Master Featherworker Shares Kuleana as Consultant for ‘Chief of War’ in Hawaii
The opening credits of “Chief of War” showcase stunning yellow and red feathers drifting across mountains and bones, setting the stage for a visually captivating miniseries. Behind the incredible featherwork worn by the actors and actresses in this nine-part production is Kumu Hulu Nui Rick Makanaaloha Kia’imeaokekanaka San Nicolas, a master featherworker and the authentic Hawaiian featherwork consultant for Apple TV’s “Chief of War.”
San Nicolas, who hails from Modesto, California, has been a longstanding vendor at the Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair for 26 years. This recent fair highlighted his role as a consultant for the exquisite featherwork featured in “Chief of War,” which premiered on Apple TV on August 1, 2025. The production required between 140 and 150 feather capes and cloaks, along with a similar number of helmets, according to San Nicolas.
In his role as a consultant for “Chief of War,” San Nicolas emphasized his responsibility to teach and collaborate closely with the costume department. While he creates his pieces by hand, the costume team utilized sewing machines to craft these intricate pieces efficiently. San Nicolas learned the art of feather lei making from a book titled “Feather Lei as an Art” and has since meticulously crafted replicas of traditional feathered cloaks, capes, and helmets worn by ali’i.
His work, which can contain 60,000 to 100,000 feathers in a single item and take up to 3,000 hours to create, is displayed in museums, private collections, and resorts. Additionally, San Nicolas has served as an artist in residence at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and founded the George Na’ope Hula Festival in Sacramento. He also provided expert guidance to the costume team on the attire suitable for individuals in the series based on their family lineage.
San Nicolas’s exceptional feather lei creations were featured in key scenes of “Chief of War,” including pieces worn by Ka’ahumanu and the Kahu. Reflecting on the filming experience, he expressed how moving it was to witness battle scenes set on the lava fields of Kalapana on Hawai’i Island, transporting everyone back in time.
San Nicolas conducts workshops for those interested in learning the art of featherwork, with admission by application only. Currently, his workshops are fully booked for the entire year 2026, and there are sufficient applicants to fill workshops through the first half of 2027. To stay updated on workshop application openings, follow San Nicolas on Instagram.
As the sun broke through the clouds during filming, the colors of the capes, cloaks, and helmets shimmered vibrantly, adding to the magic of the moment. San Nicolas recounted how the intricate featherwork evoked strong emotions among the cast and crew, creating a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere on set.
“Chief of War” is now available for streaming on Apple TV, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in this visually stunning and culturally rich miniseries. Featuring a stellar cast including Jason Momoa, Cliff Curtis, Moses Goods, and Te Kohe Tuhaka, the series promises to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling and breathtaking visuals.
