Chief of War Episode 5: Ka'iana returns to Hawai'i, Keoua's rage and Kamehameha faces betrayal

Chief of War Episode 5, titled The Race of the Gods, is rather slow, yet it maintains constant tension throughout. From Ka'iana's return to Hawai'i to Keoua's jealousy over Kamehameha being nominated as the War God, the episode is charged with friction and shifting loyalties.

Previously, in Episode 4, Ka'iana bravely rescued his crewmate, Tony, and they sailed for Hawai'i with ammunition that Vai had helped him obtain. Elsewhere, after King Kalani'opu's death, King Kahekili readies his army to attack the island due to the power vacuum. In Hawai'i, King Kalani'opu's son, Keoua, isn't too elated about his father nominating Kamehameha as the God of War. He sees the Kamehameha's appointment as an insult. Meanwhile, due to Ka'iana's absence, his wife, Kupuohi, seeks comfort in his half-brother, Namake.

Here's what happened in Chief of War Episode 5.

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Chief of War Episode 5 recap: Ka'iana returns to Hawai'i

Ka'iana's long journey back to the islands is anything but a joyous reunion. He brings with him memories of war, regrets, betrayals, and scars of past alliances. In Chief of War Episode 5, Tony thanks Ka'iana for rescuing him in the Zamboanga Islands. At least Ka'iana got a loyal friend during this chaotic trip. We also see a sneak peek of Vai, who points out the social hierarchy and gender disparity prevalent in the Hawaiian Islands. As she utters,

"It was always men telling me what the gods want to do."

She also reveals she has a son who was a baby when she left the Islands and that she only regrets leaving him behind. When Vai asks him about his family, Ka'iana smiles and utters,

"All will be as we left it."

Little did he know that his wife, Kupouhi, and Namake have grown closer during his prolonged absence, since they believed that he would never be back.

When Ka'iana finally steps on the Islands, he kneels and touches the sand, a symbol of feeling relieved to be back in the Islands. On the shores, a skeptical Moku meets with Ka'iana. Moku, wary and politically sharp, remembers Ka'iana as Maui's warrior, one who sided with King Kahekili's invasion of O'ahu and later abandoned him. For Ka'iana, redemption is the quiet goal. Moku declares,

"Our chief Kamehameha will decide if a traitor can stay among us."

However, he makes it clear that the foreigners are not welcome and they must stay on their boats. What should have been a reunion becomes a negotiation. Ka'iana's desire to protect his home from internal strife and foreign invasion depends on winning back the faith of his people.

We also get a sweet glimpse of Ka'iana reuniting with his family on the shores and John Young with Tony and the other shipmates. When Tony's asked whether he would like to return with them, he replies,

"I believe I'll be more use to all of us on shore."

Vai reunites with her family as well. Elsewhere, Ka'iana tells Nahi and Namake,

"Kalani'opu'u is dead, and you have sided with Kamehameha. If this island is truly divided, Hawai'i's kingdom will fall to Kahekili."

Ka'iana insists on meeting Kamehameha and reminds them,

"We did not come here to live with them. We came here to prepare them for war."

In the Royal Council, Ka'iana tells Moku,

"I offer my hand and my family to the fight against Kahekili."

When Moku shows skepticism, Ka'ahumanu steps up and says that Kahekili is no king but a conqueror, and Ka'iana further adds that Kahekili will attack the Island, and if it is torn between chiefs, it would be hard to protect it. He assures,

"I can help you unite the kingdom."

Moku declines his request. However, Ka'ahumanu recognizes Ka'iana's potential, and she arranges a meeting with Kamehameha. Ka'iana introduces himself and thanks Kamehameha for keeping his family safe. Kamehameha tells him,

"I want to build a kingdom of peace. If we grow it, our children will do the same. But if we do not, the fruit of peace will wither and die."

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Chief of War Episode 5: Keoua's jealousy erupts over Kamehameha's destiny

The heart of the episode beats in Keoua's frustration. As Kalani'opu'u's son, he's expected to inherit both the political and spiritual power of Hawai'i. Instead, his cousin Kamehameha is named the guardian of the war god. To Keoua, this decision is not only a denial of power but also a betrayal of his family's sacred lineage.

Determined to prove himself, Keoua gathers chiefs all across the islands, seeking to rally support in Chief of War Episode 5. But his cause falters when Kohala's representative, Kamehameha, is absent.

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Chief of War Episode 5: Kamehameha's strength tested, Kohala under fire

Chief of War Episode 5 opens up with Kamehameha giving some important life lessons to a few Hawaiian children by using a taro as an example. He says,

"We are grown off this land just as the taro."

While Kamehameha speaks of taro roots and farming, his philosophy clashes with his council and also Ka'iana. He prioritizes peace over endless war. When Ka'iana urges him to join his side, Kamehameha challenges him in the dangerous sport of he'e holua, racing down the volcanic rocks with narrow sleds. The near-deadly contest ends not in a division but in mutual respect, forging an alliance critical for Hawai'i's future. Thus, Ka'iana wins the race and a position in the council.

Meanwhile, Ka'iana shows Moku his ammunition and asks him to tell the council that the red-mouth weapon belongs to Kamehameha to gain their confidence.

In the closing moments of Chief of War Episode 5, Keoua acts alone. His men set fire to Kohala's food storage huts, crippling the district and striking directly at Kamehameha. It's both a tactical move and a perpetual declaration of war.

Chief of War Episode 5 is available to watch on Apple TV+.

Also read: These 7 moments from Chief of War reflect the potential of the show

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