- BGG rank
- BGG #1,659
- BGG rating
- 6.6
Kahuna
- 2 players
- 30–40 min
- Complexity 2.1/5
- 1998
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- BGG rank
- BGG #17,415
- BGG rating
- 6.4
Kanaloa
2001
Rules assistance for Kanaloa
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–4 players
- 90 min
- 8+
- Complexity 2.6/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Kanaloa
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Kanaloa is a board game released in 2001 for 2–4 players, 90 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Günter Cornett and its main mechanics are Set Collection.
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About the game
Two to four players go from island to island to pick up different fruit to give to the gods. Between the islands are fish to move in one direction (to the fish's mouth). One side of a fish shows the player's color (only this player may move) the other no color (any player may move). After every move the fish is turned to the other color. The gods help the player who gives the most fruit; to move (turn direction or color of a fish), to steal (of course from another player), to determine a volcanic eruption (the players near the volcanic eruption lose a turn) or to pick up better fruit. The rules are developed from the theme (character of Hawaiian gods, building small stone temples), but it's not historical. The theme and design is similar to Kahuna / Arabana-Ikibiti, but it is more for gamers than for families, and does not require the building of connections. Confusingly, Tilsit re-named another game by Günter Cornett with a similar island-theme Kanaloa in 2003, but it is different, and more closely related to Kahuna. 3rd Place 2001 Hippodice Spieleautorenwettbewerb.
Questions and answers
Kanaloa supports 2–4 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Kanaloa is 90 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Kanaloa for ages 8 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Kanaloa has a complexity rating of 2.6 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Kanaloa belongs to these categories: Nautical. Its main mechanics are Set Collection. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Kanaloa are: Günter Cornett. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Kanaloa as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.