Jason Momoa’s Authentic Hawaiian Speaking in ‘Chief of War’ With Coach

Jason Momoa and his language coach, Kahoʻokahi Kanuha, recently teamed up to bring authentic Hawaiian language to life in the new show “Chief of War.” The series, a significant step for TV representation of Hawaii’s Indigenous people, required Momoa and other actors to learn Hawaiian pronunciation with the help of language coaches.

While Momoa didn’t grow up speaking Hawaiian, he dove headfirst into the role, committing to getting every word just right. Working closely with Kanuha, who lived with him for almost a year, the two spent hours practicing, even on the go—during drives, meals, and workouts. Kanuha’s goal was to ensure that Momoa’s pronunciation was accurate and wouldn’t distract viewers.

The effort paid off when “Chief of War” premiered on Apple TV+ in August, showcasing the Hawaiian language on a global stage. While the series isn’t flawless, it’s seen as a significant step in revitalizing a language that faced erasure attempts through colonization. The representation of Hawaiian language and culture in mainstream entertainment is a major win for many Native Hawaiians and experts hope it sparks interest among younger generations.

For actors like Moses Goods, who largely grew up without speaking Hawaiian despite his mother being a native speaker, the show is a meaningful milestone. The systemic devaluing of Hawaiian language through historical restrictions, like a 1896 law mandating English education, left many generations disconnected from their native tongue. Revitalization efforts in the 1960s and 1970s helped restore Hawaiian as the medium of education, leading to immersion schools and a resurgence in speakers.

For Kanuha, who learned Hawaiian as a second language, seeing his children enjoy entertainment in their native tongue is a powerful experience. He noted the irony of feeling isolated speaking Hawaiian in Hawaii and expressed optimism that shows like “Chief of War” can help reverse that feeling.

Other actors in the series, like Luciane Buchanan and Cliff Curtis, shared their challenges and rewards in learning Hawaiian for the show. Navigating the complexities of the language was a learning experience for them, but their commitment to accurate pronunciation and immersion in the culture shines through in the final product.

Despite initial apprehension about the cast’s fluency in Hawaiian, experts like Puakea Nogelmeier, who helped translate the script, were pleasantly surprised by the actors’ performances. Nogelmeier, a non-Hawaiian who learned the language after moving to Hawaii, praised the show for highlighting Hawaiian as a functional, viable language.

The success of “Chief of War” has left viewers eagerly anticipating news of a potential second season. For Kanuha and many others, the show is not just about hearing their language but seeing their culture and world visually represented in mainstream entertainment. The impact of the show on normalizing and preserving the Hawaiian language is a step in the right direction towards broader recognition and appreciation.