Papamū Podcast

In this episode of the Papamū Podcast, host John Kaʻohelauliʻi is joined by Kōnane researcher and advocate Kapena Baptista for a conversation entitled All About the Papamū. Together, they explore why the papamū—the board itself—is not just a playing surface, but a cultural object layered with history, values, and ʻike kūpuna.Kapena shares his research on traditional mauka–makai board configurations, the significance of an odd-even layout that creates a piko, and what we can learn from the remaining kūpuna boards—especially those held at Bishop Museum. The episode also reflects on community response to seeing these boards in public, the deeper strategy of pattern recognition and memory in Kōnane, and a powerful vision for the future: more people playing, playing well, and bringing life back into our kūpuna materials through leagues, gatherings, and tournaments rooted in place and purpose.Host:Uncle John Kaohelaulii Author, The Black Book of Kōnane; Kōnane ExpertGuest:Kapena BaptistaCultural Anthropologist, Community Organizer, Kōnane PractitionerCredits:Podcast Planning Team: Leimaile Barret, Kimo Chun, John Kaohelaulii, Keiki Kaopua, Kaipo Kī`aha, Tina Kinimaka, Tevairangi Lopez, Leinani Makekau-WhitakerPodcast Production: Leimaile Barret, James Hall, Kaipo Kī`ahaLogo Development: Kaipo Kī`ahaMahalo 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

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 ExpertGuest:Angel Ibanez – Kōnane Enthusiast, Current Leeward Community College Student, 2025 Kamaile Academy GraduateCredits:Podcast Planning Team: Leimaile Barret, Kimo Chun, John Kaohelaulii, Keiki Kaopua, Kaipo Kī`aha, Tina Kinimaka, Tevairangi Lopez, Leinani Makekau-WhitakerPodcast Production: Leimaile Barret, James Hall, Kaipo Kī`ahaLogo Development: Kaipo Kī`ahaMahalo to our cultural practitioners who keep Kōnane connected to moʻolelo, values, and ʻŌiwi leadership pathways. Also, special thanks to Akau Additional Information:Rules of KōnaneGlossary of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Kōnane TerminologyStrategies & gameplay mindsetOnline resources (Papa Mū, rules, start-a-club templates)Hopes for the future of Kōnane as a cultural and educational practice Akau Boards

In Episode 2 of the Papamū Podcast, host Kimo Chun continues the conversation with Uncle John Kaʻohelauliʻi, focusing on The Black Book of Kōnane and the resources that support the teaching, learning, and perpetuation of Kōnane today.This episode highlights Uncle John’s journey in documenting Kōnane knowledge, the importance of preserving ʻike kūpuna, and how accessible resources—such as Papa Mū, standardized rules, and online materials—can help educators, ʻohana, and communities sustain Kōnane as a living practice. Listeners gain deeper insight into the manaʻo behind the book, the stories it carries, and the hopes for how these resources will support future generations of players.Host name and Title: Kimo Chun – Host, Papamū Podcast  Strategy ConsultantGuest(s) Name and Title:Uncle John Kaohelaulii – Author, The Black Book of Kōnane; Kōnane ExpertʻPodcast Planning Team: Leimaile Barret, Kimo Chun, John Kaohelaulii, Keiki Kaopua, Kaipo Kī`aha, Tina Kinimaka, Tevairangi Lopez, Leinani Makekau-WhitakerPodcast Production: Leimaile Barret, James Hall, Kaipo Kī`ahaLogo Development: Kaipo Kī`aha Mahalo to our cultural practitioners who keep Kōnane connected to moʻolelo, values, and ʻŌiwi leadership pathways.Episode Focus Areas:The Black Book of Kōnane – purpose, development, and legacyUncle John’s moʻolelo and personal journey with KōnaneOnline resources (Papa Mū, rules, start-a-club templates)Hopes for sustaining Kōnane across generations and regionsResources for Listeners:The Black Book of KōnaneOnline resources (Papa Mū, rules, start-a-club templates)

In this inaugural episode of the Papamū Podcast, host Kimo Chun sits down with Uncle John Kaohelaulii, author of The Black Book of Kōnane, and Keiki Kaopua, cultural specialist with Kamehameha Schools, to explore the foundational question: What is Kōnane?Together, they discuss the rules of the game, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi vocabulary used in gameplay, key strategies, and historical moʻolelo that anchor Kōnane in Hawaiian culture. This episode also highlights online resources for learners and the collective hopes for revitalizing Kōnane across schools, families, and communities.Host: Kimo Chun – Host, Papamū Podcast Strategy ConsultantGuests:Uncle John Kaohelaulii – Author, The Black Book of Kōnane; Kōnane ExpertKeiki Kaopua – Cultural Specialist, Kamehameha SchoolsCreditsPodcast Planning Team: Leimaile Barret, Kimo Chun, John Kaohelaulii, Keiki Kaopua, Kaipo Kī`aha, Tina Kinimaka, Tevairangi Lopez, Leinani Makekau-WhitakerPodcast Production: Leimaile Barret, James Hall, Kaipo Kī`ahaLogo Development: Kaipo Kī`aha Mahalo to our cultural practitioners who keep Kōnane connected to moʻolelo, values, and ʻŌiwi leadership pathways.Additional Episode Information:Rules of KōnaneGlossary of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Kōnane Terminology Strategies & gameplay mindsetHistorical references and moʻolelo (e.g., Lonoikamakahiki)Online resources (Papa Mū, rules, start-a-club templates)Hopes for the future of Kōnane as a cultural and educational practice