Play Kōnane

Kōnane is a game of strategy and wits. Do you have what it takes to win?

Peahea ka hoʻonanenane? Want to test your wits?

A game of strategy and wits, kōnane was more than a game of leisure, it was also a political tool, often used to settle disputes. Test your wits and try a game today! Play a game of kōnane on the shores of Hōnaunau Bay with your ʻohana (family). This game can be learned in minutes, but may take a lifetime to master.

Set Up

Fill all the holes in the papamū (playing surface) alternately with light and dark pebbles. To check to see if the papamū is set up correctly, look across the papamū from one corner to the opposite. Each diagonal row should be the same color. 

How to Play

1. Take a seat across from your opponent with the papamū in the middle.
2. Select Your Color: One player puts a pebble in each hand, one black and one white, then puts both hands behind their back. Present closed hands to your opponent, who selects a hand, thereby choosing which color pebble they will be playing with. Place the two pieces back onto the papamū. The player with the black pebbles goes first.
3. Remove one piece from the board: "Black" begins by removing one black pebble from anywhere on the board. "White" then removes one white pebble from the board.
4. Begin game play: "Black" jumps one of the white pieces and removes it. "White" jumps one of the black pieces and removes it; players continue to take turns. 
5. Rules:
   1. In any move, a player moves only one pebble, jumping in any direction EXCEPT diagonally.
   2. You may choose to make multiple jumps, but you don't have to.
   3. You cannot move in more than one direction in a turn (no "L" shaped moves).
6. Winning: As the game continues there will be fewer pebbles on the papamū and fewer chances to jump. The player who makes the last jump wins.

Details

Duration

10-30 Minutes

Activity

Cultural Demonstrations

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed in the Royal Grounds. Service animals are permitted in all areas of the park.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Kōnane Papamū (Stop 3)

From the visitor center, continue down the breezeway to the Royal Grounds. Head straight down the path at the end of the ramp. The kōnane papamū, stop number 3 on the walking tour, will be on the shoreline ahead.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

Access to the kōnane papamū requires travel on coarse crushed coral sand. The papamū and coconut stump chairs are low to the ground. If you are unable to access the papamū in the Royal Grounds, ask at the visitor center for access to a portable board that can be played in the breezeway.