Kōnane tournament this weekend at ʻIolani Palace

Oct 08, 2026

ʻIolani Palace hosts a free day of Hawaiian games, music and culture this Sunday, good news for local families and anyone who has never been inside the palace.

  • A kōnane tournament anchors the day, with a talk on the game's history before play begins.
  • Kōnane is a strategy game played by Hawaiian warriors and chiefs — King Kalākaua even started a club for it.
  • Two free hat-pin making classes with cultural practitioner Kawika Lum-Nomita are first come, first served at the Richard Street gate, 20 spots each, one class per person.
  • Hula, live music and free audio tours for up to 500 kamaʻāina round out the program.
  • Hanafuda and mahjong tables reflect the islands' mixed cultures, a nod to Hawaii's multicultural roots going back to the kingdom.

Outlook: Everything is free except food trucks and the gift shop, and remaining kōnane tournament spots can be checked on the palace website.

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