Andrew “Keahi” Castro, a Windward Community College student, has created Likōnane, a free online platform dedicated to the Hawaiian strategy game kōnane, which was traditionally played with black and white stones. Inspired by his desire to reconnect with his heritage, Castro aims to bring the game into the digital age.
“I wanted to make sure a Hawaiian game had just as much intentionality and respect as chess,” Castro said. “I wanted everyone in the world to be able to play it.”
Using his background in mathematics and statistics, Castro spent years building Likōnane. The platform features live multiplayer games, tournaments, puzzles and an artificial intelligence opponent named Lopako. Unlike many gaming sites, it is completely free and ad-free.
Connecting to culture
Castro developed the platform as a student in Windward CC’s fully online program in Hawaiian studies called Hawaiʻiloa.
His grandparents moved from Oʻahu to California in the 1950s. Raised in California and now living in Washington, Castro found the Hawaiʻiloa program an essential bridge to his roots.
“I’ve always wanted to learn more about Hawaiʻi and my culture,” Castro said. “Hawaiʻiloa seemed like a great opportunity for it.”
Despite the distance, the Hawaiʻiloa program fostered a strong sense of community, and Castro is on track to earn an associate degree in Hawaiian studies in the fall.
“The online classes have been great,” he said. “The classmates I’ve worked with have been great, and I’ve made some great connections. Even being far away, it’s helped me feel connected.”
For future generations
Castro is integrating ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) throughout the site, including support for specialized characters in chat and usernames. He hopes to eventually offer an Hawaiian-language version.
Ultimately, he hopes the platform will preserve the game for future generations.
“Everyone was playing it,” Castro said. “It can be played all the time again.”
—By Nakoa Camvel
