Why is Ka’ahumanu not happy with Kamehameha’s vision of peace in Chief of War? Speculations explored

Starring Jason Momoa, Chief of War is a Hawaiian historical drama show created by Thomas Pa’a Sibbett and Jason Momoa. The show premiered on Apple TV+ on August 1, 2025, and also features Luciane Buchanan, Siua Ikale’o, and others.

Chief of War is based on true events and is set at the end of the 18th century. The show showcases how the four kingdoms of Hawai’i, Maui, O’ahu, and Kaua’i were in a state of war. However, Kamehameha I tried to unify Hawai’i. Amidst all this, Ka’iana, a warrior chief of Kaua’i, travels outside the islands and joins a bloody campaign after returning home and rebelling against the unification.

In Chief of War, Luciane Buchanan plays the role of Ka’ahumanu, and Kaina Makua plays the role of Kamehameha I. Both are real historical figures and wielded immense importance in the history of Hawaii. Therefore, here’s a look at the two figures.

Who was Ka’ahumanu in Chief of War? Details explored

Played by Luciane Buchanan in the show, Ka’ahumanu was King Kamehameha I’s favorite wife and had immense influence when her husband became the founder and first ruler of the unified kingdom of Hawaii. After her husband passed away, Ka’ahumanu took over as Kuhina Nui and served the kingdom alongside Kamehamaha II.

The queen played an important role in abolishing Hawaii’s kapu religious system and introduced educational reforms in the region. She was also in favor of the modernization of Hawaii in terms of governance and politics and paved the way for the future.

Further, she also negotiated the kingdom’s first treaty with the Americans, along with Kamehameha III, and the treaty granted American ships access to Hawaiian ports, which benefited the region economically.

In Chief of War, Ka’ahumanu is shown during her younger years, and even though historical records focus on her life after her political ascendency, the show showcases elements of her later years’ bravery in her younger years. In the series, therefore, Ka’ahumanu plays a strong role in the unification of Hawai’i. However, she also had her share of differences with Kamehameha I.

Why is Ka’ahumanu not happy with Kamehameha’s vision of peace in Chief of War? Details explored.

In the show, Kamehameha wants peace and unity among the warring kingdoms, but he also believes in strength and military prowess. He wants to establish a new order that does not allow any future conflict. On the other hand, Ka’ahumanu wanted women to be allowed more liberties to join the political system of the region, and she focused more on diplomacy and internal structure reform.

Therefore, she historically abolished the Kapu system and paved the way for a more modern and united Hawaii. She knew that the kapu system would not allow women to progress further and would restrict their political and social liberties. Therefore, even though she and her husband wanted the same idea of unity and peace, Ka'ahumanu wanted more structural change and more advocacy for women.

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