Hawaiʻi Public Radio's new podcast, "Feathers and Fire," is out now! Join HPR's Russell Subiono and University of Hawaiʻi Hawaiian studies instructor Mehana Makaʻinaʻi to share in their excitement for the Apple TV+ series "Chief of War." You'll get to know more of the real history behind "Chief of War" as they recap and discuss each episode.
Set amid the scenic backdrop of the islands of Hawai‘i, the nine-episode series, based on true events, follows warrior Ka‘iana, portrayed by Native Hawaiian and international star Jason Momoa. The show also chronicles the rise of King Kamehameha and his efforts to unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century. "Chief of War" made its global debut on Apple TV+ on Aug. 1.
Told from an Indigenous perspective, "Chief of War" is a passion project for creators Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett. The series features a predominantly Polynesian cast, led by Momoa alongside some familiar names — and some newcomers.
Episodes of "Feathers and Fire" will be released Saturdays through Sept. 20 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and HPR’s website.
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Cohosts Mehana Makaʻinaʻi and Russell Subiono share their final thoughts on a historic season. They dive deeper into the significance of the Naha Stone in Kamehameha’s prophecy and the "Chief of War" costume designer sheds some light on a season-long mystery. Plus Mehana and Russell share what they hope to see if there is a season two. Fingers crossed! -
Cohosts Russell Subiono and Mehana Makaʻinaʻi sit down with Maori actress Te Ao O Hinepehinga, who portrays Kupuohi in “Chief of War.” She shares how a revered Hawaiian activist inspired her portrayal and her reaction to Jason Momoa revealing a critical moment for her character. Such a cheeky response. -
Cohosts Russell Subiono and Mehana Makaʻinaʻi sit down with Hawaiʻi actor Moses Goods, who plays Chief Keʻeaumoku. Goods shares his experience filming the series and who he had just a little too much fun with on set. They literally had to keep them separated. -
Cohosts Russell Subiono and Mehana Makaʻinaʻi reflect on the ground-breaking first season of "Chief of War" and discuss the underlying historical battles that the season finale draws from. Plus, they share their predictions about what might happen if there is a season two. One of them really reaches beyond and tries to predict the series through season four.
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Cohosts Russell Subiono and Mehana Makaʻinaʻi go deeper into the Hawaiian burial traditions and explain the concept and importance of mana in Hawaiian culture. Plus, Jason Momoa gives a very candid response to a question about, um, certain dramatic, slow-motion shots that he’s become known for. We had to bleep out part of it.
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Cohosts Mehana Maka’ina’i and Russell Subiono share the history of contact between foreigners and Hawaiians and discuss a forbidden romance between two major characters. Also, they introduce two new categories, and "Chief of War" cultural consultant Kaui Sai-Dudoit shares why Ka’ahumanu isn’t her favorite historical Hawaiian figure.
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The historic significance of the Law of the Splintered Paddle and cultural procedures for war top the list of topics our cohosts delve deeper into in this episode. Plus, the furry, four-legged companion Hawaiians preferred to eat over pork, and actress Te Ao O Hinepehinga shares why she initially struggled with being cast as Kupuohi.
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Our cohosts explain the importance of the taro plant to Native Hawaiian culture and, since it’s the midpoint of the series, they address comments and perceptions about the Hawaiian traditions portrayed in the first five episodes. Plus, Hawaiian historian and "Chief of War" cultural consultant Kauʻi Sai-Dudoit shares some behind-the-scenes stories from the scriptwriting process.
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Our cohosts unravel the meaning and significance behind the coronation ceremony of Hawaiian chiefs and continue to look closer at Kaʻahumanu’s significance in Hawaiʻi history. Plus, Kaina Makua, the first-time actor playing the monumental role of King Kamehameha the Great, shares his experience on the "Chief of War" set.
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Russell and Mehana explain the complicated perspective of marriage in ancient Hawaiʻi and zoom in on how a trade proposal in the series laid the foundation for economic disparity in Hawaiʻi today. Plus, acting legend Branscombe Richmond shares his experience on the set of "Chief of War" and the fallout of so many men in malo on the big screen.
