Hu‘e Kaona: Chief of War Talk Story Sessions

In this bonus episode, Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with Kaumakaiwa Kanakaʻole to reflect on her journey with Chief of War and the weaving of ancestral knowledge into a global television production. Their talk story honors the depth of hula lineage and mele as living repositories of wisdom, explores the kuleana of grounding costuming, chanting, and ceremony in ʻike kupuna, and lifts up the voices and practices that make Hawaiian worldview visible on screen. Together, they reflect on how carrying forward ancestral lineages of ceremony and expression strengthens the mana of kānaka and ensures that these stories remain rooted, resonant, and real.

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Pa‘a and Producer Brian Keaulana reflect on reshaping the show’s arc, amplifying Hawai‘i’s gifts, and building capacity and community. Their talk story explores kuleana and the balance of authenticity and scale—whether filming with 300 crew across five units, capturing Kalapana as the volcano erupted, or holding ceremony both behind the scenes and in front of the camera—with an effort that extends far beyond the series itself.

Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with Mainei Kinimaka. Their talk story explores Mainei’s path into acting, the importance of creating space for Hawai‘i and Pasifika voices, and the kuleana of telling stories with care. They reflect on the weight of portraying historical trauma, the responsibility of nurturing talent, and the power of story to shift perceptions and build community.

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Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with Kaleikoa Kā‘eo. Their conversation explores the actions of Captain Metcalf, touches on the events at Olowalu, and examines the far-reaching costs and consequences of colonialism. Together, they reflect on the human and environmental toll of greed, and how the pursuit of wealth in ways that are not pono continues to disrupt ʻāina, ea, and community. These impacts are not just historical—they continue to shape our world today.

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Pa‘a Sibbett talks story with Dr. Kēhaunani Abad. They explore the chief’s kuleana to ensure abundance for the community, guiding principles like peace and mercy, and how kānāwai like Māmalahoe and Kolowalu continue to shape the way our communities live and care for one another today.

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Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with guests Pohaku Stone, Anne Stone, and Dr. Kēhaunani Abad. They ground us in the values and practices that build ‘ohana and kaiāulu, highlight the political power and mana of Hawaiian women like Ka‘ahumanu and Kānekapōlei, and carry us along ancestral tracks from Hāloa to hōlua that continue to shape who we are today.

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Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with guests Kaleikoa Kā‘eo, Kaina Makua and Dr. Kalehua Krug. They explore the deep connections between people across Moananuiākea, the multiple dimensions of ali‘i beyond war, the importance of telling our own stories, and the role of mentors and role models in inspiring the next generations of ‘Ōiwi mo‘olelo makers.

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Paʻa Sibbett, Kaina Makua, and Dr. Kalehua Krug talk story about aliʻi along with themes of leadership tied to Kamehameha, Kekūhaupi‘o, Kalaniōpuʻu, Kīwalaʻō, and Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula; the presence, influence, and power of Kūkāʻilimoku; and relationships involving aikāne, ho‘āo, and ho‘omaukeiki – dive into Episode 3 of Chief of War. Pa‘a is the Executive Producer, Head Writer, and Co-Creator of the Apple TV+ series.

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Pa‘a Sibbett, Kaho‘okahi Kanuha, and Keawe Goodhue of Awaiaulu talk story about making history through the power of ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, the depth of ‘ike Hawai‘i, and a rising national consciousness—diving into Episode 2 of Chief of War. Pa‘a is Executive Producer, Head Writer, and Co-Creator of the Apple TV+ series.

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Pa‘a Sibbett and Brian Keaulana talk story about the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, the ocean that connects us, and bringing the best of our ancestors forward—diving into Episode 1 of Chief of War. Pa‘a is Executive Producer, Head Writer, and Co-Creator of the Apple TV+ series.

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