Chief of War Episode 7 recap: Ka'iana's warnings come true as the British strike without mercy

Apple TV+'s historical fiction series, Chief of War Episode 7, titled Day of Spilled Beans, dropped on September 5, 2025. What begins as an episode about strained alliances and personal burdens ends in violence.

Previously, in Chief of War, we saw how Ka'iana returned to Hawai'i with ammunition. Kamehameha, although initially skeptical, develops a bond with Ka'iana, who earns a place in his council. Meanwhile, Kupouhi and Ka'ahumanu advise Kamehameha to ally with his cousin Keoua to protect the island from King Kahekili's brutalities. However, Keoua declines the offer and instead allies with Kahekili to bring down Kamehameha.

In Episode 7, Hawai'i doesn't face an internal strike but an external one, which leaves several natives injured and dead.

Continue reading to know more about what happened in Chief of War Episode 7.

Chief of War Episode 7 recap: Ka'ahumanu's silent struggle

The episode opens with Kamehameha and his people celebrating the birth of a chief's child. Amidst the celebration, Ka'ahumanu seems distracted, and her secret that she couldn't produce an heir to Kamehameha weighs her down. Kamehameha gifts a whalebone necklace to the newborn and celebrates with his people. Ka'ahumanu forces a smile, as she knows that her secret threatens her position.

Later, Kamehameha catches Ka'ahumanu watching the chief's newborn. He tells Ka'ahumanu that they will soon be blessed with a child of their own. Then Ka'iana and Ka'ahumanu meet a spy/assassin who gives them information about Keoua. The spy informs them that Keoua is well protected, and it is impossible to attack him.

In a lighthearted moment, Ka'ahumanu and Ka'iana discuss foreign customs, as Ka'ahumanu curtsies and asks Ka'iana to go on his knees.

Chief of War Episode 7 recap: Metcalfe's arrival and the frustrated council

Kamehameha instructs Metcalfe and his crew to leave the islands (Image Via AppleTV+)

Captain Metcalfe and Marley's greedy intentions are no less than evil. They sail towards the Hawaiian Islands even after they were asked to leave by Moku. They strip sandalwood without permission, dismissing the islanders as savages. When caught, they cloak their theft in courtesy, shaking hands while hiding greed in their eyes.

Kamehameha, too naive to understand the foreigners' motives, honors his law of Mamalahoa, which provides protection for strangers and chooses diplomacy. Ka'iana seethes. He has seen European greed close up in Zamboanga, and he knows Marley and Metcalfe's cruelty firsthand. For him, peace isn't an option. Even Tony, once enslaved by Marley, adds his testimony, but Kamehameha holds firm.

This disagreement fractures the leadership. Namake defers to Kamehameha. Kupouhi, Ka'iana's wife, grows unsettled by his closeness with Ka'ahumanu and his willingness to adopt foreign ways. Alone in his conviction, Ka'iana decides to act.

Ka'iana defies the law in the Chief of War Episode 7

Kupuohi informs Kamehameha about Ka'iana secret mission on Metcalfe's ship (Image Via Apple TV+)

Taking warriors by canoe, Ka'iana storms into Metcalfe's ships, capturing the captain and Marley. He aims to kill them, believing this is the only way to protect Hawai'i. But the conch shell signals Kamehameha's arrival. Calm yet furious, the chief stops Ka'iana and enforces the law.

The betrayal cuts deeper when Ka'iana learns it was Kupouhi who revealed the plan. Whether she acted out of spite or fear, her choice creates a rift in their relationship. Even his bond with Ka'ahumanu grows weak. Nahi is furious at Kupouhi for betraying Ka'iana, and when she asks her, Namake stops her. Nahi questions them about their bond and storms off along with Heke. The family is broken beyond repair.

Chief of War Episode 7: The massacre at the shore

Ka'iana's fears turn true, Marley attacks the innocent villagers with cannons loaded with nails (Image Via AppleTV+)

The episode's climax confirms that Ka'iana was right. Metcalfe never intended to leave. His ship approaches the outer village in the other bay, where children gather in awe of the vessel. He orders his men to load cannons with packs of sharp nails. The result is catastrophic. The villagers are torn apart in the brutal attack. Vai, the Hawaiian woman who once aided Ka'iana in the Zamboanga Islands, died protecting a child. Hawai'i bleeds because its chief chose trust over vigilance. Chief of War Episode 7 ends with Ka'iana looking over the massacre as the British sail off. He burns with grief and rage.

Chief of War Episode 7 is available to watch on Apple TV+.

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