Hawaii
Hawaii at your next game night?
Add Hawaii to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Greg Daigle
- Publisher Hans im Glück , 999 Games , Filosofia Éditions , Rio Grande Games , Z-Man Games
- Illustration Dennis Lohausen
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
In Hawaii, you move your chieftain across a modular board to build and expand villages. You manage limited action points and three different currencies to acquire new tiles and develop your settlements. Income decreases each round, requiring careful prioritization. The goal is to score points by balancing resource management and strategic placement over five rounds.
Who Is This Game For?
Hawaii is aimed at experienced players aged 13 and up who enjoy medium-weight strategy games. With a playing time of about 60 minutes, it suits game nights well. Beginners should have some familiarity with worker placement mechanics due to the tactical planning involved.
How It Works
The core mechanics include worker placement where you perform actions with your chieftain on a modular board. You move your piece (area movement) and spend limited action points to purchase village tiles. Managing three currencies is crucial for income and acquisition. Tile placement lets you expand your settlements strategically. These combined mechanics shape the gameplay experience.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Greg Daigle, Hawaii was recommended as Kennerspiel des Jahres in 2012 and nominated for several awards like the Meeples Choice Award 2011. It stands out by combining action points, worker placement, and a modular board. Part of the 'States: Hawaii' family, it offers deep resource management and strategic depth.
Awards
2012
2012
2012
2012
- 2012 Boardgames Australia Awards Best International Game — Nominated
- 2011 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Combination of worker placement and action points for tactical depth
- Modular board ensures variability
- Complex resource management with three currencies
- Recommended Kennerspiel des Jahres 2012
Contra
- Requires strategic planning, not suited for beginners
- 60-minute playtime might be long for quick sessions
- Experience varies with player count (2-5 players)
Setting & atmosphere
The game is set on the island of Hawaii, where players act as chieftains building villages and exploring the island. The theme blends tropical island life with strategic development and resource management.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on managing your resources efficiently and using action points wisely to get familiar with the mechanics.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Hawaii is designed for 2 to 5 players and does not include an official solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game of Hawaii takes about 60 minutes, suitable for a typical game night.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is a medium-weight strategy requiring familiarity with worker placement and resource management.
How does this compare to similar games?
Hawaii combines worker placement with a modular board and three currencies, differentiating it from classic strategy games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and recommended age of 13+, Hawaii is better suited for experienced players rather than families.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its unique blend of worker placement, action points, and modular board design defines its gameplay.
Fazit
Hawaii is a solid choice for players who appreciate tactical challenges and resource management. It is recommended for experienced gamers willing to invest about 60 minutes for a strategic building experience.
Hawaii at your next game night?
Add Hawaii to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Hawaii to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
