By John W. Kaohelaulii
NaHHA is proud to share an article from one of our Lamakū Hoʻokipa – Beacons of Hospitality – who exemplify the value of mālama and are making meaningful impact as contributing members of the Native Hawaiian community.
Kōnane has long been a cornerstone of Hawaiian leadership development. Our aliʻi were among its most skilled practitioners as it was far more than a pastime. It continues to cultivate critical thinking, discipline, strategic planning, and decision-making, all qualities essential to great leadership. Simple in form yet profound in practice, kōnane remains an invaluable tool for cultivating future Hawaiian leaders.
As children, our kūpuna would have spent years immersed in situational play, recognizing patterns, sharpening reaction time, solving problems, and building endurance. Every match develops creativity, strategy, resource management, and the ability to anticipate the next move. Kōnane teaches players to think ahead, adapt to changing circumstances, and understand that every move has consequences.
Kōnane also teaches balance in relationships. With the black stones representing ma uka resources and the white coral representing ma kai resources, the game reflects how ma uka and ma kai are interconnected through stewardship and must be cared for together.
Unlike chess or checkers, kōnane is not confined to a single 64-square board. Every papamū is unique, much like every ahupuaʻa. Success comes from reading the papamū, understanding relationships, and making wise use of what is available.
Perhaps its greatest lesson is found in the board itself. The pieces begin interwoven, not separated into opposing sides. That lesson remains relevant today. Hawaiʻi’s future will not be strengthened by an us-versus-them mentality, but by recognizing our interconnectedness.
Leadership requires balance, thoughtful action, and decisions that strengthen the whole community. I believe our next great Hawaiian leader will draw upon these lessons learned on the papamū to help unite our people for a stronger future.
My kuleana has been to find creative ways to teach kōnane and encourage its use in classrooms, homes, and boardrooms. Somewhere in Hawaiʻi today is a child who may become our next great Hawaiian leader. That future leader could be walking among us. Someone simply needs to teach them kōnane.
I made my move. What will yours be?
Since 2011, John W. Kaohelaulii has dedicated himself to putting Kōnane back into the hands of our people. Learn more and download his free “Teaching Papamū” guide at konanegear.com
