Why was King Kahekilli’s army after Ka’iana in Chief of War? Details explored

In "Chief of War," Kahekili appoints Kaʻiana as his war chief because he recognizes Kaʻiana's military prowess and potential, especially after he has gained knowledge of several foreign weapons and tactics during his international travels. Kahekili is aware that Ka'iana is determined to unify the Hawaiian Islands, and Kahekili manipulates him to do so, but under his rule.

But, in the middle of the campaign, Ka'iana understands that he is killing innocents, and Kahekili manipulated him into it. Ka'iana attempts to escape, and Kahekili eventually orders his men to kill Ka'iana to eliminate him forever. Read on to dive deeper.

Why was King Kahekilli’s army after Ka’iana in Chief of War?

Chief of War opens with Ka'iana fighting with the sharks, showcasing his power and intelligence amidst pressure and danger. We get to know that Kaʻiana had travelled to China and North America, bringing back knowledge of Western weapons and military strategies. This made him a valuable asset to any chief seeking to expand their power. Kahekili's ambition was to expand his rule beyond Maui, and Ka'iana was someone who could help him achieve this goal.

At first, Kaʻiana is Kahekili’s trusted war chief, leading his forces in the campaign against Oʻahu. It was only midway that Ka'iana realized that Kahekili had deceived him. The mission isn't an honorable war but the slaughter of innocent farmers and the desecration of sacred sites. Therefore, Ka'iana refused to carry out the king's orders. He tried to leave, while Kahekili saw this as a betrayal and a threat to his rule. This is when he orders his men to kill Ka'iana.

This sparks a direct clash between Kaʻiana and Kahekili’s soldiers, forcing Kaʻiana to fight his way out and go on the run in Chief of War.

Why did Ka'iana first agree to fight for Kahekili in Chief of War?

Trending

Kahekili believed in prophecy and ritual and used the same to manipulate Ka'iana to fight on his side. He wanted to win the fight with O'ahu, one of the most powerful islands, and he narrates the prophecy that predicted Maui's fall against O'ahu if Ka'iana does not fight from their side as the military leader. He reminded him of his father's loyalty towards Muai in the Chief of War.

While Ka'aiana first hesitated, he eventually agreed to fight. They start as allies, but once Kaʻiana rebels, Kahekili’s army becomes his enemy. Witnessing King Kahekili's ruthless murder of children and violations of sacred space breaks Ka'iana's allegiance, while Kahekili orders his men to kill him. In Hawaiian culture, mana (spiritual power) often resides in a person’s bones. Kahekili sees Kaʻiana’s mana as so potent that if he cannot control Kaʻiana’s loyalty, he’d rather eliminate him entirely.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback