Jason Momoa Authentic Hawaiian Speaking Coach for ‘Chief of War’

fierce effort in representation and culture. Jason Momoa, the star of the show, put in the work to speak Hawaiian as authentically as possible. He even drove around with his own personal language coach, Kahoʻokahi Kanuha, who lived with him for almost a year. Together, they tackled tough words like “Puali,” meaning “warrior” or “army.” Momoa, like many Native Hawaiians, didn’t grow up speaking the language, but he dedicated himself to getting it right for this groundbreaking series.
The show itself is a milestone for Indigenous representation, featuring the language and culture of Hawaii’s Native people like never before. While most of the actors weren’t fluent in Hawaiian, they all worked hard to pronounce the unique sounds. Kanuha was there every step of the way, helping Momoa practice his lines during every moment they had together. His goal was to make sure Momoa’s language skills didn’t distract viewers from the powerful story.
Released on Apple TV+ in August, “Chief of War” may not be flawless in terms of language accuracy, but it’s a step in the right direction. The dedication and hard work of Momoa, Kanuha, and the rest of the cast show a deep commitment to honoring and preserving the rich culture and heritage of Hawaii. With projects like this, Indigenous voices are finally getting the spotlight they deserve in the world of streaming entertainment.