranking Hawaiian aliʻi family. As was custom among the nobility, he was trained in the art of Hawaiian warfare from an early age. According to British fur trader Captain John Meares, Kaʻiana stood at six feet five inches, with a muscular frame that made him a natural on the battlefield.
In a time when inter-island warfare was common, Kaʻiana first rose to prominence fighting for Kahekili II, the supreme ruler of Maui. During the 1783 invasion of Oʻahu, Kaʻiana’s bravery and brute strength made him a standout warrior.
Yet only two years later, he turned against his commander. When Kaʻiana defected to the Oʻahu resistance, his betrayal was discovered, forcing him to flee for his life—a pattern that would repeat in his tumultuous journey.
🌏 Kaʻiana the Explorer
In 1786, Kaʻiana was living on the island of Kauaʻi when he encountered British traders. The following year, he boarded the ship Nootka, captained by John Meares, becoming one of the first native Hawaiians to travel across the Pacific Ocean.
His destinations included:
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Macao and Canton (modern-day Guangzhou) in China
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The Philippines
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Alaska
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The Pacific Northwest of North America
In China, Kaʻiana was a curiosity and a dignitary. Locals in Canton were said to revere his name, and he even attended Catholic Mass, mimicking the worshipers’ movements with deep curiosity.
Although outfitted with European clothing, Kaʻiana never fully abandoned his heritage. He often walked the streets in a feathered cape and loincloth, still carrying his Hawaiian spear—blending the old with the new, tradition with transformation.
His time abroad left a lasting impression on him—and on those who met him. Captain Portlock noted that the entire crew grew to love and admire Kaʻiana during the voyage.
⚔️ The General Who Armed Kamehameha
Kaʻiana returned to Hawai‘i in 1788, and soon allied himself with Kamehameha I, the powerful chief of the Big Island who was rising as a contender to unify the islands under one rule.
Using the knowledge and connections gained abroad, Kaʻiana helped Kamehameha modernize his military:
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Swivel guns (small cannons) were mounted on canoes
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Muskets and gunpowder were procured in significant amounts
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European-style battle formations were introduced
Captain George Vancouver, who visited Hawai‘i in 1792, expressed concern over this transformation. He observed that Kaʻiana’s fleet was armed and dangerous, a rare feat for a Pacific island chief.
Kaʻiana’s influence, power, and independence, however, began to worry Kamehameha.
🚨 Exiled by a King
When Kamehameha excluded Kaʻiana from his war council, many believed it was a political move to weaken a rising threat. Feeling betrayed—and possibly fearing for his life—Kaʻiana defected yet again, this time to Kalanikūpule, King of Oʻahu and Maui.
This act marked him as a traitor in Kamehameha’s eyes, and it set the stage for the infamous Battle of Nuʻuanu in 1795.
🩸 The Battle of Nuʻuanu – And Kaʻiana’s Death
The Battle of Nuʻuanu was one of the bloodiest in Hawaiian history. Kamehameha’s forces, numbering around 16,000 warriors, clashed with Kalanikūpule’s army in a brutal confrontation.
During the battle:
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Warriors were pushed off 1,000-foot cliffs at Nuʻuanu Pali
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Around 800 skulls were later found beneath the cliffs
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Kaʻiana fought with unmatched courage—but ultimately fell in battle
Some accounts say he was hit by a cannonball, others that he was speared and clubbed to death by enemies. What is certain: Kaʻiana died alongside hundreds of his loyal followers, leaving behind a legacy of both valor and rebellion.
🌺 Remembering Kaʻiana
Today, Kaʻiana is often overshadowed by King Kamehameha in Hawaiian history. But Chief of War changes that by bringing his story to life—not as a villain, but as a complicated hero.
He was:
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A warrior with unmatched strength
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A diplomat who crossed continents
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A military strategist who reshaped Hawaiian warfare
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A man who refused to be silenced
Jason Momoa’s portrayal brings Kaʻiana’s boldness, tragedy, and complexity to the screen—and in doing so, honors a figure who shaped the destiny of a kingdom.
📺 Where to Watch Chief of War
Catch Chief of War streaming now on Apple TV+. With breathtaking landscapes, powerful storytelling, and a rare Indigenous perspective, this series is as educational as it is entertaining.
📝 Final Thoughts
Kaʻiana’s life was filled with contradictions—heroism and betrayal, tradition and innovation, loyalty and rebellion. But it’s exactly these contradictions that make him one of the most fascinating figures in Pacific history.
As Chief of War shows the world his story, may Kaʻiana be remembered not just as a “chief of war,” but as a chief of vision, courage, and cultural pride.
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