Hawaiʻi Department of Education ‘Alumni Spotlight’ features ‘Chief of War’ star, Kaua‘i native Kaina Makua

February 16, 2026 - 07:02

In a heartfelt message to students, Kaina Makua, the Kauaʻi native portraying King Kamehameha I in the Apple TV+ series "Chief of War," offered profound advice that extends far beyond the classroom or the film set. The actor challenged conventional measures of success, emphasizing purpose and contribution over traditional accolades.

“You don’t need to go to college to be ‘somebody,’” Makua stated. He redirected the focus from individual achievement to collective well-being, posing essential questions: “But how will you help your community? How do you contribute and bring value to the lives of others instead of just yourself?”

His core philosophy advocates for a life lived in service to others. “Don’t live for just yourself. You should be living for everybody,” he urged. Makua believes this shift in perspective holds transformative power for society. He concluded with a vision of shared responsibility, stating, “If everyone had that mindset, imagine the things we could do.”

Makua’s reflections offer a powerful counter-narrative, encouraging young people to define their success not by personal gain, but by the positive impact they can create within their communities and for future generations.