Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
In this episode of the Papamū Podcast, host Uncle John Kaohelaulii sits down with emerging Kōnane player Angel Ibanez to explore Kōnane: The Next Generation. Through gameplay, storytelling, and reflection, Angel shares his personal Kōnane journey—from first learning the game at school to competing in tournaments and carrying his papamū wherever he goes.
Together, they discuss how Kōnane shapes decision-making, kuleana, humility in both winning and losing, and the importance of teaching others. This episode highlights youth leadership, intergenerational learning, board design inspired by mahina and ʻāina-based practice in collaboration with Akau Boards, and how Kōnane continues to grow as a living mindset connecting culture, strategy, and community.
Host:
Uncle John Kaohelaulii – Author, The Black Book of Kōnane; Kōnane Expert
Guest:
Angel Ibanez – Kōnane Enthusiast, Current Leeward Community College Student, 2025 Kamaile Academy Graduate
Credits:
Podcast Planning Team: Leimaile Barret, Kimo Chun, John Kaohelaulii, Keiki Kaopua, Kaipo Kī`aha, Tina Kinimaka, Tevairangi Lopez, Leinani Makekau-Whitaker
Podcast Production: Leimaile Barret, James Hall, Kaipo Kī`aha
Logo Development: Kaipo Kī`aha
Mahalo to our cultural practitioners who keep Kōnane connected to moʻolelo, values, and ʻŌiwi leadership pathways. Also, special thanks to Akau
Additional Information:
– Rules of Kōnane
– Glossary of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Kōnane Terminology
– Strategies & gameplay mindset
– Online resources (Papa Mū, rules, start-a-club templates)
– Hopes for the future of Kōnane as a cultural and educational practice
Akau Boards
In this episode of the Papamū Podcast, host Uncle John Kaohelaulii sits down with emerging Kōnane player Angel Ibanez to explore Kōnane: The Next Generation. Through gameplay, storytelling, and reflection, Angel shares his personal Kōnane journey—from first learning the game at school to competing in tournaments and carrying his papamū wherever he goes.
Together, they discuss how Kōnane shapes decision-making, kuleana, humility in both winning and losing, and the importance of teaching others. This episode highlights youth leadership, intergenerational learning, board design inspired by mahina and ʻāina-based practice in collaboration with Akau Boards, and how Kōnane continues to grow as a living mindset connecting culture, strategy, and community.
Host:
Uncle John Kaohelaulii – Author, The Black Book of Kōnane; Kōnane Expert
Guest:
Angel Ibanez – Kōnane Enthusiast, Current Leeward Community College Student, 2025 Kamaile Academy Graduate
Credits:
Podcast Planning Team: Leimaile Barret, Kimo Chun, John Kaohelaulii, Keiki Kaopua, Kaipo Kī`aha, Tina Kinimaka, Tevairangi Lopez, Leinani Makekau-Whitaker
Podcast Production: Leimaile Barret, James Hall, Kaipo Kī`aha
Logo Development: Kaipo Kī`aha
Mahalo to our cultural practitioners who keep Kōnane connected to moʻolelo, values, and ʻŌiwi leadership pathways. Also, special thanks to Akau
Additional Information:
– Rules of Kōnane
– Glossary of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Kōnane Terminology
– Strategies & gameplay mindset
– Online resources (Papa Mū, rules, start-a-club templates)
– Hopes for the future of Kōnane as a cultural and educational practice
Akau Boards
