Who was Ka'iana? Jason Momoa's Chief of War brings the Hawaiian warrior's story to life
Chief of War: Who was Kaʻiana?
Kaʻiana was born somewhere around 1755 into Hawaiian nobility and served as the aliʻi (chief) from the Big Island, as per The Hawaiian Journal of History by David G Miller. During the 1700s, the Hawaiian Islands remained divided among four major kingdoms. These were based on islands of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu and Kauai. Kaʻiana emerged as a high-ranking chief due to the royal pedigrees of his parents.
Also Read: Chief of War is based on unification of Hawaiian Islands: Here's the true story behind Jason Momoa-starrer
Throughout his life, Kaʻiana saw the four kingdoms remaining at war with each other during the most volatile periods in Hawaiian history. This was the time when Kamehameha I came up with the ambitious plan to unify all the islands under one rule. Captain James Meares earlier described Kaʻiana as more than six feet tall with a 'Herculean appearance,' the report added.
Why did Kaʻiana go against Kamehameha?
At first, Kaʻiana was believed to have supported Kamehameha's campaign to unify all the islands, reported History.com But trouble between the two began after Kaʻiana allegedly slept with the king's favorite wife, the beautiful Kaʻahumanu, the report added.
The report added that Kaʻiana and his two half-brothers were not included in the war council of Kamehameha, which led to a feud. Kaʻiana and his brothers later joined hands with Kamehameha's enemy, Kalanikūpule of Oʻahu.
During the Battle of Nuʻuanu on Oʻahu in 1795, Kaʻiana and his brothers were killed by the army that they had once helped build. Kamehameha's victory later paved the way for the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
Also Read: Jason Momoa shaves his beard after six years on his return as Duncan Idaho for Denis Villeneuve's Dune 3: 'I hate it'
FAQs
1. Is Chief of War based on real story?
The series is inspired by real events which led to the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
2. When and where to watch Chief of War?
The series was released on August 1. Fans can stream it on Apple TV+.
3. Who all are there in Chief of War?
It features Jason Momoa, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Brandon Finn and Siua Ikaleʻo among others.
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