Konane (1775)
Konane
Konane is a traditional two-player strategy board game from Hawaii that was invented by the ancient Hawaiian Polynesians. It was played in preliterate Hawaii and was popular among all classes, with men and women often playing together. The game was played on a rectangular grid of indentations or holes, with pitted slabs with rows of holes for playing Konane found on the front of the platform of many houses. Portable game boards were also common. Konane declined in popularity after the arrival of Westerners, but in recent decades, native pastimes have begun a resurgence, and today, students in schools emphasizing Hawaiian culture learn to play Konane as early as first or second grade.
Why is Konane Popular?
Konane is significant because it is a traditional Hawaiian board game that has been played for centuries and is still played today. It requires strategic thinking and is similar to other board games like draughts and chess. The game is also significant because it was played by men and women of all stations in life, and especially enjoyed by older men. Huge bets might be laid on a Konane game, with the stakes ranging from goods, such as kapa blankets and clothing, lau hala mats, jewelry, land, sexual favors, or even one’s own life. Konane figures in the saga of Lonoikamakahiki, a great chief credited with creating the first kahili and instituting the Makahiki games.
Game Components of Konane
Rectangular or square board with an even number of playing spacesBlack and white counters or pebbles
Game Setup of Konane
Pieces can be laid out in the beginning of the game in an alternating checkerboard pattern of two colors on top of a table, on the ground, or on any flat surface. Both players’ pieces are intermixed in a checkered pattern of black and white occupying every square of the board.
Gameplay Mechanics of Konane
The game is played on a rectangular board. Pieces hop over one another when capturing. The only legal moves (after the first turn) are orthogonal captures by the short leap method. The object of the game is not to capture all the enemy pieces, but to leave your enemy without a valid move.
Game Objective of Konane
The objective of Konane is to leave your opponent without a legal move.
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