You can’t deny Kupuohi and Ka’ahumanu are the definition of silent power in Chief of War

Chief of War is a thrilling Hawaiian historical drama series that debuted on Apple TV+ on August 1, 2025. The show has enthralled audiences all over the world with its gritty and immersive depiction of a turbulent era in the history of Hawaii.

The series is created by Thomas Paʻa Sibbett and Jason Momoa, who play the warrior chief Kaʻiana. The series is a dramatization of the unification wars of the four major kingdoms of Hawaii in the late 18th century.

The first season has 9 episodes, which have been released weekly with the finale episode set to air on September 19, 2025. Among its well-drawn characters, Kupuohi and Ka Kaʻahumanu are interesting examples of how silent power can seize the events and influence them in spite of the bloody battles and the complex political games of that era.

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The role of Kupuohi in the Chief of War

Kupuohi represents a kind of power that demands respect without the need to talk. Played by Māori actress Te Ao o Hinepehinga, she is the wife of Kaʻiana and an equally strong warrior herself. Both historical accounts and the Chief of War narrative portray her as a leader whose contributions to leadership lie in action rather than words.

In Hawaiian history, she is known as Kekupuohi (sometimes Kekūpuohi or Kupuohi). She is credited as being an aliʻi (female chief) who once led a corps of chiefly women under Kamehameha.

Her appearance in the series, alongside Kaʻiana, is much more than a supporting presence; she is an equal partner in defending their islands, and her choices quietly turn the tide of war and alliances.

Chief of War Episode 1 reveals the position of Kupuohi as the wife of Kaʻiana and also his faithful companion. Although Kaʻiana struggles with the aftermath of wars and political betrayals and exile, Kupuohi is a strong and resilient figure who does not have to speak to be heard.

Her silent leadership is also emphasized in Episode 2. Kupuohi holds onto hope of peace and keeps her family safe as she navigates through the dangers of ever-present flight by the forces of Kahekili, showing a level of restraint and courage in a world filled with uncertainties.

Episode 6 of Chief of War shows Kupuohi’s diplomatic abilities when tensions are on the rise. As the food storage owned by Kamehameha is destroyed by Keōua’s faction, people are crying out to take swift action. Kupuohi disagrees with this, as she feels that it can be negotiated.

Using her status as a close relative of Keōua and a former chieftress of high standing, she offers peace and convinces him of the futility of further bloodshed. Her quiet determination and tactical patience make Kamehameha think of some other way to resolve the war. That is how her silent power can be described as both subtle and powerful.

In Episode 8, Kupuohi goes as far as to influence marital and political spheres. The episode examines strains in her marital relationship with Kaʻiana, and also shows how she serves as a calming presence in the war council.

When Kaʻiana loses his temper in the aftermath of defeat, Kupuohi and Kaʻahumanu are the ones who lead him to take wise actions. Her dignified stature in the court of Kamehameha only confirms her power, demonstrating that silent leadership can be used to influence both tactics and morale in the face of war.

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The role of Kaʻahumanu’s influence in the Chief of War

Another manifestation of silent power is Kaʻahumanu, played by Luciane Buchanan. She is a free-spirited but strong-willed character whose life is defined by political marriages and prophetic visions.

Kaʻahumanu is the daughter of the Chief Moku (Moses Goods), who is an enemy of King Kahekili II of Maui. Her interactions with the seer Taula show a predetermined troubled future, which can only be altered by means of a guardian, most likely Kaʻiana. Kaʻahumanu has a way of influencing her own destiny and that of the Hawaiian kingdoms, mostly through an unspoken determination and long-term planning.

It should be noted that, historically, Kaʻahumanu (1768-1832) was a very influential Hawaiian queen and the favorite wife of King Kamehameha I. When Kamehameha died, she emerged as a strong political personality, becoming the Kuhina Nui (premier or co-ruler) and a regent to the successor, King Kamehameha II. Kaʻahumanu was the daughter of Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiāhiahi, a high chief who supported Kamehameha I, and Namahana Kekuwai.

In Chief of War Episode 3, we see the influence of Kaʻahumanu at work when she marries Kamehameha politically. Even though her marriage is dictated by prophecy and not by her own decision, she takes it with grace.

In the series, she is depicted as a silently powerful person who uses subtle power to influence critical decisions and partnerships without being confrontational. She handles her new duties gracefully and leverages her post to influence leadership and political decisions without losing her cool.

The silent authority of Kaʻahumanu is still evident in Episode 6. She serves as a counselor to Kamehameha, advocating peace and wartime solidarity, and collaborates with Kupuohi to restrain vengeance and deal with external threats from King Kahekili of Maui.

Her advocacy of the Kamehameha “Law of the Splintered Paddle,” which substitutes vengeance with justice, shows how visionary and committed she is to leading through wise advice instead of exercising power.

Chief of War Episode 7 reveals the silent struggle Kaʻahumanu faces when her inability to bear an heir endangers her position in the court. Despite this personal turmoil, she shows a calm exterior at ceremonies and political events, concealing her grief but still taking an active part in making vital decisions.

She even works covertly with Kaʻiana to gather intelligence, showing her low-profile, yet powerful political maneuvering.

Also read: Chief of War Episode 8 recap: Nāhi’s brutal murder makes Kamehameha realize his mistake