Kilauea
Kilauea at your next game night?
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- Designer David Bernal , Ferran Renalias
- Publisher Combo Games (II) , 25th Century Games , HABA
- Illustration Eduardo García Gregorio
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
You play a Mo'o, a lizard-like spirit from Hawaiian folklore, building Tiki columns to honor Pele the volcano goddess. Rules are straightforward but scoring forces constant attention to color distributions across volcano areas. You move on a rondel, choose among three actions (cut in the forest, build in the volcano, build on your island) and plan around scoring triggers when certain forests are emptied. The interplay of timing, placement and evolving multipliers creates tight competitive turns.
Who Is This Game For?
Kilauea suits experienced families and hobby gamers who like tactical puzzles; the rules are simple but require strategic reading of Area Majority and rondel timing. With a listed duration of about 60 minutes it fits a typical game night and does not demand extensive prior experience.
How It Works
Movement is resolved via a rondel: you advance to a position on the volcano rondel and take one of three actions. Area Majority / Influence matters during scoring because the number and color of Tikis in each volcano area are multiplied by the corresponding Tikis on your personal island. Actions include cutting down in forests or building Tikis in the volcano or on your island, and scoring phases occur when specific forests are emptied. The mechanics are simple to learn but create a spatial and timing puzzle.
What Makes It Special
Designed by David Bernal and Ferran Renalias, Kilauea combines a thematic Hawaiian/Tiki setting with rondel movement and Area Majority scoring. The dynamic scores—driven by changing color counts in volcano areas—make interaction and contestation central to play.
Pro
- Simple rules that lead to meaningful tactical decisions via Area Majority / Influence
- Rondel movement creates clear action timing and planning
- Distinctive Hawaii/Tiki theme integrated with mechanics
- Moderate playtime (~60 minutes) suitable for game nights
Contra
- Not designed for solo play (2–4 players)
- Tactical depth requires multiple plays to master timing
Setting & atmosphere
The theme draws on Hawaiian mythology and volcano imagery: players are Mo'o spirits building Tiki columns to honor Pele, with forests and volcano zones forming the game map.
Tips for beginners
Learn the rondel rhythm first and watch how color distributions change in volcano areas to understand scoring triggers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. Kilauea is listed for 2–4 players; no solo mode is indicated.
How long does a game really take?
The stated duration is about 60 minutes; initial games including explanation may take longer.
What prior experience do I need?
Rules are simple; familiarity with Area Majority and rondel planning helps, so it's aimed at hobby gamers and experienced families.
How does this compare to similar games?
Kilauea pairs rondel movement with Area Majority scoring and evolving multipliers, differentiating it from pure abstract majority titles.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, for families with children aged 10 and up; with ~60 minutes playtime it's family-night friendly but requires tactical thinking.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of a rondel and Area Majority / Influence drives timing and competitive placement.
Fazit
Kilauea is recommended for players who want simple rules with strategic depth and area-majority contests in a themed package. It is less suited to those seeking very long or ultra-complex sessions.
Kilauea at your next game night?
Add Kilauea to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Kilauea to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
