Chief of War Episode 1 and 2 recap: Ka'iana feels betrayed, Ka'ahumanu emerges and the British arrive in Maui

Apple TV+'s historical drama, Chief of War, starring Jason Momoa, premiered with two episodes on August 1, 2025. Created by Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, this series explores the political turmoil of Hawai'i during the late 18th century. It follows Ka'iana, a warrior chief who leaves his kingdom to travel the world and eventually returns to first fight for and then rebel against King Kamehameha, who led the unification of Hawai'i.

The series features Jason Momoa as Ka'iana, Luciane Buchanan as Ka'ahumanu, Te Ao o Hinepehinga as Kupuohi, Temuera Morrison as King Kahekili, Kaina Makua as Kamehameha I, and Moses Goods as Moku, to name a few.

Here's what happened in Chief of War Episodes 1 and 2, titled 'The Chief of War' and 'Changing Tides' respectively.

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Chief of War Episode 1 recap: Ka'iana returns to Maui but regrets it

The series opens with an introduction that reads,

"Our people thrive in the beauty of our islands. But we do not stand as one. We are four kingdoms joined by water. Kingdom of O'ahu, Kingdom of Maui, Kingdom of Kaua'i and Kingdom of Hawai'i. But we are separated by cunning chiefs and powerful gods. They keep us in a circle of endless war. "

Episode 1 begins with Ka'iana bravely wrestling a shark (yes, quite unbelievable, right?), but we do see a human side to him as he whispers to the captured shark,

"In your death may life be preserved"

In the following scenes, we learn that Ka'iana and his family are currently living in the Kingdom of Kaua'i and are often seen as outcasts because they are primarily from Maui. Ka'iana, a war chief from Maui, left after discovering the brutal ambitions of his King Kahekili.

However, when he is summoned (and threatened) by King Kahekili, Kai'ana agrees to return to his homeland only to find himself caught in a prophecy, a manipulative trap, and a war driven by simple vengeance. As King Kahekili welcomes Ka'iana, he delivers a speech about Ka'iana's father's bravery and his loyalty to Maui. He attempts to manipulate him thoroughly,

"You honor him (father) by joining me again."

Ka'iana eventually learns that Kahekili's seers have predicted Maui's fall into the hands of O'ahu. Worse, Ka'iana's name is etched into ancient prophecy. The prophecy states that they can only defeat O'ahu with Ka'iana on their side. The king takes him to a shrine or burial site of Ka'iana's father, plants the seed of revenge in him, and utters,

"Stand with Maui and fight by my side."

Ka'iana then meets Taula, the prophetess, who asks him to take his father's hand and warns him,

"A man of indecision is a danger to himself and those who follow him. You will see the Prophecy fulfilled, Ka'iana, and with the prophesied one. The path is dark and unclear, but you will not walk it alone. The path is yours to find".

When the King orders a strike on O'ahu, Kai'iana reluctantly agrees-but his plan is hijacked. Instead, Kahekili's army massacres innocents and executes O'ahu's young king, King Hahana, during the battle.

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Chief of War Episode 2 introduces Ka'ahumanu, and the arrival of the British shakes things up

Chief of War Episode 2, titled Changing Tides, introduces Ka'ahumanu — a secret royal born from opposing bloodlines, hidden away for her protection. We learn Ka'ahumanu is Moku, the daughter of a Hawaiian war chief and King Kahekili's sister. In this episode, Moku meets Ka'ahumanu and her mother and asks them to leave the island, as borders might close. He also reveals that he promised Ka'ahumanu's hand to a local chief. Unhappy with this arrangement, Ka'ahumanu wanders alone and meets Taula. According to a seer, her future is connected to power, fear, and a mysterious guardian—possibly Ka'iana.

Meanwhile, Ka'iana recovers from the betrayal on O'ahu. Leaving his father's broken war club at the temple as a warning, he sails back to Maui with his family, now being hunted by Khekili's son. The chase across the island is intense and nerve-wracking.

Their escape takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of the British ships.

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Chief of War Episode 2 recap: Ka'iana's escape, final battle, and shocking British rescue

After a tense forest chase and, yes, a baby pig distraction, Ka'iana stumbles into Ka'ahumanu and fate clicks into place. She invites Ka'iana's family to escape with her to Hawai'i. While Ka'ahumanu leads Kupohi and the family to safety, Ka'iana buys them time, culminating in a frantic cliffside fight and a death-defying dive into the sea. He is eventually rescued by the British, waking up on their ship and heading away from the islands and his loved ones.

Ka'ahumanu, now in protector mode, welcomes a stranded British sailor into her crew and sails off in the opposite direction.

Chief of War streams on Apple TV+.

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Also read: Chief of War: Is the Apple TV+ show based on a true story? Details of the warrior Kaʻiana revealed