Jason Momoa’s Father Joseph Momoa Discouraged Him from Living in Hawaii as a Teen

Joseph Momoa is Jason Momoa's father, who taught him how to love the water. Although Joseph did not raise Jason, he is proud of the man his son grew up to be and imbedded Hawaiian values in the actor.

Joseph Momoa is the reason behind his son, Jason Momoa's Hawaiian solid knowledge and culture. As of 2018, Jason worked with students at a Hawaiian school and ran sailing canoe tours.

He was a wonderful waterman who loved the ocean. Some of his activities included surfing, canoeing, paddling, and hydrofoils. Joseph imparted his love for water to his son, who learned to enjoy the ocean as well.

Jason Momoa's Parents Separated When the Actor Was an Infant

Hawaiian-raised Joseph and his then-wife, Coni, from Norwalk, Iowa, welcomed Joseph during their marriage. Unfortunately, Joseph separated from her shortly after Jason's birth and stayed on the island while his son went to the mainland.

When his son was a young boy, Joseph tried visiting Iowa for extended periods, testing if it was a place he could adapt to, but as a Hawaiian man, it was challenging to be homesick. Nevertheless, he knew a strong and amazing woman raised his son.

Although Jason didn't grow up in Hawaii, he learned to love the Midwest. "It's the same people [as Hawaii] – people who don't want to leave their land, who are very content where they're at," Jason said.

Joseph Momoa Wanted His Son to Grow Up in the US

As a teen, Joseph's son realized he wanted to live and have his education in Hawaii. However, Joseph persuaded him to stay in the mainland and take advantage of the opportunities. Joseph said:

"I told him, you need to go and gain all this knowledge, and when you graduate, you can come back here any time you want. Hawaii is always here. This is a place to rest, a place to gather your mind."

Jason would spend summers in Oahu, Hawaii, but because he grew up in Iowa, he was considered an outsider and wasn't accepted as a Hawaiian.

Despite growing up on the mainland, Joseph taught his son Hawaiian values that Jason took with him wherever he went. Jason learned many things from his father, including how to love the ocean.

Joseph Momoa's Thoughts on His Son's Acting Career

Joseph's son initially had his eyes set on marine biology and took courses to pursue this profession. However, he ended up becoming a Hollywood star. Joseph is supportive of his son's career and was happy he starred in "Aquaman," which was much about the ocean.

As a dedicated actor, Jason has to balance his work life with fatherhood. Admittedly, growing up without a dad around affected his journey as a parent, as he did not know what it was like to be a father. Fortunately, his mother, Coni Momoa, and grandmother raised him well.

Jason Momoa shares two kids with his ex-wife, Lisa Bonet. They welcomed Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa and Lola Iolani Momoa during their relationship.