Chief of War Episode 6 recap: Keoua's betrayal, Kahekili's madness and Kamehameha's Law of the Paddle

Apple TV+'s historical fiction Chief of War, Episode 6, starring Jason Momoa, was released on August 29, 2025. Titled The Splintered Paddle, this episode explores the aftermath of Keoua's men burning the food storage huts in the Kohala district. What follows is a tense debate in Kamehameha's court as opinions split, whether to negotiate or attack Keoua.

While Kupouhi and Ka'ahumanu emphasize the importance of maintaining peace, Ka'iana disagrees. He understands that war is inevitable, and King Kahekili would take advantage of this division. That is precisely what occurs subsequently: Keoua asks for men in return for Hawai'i from Kahekili.

Continue reading to know what happens next.

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Chief of War Episode 6: A rift between Ka'iana and Kupouhi, and a failed negotiation with Keoua

The episode begins with Kamehameha inspecting the burned food storage huts. Ka'iana, who is well aware of who might be responsible for the attack, confidently states,

"It was Keoua. He challenges you, Chief.Your cosuin must be dealt with. You must unite this island before King Kahekili comes or worse."

However, Kupouhi disagrees with Ka'iana's stance as she says,

"There might be another way. We speak with Keoua. I was raised in Ka'u. I have history with him. I can convince him to join you without bloodshed."

When Moku asks whether Ka'iana agrees to his wife's notion of peace, he says,

"She speaks with false hope. He will not join you. Keoua worships war. We must prepare no matter what."

Both Ka'ahumanu and Kamehameha agree with Kupouhi's views, and they hope to negotiate with Keoua. Kupouhi and Ka'iana volunteer to speak with Keoua. On the other hand, Keoua has already made up his mind; he sacrifices his father's crown and says,

"I am no longer fighting to preserve this nation. I will live to build my own. Even if this one must burn."

Elsewhere, Heke asks Nahi to teach her how to fight. In the hut, Kupouhi tells Ka'iana that he has changed a lot. She also mentions that he has adopted the habits of the 'Paleskins.' When Ka'iana and Kupouhi head toward Keoua's district, they are stopped by three warriors. It is at this point that we learn Kupouhi is the cousin of Keoua and a former Chieftess of the land.

Meanwhile, Tony helps train the Hawaiian warriors, focusing on the use of a musket.

On the beach, Keoua meets up with Ka'iana and Kupouhi. When Keoua asks her the reason for the visit, she says,

"To help negotiate peace with Kamehameha."

However, Keoua says that if Kamehameha wanted peace, he would have given up his position as the God of War. Ka'iana growls, but Kupouhi stops him. Kupouhi further requests,

"Kahekili is coming for this kingdom. We must stand together if we are to survive it."

Keoua clarifies that Kahekili isn't his enemy, but rather his cousin Kamehameha, who has wronged him. Kupouhi continues to negotiate and urges him to pick up the white stone (a symbol of peace and unity), but Keoua stands his ground. He instigates Ka'iana. Kai'iana aims his gun right at Keoua. But Keoua isn't afraid; he looks Ka'iana in the eye and throws away the white stone and the challenge.

"Tell Kamehameha that I am coming for what is mine."

Keoua's mother advises Keoua to ask him to take help with the enemy of your enemy (King Kahekili in this matter)

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Chief of War Episode 6 recap: Kahekili's madness exposed

Across the waters, Kahekili's throne grows weaker each day. What once appeared as prophecy now seems like outright madness. His brutality erodes his people's faith. Chiefs now want his son Kupule to rule. Kupule is aware of his father's cruelties, but he refuses to act. Is it fear or loyalty that keeps him from opposing his father? He says,

"My father is wrong, but he is not lost. Let me try to reach him."

In "Chief of War" Episode 6, Kupole attempts to convince his father of the need to halt his brutal quest for power. Kahekili takes him to a cliff where we see two Maui chiefs tied to a log. The reason for such punishment? They questioned the prophecy and doubted Kahekili's reign. Quiet... cruel, isn't it?

In Chief of War Episode 6, when Keoua arrives to seek support, King Kahekili agrees to send his best battalion in exchange for peace between the kingdoms. The move reeks of treachery, suggesting that Kahekili's promises are merely bait.

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Chief of War Episode 6 recap: Kamehameha's Law of the Paddle

While enemies plot, Kamehameha chooses a different path. In the Chief of War Episode 6, he introduces the Law of Splintered Paddle. The decree bans unnecessary killing and offers protection to every Hawaiian, from high chiefs to commoners. Even rivals like Keoua fall under its safeguard.

This brave move in Chief of War Episode 6 redefines what power means. Instead of ruling through fear and violence, Kamehameha opts for justice. It's a stark contrast to Kahekili's rule and a statement of what a united Hawai'i could become. But it also frustrates Ka'iana, who believes war is unavoidable. This growing split reflects the island's own division between tradition and change.

During a conversation with Moku, Ka'ahumanu tells her father that they would need both Ka'aina and Kamehameha to withstand any threat.

"Kamehameha is the heart of the people, and Ka'iana is the fist we will need both to face the troubles that will come our way."

Chief of War Episode 6 is available to stream on Apple TV+.

Also read: Is Chief of War historically accurate? Exploring the facts vs. fiction in the Apple TV+ series

What are your thoughts on the ending of Chief of War episode 6? Let us know in the comments below.

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