Kauai History and Games

Hawaiians had ample leisure time living in a landscape and climate that supplied abundant food and materials without excessive labor. They invented games and contests to entertain both players and spectators, and became great sportsmen. Hawaiian athletes were especially skilled in water sports like surfing, swimming, and canoe racing. There was lele kawa (plunging with the least amount of splash), lele pahu (plunging with the greatest splash), aho loa (holding breath), and kaupua (diving for an object). There was kaha nalu (body surfing), paka wa`a (canoe surfing) and he`e nalu (board surfing) which they developed to a higher degree than anywhere else in the Pacific.

An important function of ancient games was to train warriors. Games that built strength, stamina, and agility with weapons such as spears and darts developed skills that were basic to the battlefield where hand-to-hand combat prevailed. Hawaiians played a number of games that showcased physical dexterity or sheer muscle power like lifting bolders, wrestling, boxing, foot races, and tug of war. They also competed in many ways using a wooden spear or javelin, including kaka la`au (fencing), `o`o ihe (throwing) and ihe pahe`e (sliding over a grassy course).

Simple children’s games were hei (cat’s cradle), pala `ie (loop and ball), pahipahi (slapping hands together), hu (spinning tops) and kimo (jacks). Guessing games included no`a (finding a pebble under a pile of sand or piece of kapa) and puhenehene (finding a pebble on a person). There were word games, riddles, and board games like konane, similar to checkers.