Kōnane

Hawaii's Traditional Strategy Game

Strategy • Timing • Position • Judgment

Why Kōnane?

Kōnane is Hawaiʻi’s traditional strategy game. Historical accounts and modern practitioners suggest it played a role in developing strategic thought, timing, positioning, patience and decision-making among Hawaiian leaders and warriors.

My interest in Kōnane emerged while researching the campaigns of Kamehameha I and broader Hawaiian approaches to warfare and command. Art of Command is currently exploring how games, historical exercises and cultural practices can help develop judgment under uncertainty.

Art of Command is still in a learning and research phase regarding Kōnane.

Learn From Practitioners

For deeper knowledge of the traditional game and its cultural practice, I strongly encourage people support and learn from directly from Hawaiian Kōnane practitioners and cultural experts such as Kapena Baptista and "Uncle" John Kaohelaulii whenever possible.