Jason Momoa’s Authentic Hawaiian Language Coaching

Jason Momoa, star of the hit TV series “Chief of War,” recently revealed the lengths he went to learn Hawaiian for his role. In Hawaii, Momoa, best known for his incredible acting and tattoos, worked closely with Kahoʻokahi Kanuha, an experienced language coach, to perfect his pronunciation.

Kanuha, who lived with Momoa for almost a year, dedicated himself to ensuring that Momoa’s delivery of his lines would be natural and engaging for viewers. The collaboration paid off – the result is a series that is a step forward in showcasing the language and culture of Hawaii’s Indigenous people on a global scale.

“Chief of War” is more than just a TV show; it’s a significant contribution to revitalizing a language that has faced erasure over the years. By incorporating Hawaiian into mainstream entertainment, the series is helping to inspire interest in the language, especially among young Hawaiians who can now see their culture represented on screen.

Despite the challenges of learning a new language, actors like Luciane Buchanan and Cliff Curtis shared their experiences of immersing themselves in Hawaiian for the show. They noted that while it was intimidating at first, the experience was rewarding and allowed them to connect more deeply with the characters they portrayed.

For Kanuha, who learned Hawaiian as a second language as a child, the experience of working on “Chief of War” has been a powerful one. He highlighted the importance of representation and how seeing the language spoken in a mainstream show can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness that some Hawaiians experience.

As the series continues to gain popularity, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating Indigenous languages and cultures. Through the dedicated efforts of actors, coaches, and language experts, “Chief of War” stands as a testament to the resilience and beauty of the Hawaiian language.