Why did Keōua go to King Kahekili for help in Chief of War? Details explored

Apple TV+'s Chief of War Episode 6 saw an unlikely partnership between Keoua and King Kahekili, which will shape the history of the Hawaiian Islands and Kamehameha's current reign. The latest entry into Jason Momoa's historical drama series opened in the aftermath of Keoua's attack on Kamehameha's food storage huts. While Kamehameha's council struggled to negotiate the best course of action, Kupouhi convinced everyone that their cousin could still be persuaded, following which a meeting was arranged.

However, in contrast to Kupouhi's hopes, Keoua has gone too far in his 'worship of war' and will not stop at any cost. Even after Kupouhi warns him about the inevitable danger in King Kahekili, he remains blinded by his thirst for revenge against Kamehameha.

It was because of Keoua's quest for vengeance against Kamehameha and his thirst for power and kingship that he went to King Kahekili for help in Chief of War Episode 6. He believes that King Kahekili's troops will give him a fair chance to fight against Kamehameha.

More on this in our story.

Exploring the dangerous partnership between Keōua and King Kahekili in Chief of War Episode 6

In Chief of War Episode 6, Hawaiian diplomacy toppled as warriors chose self-interest over the nation's interest, suggesting a dangerous war filled with bloodshed and death. The latest episode saw the clash between Keoua and Kamehameha come to a head after the latter discovered the burned food storage huts. While the God of War wondered about this volatile happening, Kaʻiana declared that it was his cousin, who is openly challenging him to a war:

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

While Kaʻiana believes that nothing can stop Keoua now, as he has become thirsty for power and revenge, Kupouhi volunteers to speak with Keoua and try to persuade him away from the war.

A meeting is arranged between Keoua and Kaʻiana & Kupouhi, where the latter advises Keoua to pick up the white stone (a symbol of peace and unity). In Chief of War Episode 6, Kupouhi warns Keoua about the inevitable arrival of King Kahekili and how it will destroy the peace of their nation. She advises the warrior to make peace with Kamehameha and fight against the enemy.

However, Keoua has already made up his mind that Kamehameha is his true enemy, as he not only usurped his rightful position as the King, but also established himself as the God of War, humiliating him further. Keoua's quest for power became clear when he said:

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

With this declaration, the Chief of War, Keoua's mother, advises him to join forces with the enemy of his enemy, i.e., King Kahekili, which led to their dangerous union in Episode 6.

Chief of War Episode 6: Keoua's deal with King Kahekili is one-sided

King Kahekili, albeit powerful, has gone mad in his rebellion against Kamehameha. While his son struggled to swear his allegiance and further his father's legacy in the upcoming war, Keoua joined forces with the King in Chief of War.

For Keoua, joining forces with King Kahekili will not only make him more powerful against his cousin, but the victory against him will also earn him his rightful kingship of the Islands. However, in his quest for revenge against Kamehameha and his thirst for power, he is blindsided by King Kahekili and fails to see how their new partnership is shallow and one-sided.

While Keoua obtained Kahekili's troops for his rebellion, the king sent his most violent lieutenant, Opunui, as the forerunner of this war against Kamehameha. While Keoua failed to see this for now, Kahekili will only kill Keoua once his war against Kamehameha is won.

Chief of War Episode 7 will release on Apple TV+ on September 5, 2025.

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