{"id":661,"date":"2022-12-12T20:31:29","date_gmt":"2022-12-12T20:31:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/?p=661"},"modified":"2023-05-01T19:09:36","modified_gmt":"2023-05-01T19:09:36","slug":"chess-in-hawaii-complete-guide-to-chess-in-the-aloha-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/chess-in-hawaii-complete-guide-to-chess-in-the-aloha-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Chess In Hawaii – Complete Guide To Chess In The Aloha State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You may know Hawaii as a globally renowned holiday destination with exotic beaches, friendly locals, and active volcanoes. What you may not know is that beneath all its famous attributes, Hawaii is a lively hub for chess competitions and tournaments, which occur annually and sometimes more frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hawaii Chess Federation (HCF<\/a>) is the top chess organization dedicated to promoting chess, enrolling players, and hosting USCF-rated tournaments in the state. Commissioned in 2005, the non-profit organization serving as the Hawaii state affiliate to the United States Chess Federation (USCF<\/a>) is run by a nominated board of directors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chess<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The HCF is the state\u2019s most prominent advocate for using chess to train intellectual and thinking skills. It oversees chess events in the state, and its duties include sponsoring tournaments and matches. Moreover, the Federation conducts the training and education needed for the intellectual development of both adult and child players. To grow the chess community, the Federation conducts outreach programs in schools and community organizations to increase interest in the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you can imagine, chess is a thriving activity in the \u2018Aloha\u2019 state. There are endless ways to get involved, even starting with zero experience. This article is the guide you need to get started, so read it until the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The History of Chess in Hawaii<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most memorable tournaments held in Hawaii was the 1994 \u2013 1996 Hawaii International held in Oahu. It was heavily attended but not as well-documented as the state\u2019s recent chess tournaments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest major chess tournament that took place in the tropical islands was in 2018, right after the US Open in Kona. Active chess players in the state blame the lack of resources to sponsor more tournaments as the main reason that big tournaments are not as frequent as they used to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Aloha<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

That being said, Hawaii is still home to a growing chess population. There is still a great deal of interest in the game, especially since many small clubs still hold regular blitz matches in various spots around the Big Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Konane – The Hawaiian Board Game<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although it is not clear when the first chess game in Hawaii was played, Hawaiians are believed to have invented a chess-like game known as k\u00f5nane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is believed that k\u00f5nane<\/a> was the first chess like game in Hawaii, supposedly invented by the ancient Hawaii Polynesians. Much like the current chess game, it was played on a rectangular board and required skill and intellect to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/youtu.be\/-_y-B2wAwyw<\/a>