Why did Kupuohi want to have a word with Keōua, in Chief of War? Details explored 

In episode 6 of Chief of War, which dropped on August 29, 2025, titled The Splintered Paddle, the kingdom of Hawai'i remains on the verge of potential destruction.

The episode showcases the aftermath of Keōua’s ferocious assault on Kamhemeha's food supply. This could provoke a full-blown war, but Kamehameha's inner circle gets divided, with warriors and chiefs calling for retaliation, Kupuohi encourages a different path.

The Chief, who was refusing to back down earlier, then promotes peace over the conflict and asks Kupuohi to approach Keoua to agree to the peace offering. She highlighted the reasons behind her contrasting belief that the chief couldn't unsee. She believes that peace and unity are essential, especially with external threats looming, like King Kahekili of Maui.

Kopouhi was chosen to talk to the king as she is in a unique position of being his relative and a respected former chieftess in Chief of War. She wanted to talk to him so she could convince him to pursue peace.

Read on to know more.

Why did Kupuohi want to have a word with Keōua, in Chief of War?

As mentioned, after Keoua's followers burnt down Kamehameha's food storage, provoking a war, Kupuohi was put forward by the Chief as she is a relative of Keoua and also a respected former chieftess. Moreover, she is the one who genuinely believed in the idea of peace and unity and how it can keep the island safe from greater obstacles like Kahekili.

She positions diplomacy above conflict. She isn't just politically savvy, but her positioning and history give her an influence over Keoua. She has lived and grown up in Keoua's region and carries the respect of the community. Along with this, Kamehameha also trusts her judgment and values.

Keōua rejects the offer of peace by Kupuohi, in Chief of War

Kupuohi travels to the Ka‘ū district alongside Ka‘iana to meet Keōua, hoping to negotiate a ceasefire for the greater good of the Island. But Kupuohi's efforts were unable to convince the king, and Keoua rejected the peace offer. Not only that, he also demanded the God of War, claiming himself as the rightful spiritual and political leader.

Therefore, this suggests that he is still not willing to bend or unite with Kamehameha for the unity and peace of the island, and this will indeed have huge consequences when other rivals like Kahekili will close in.

Keōua is scornful, particularly toward Ka‘iana in Chief of War, as he uses and preaches the knowledge of Western weapons he has learned during his overseas trips. He speaks in English and wears pants, carries guns is something that makes Keoua contemptuous towards Kamehameha, highlighting deeper ideological differences.

Keoua joins hands with Kahekili in the Chief of War

With diplomacy failing, Hawaiian leaders race toward deeper division, with Kamehameha committing to the new law of Splintered Paddle. This law promotes forbidding violence except for self-defence. This comes as a profound move, blending justice with his vision of more humane and unified rule.

Rebuffed and vindicated in his stance, Keōua turns to external power, King Kahekili of Maui, for support, making Kamehameha's nightmare come true.

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The season finale is 3 more episodes away, and it seems like Chief of War is building up for the showdown between these powers, deciding on the Island's fate.

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