Hoolima

Hoolima is a traditional Polynesian game originating from the Cook Islands, also known as *Te Rā o Te Rangi* ("The Sun of Heaven"). It is a strategic board game played on a grid resembling a cross, typically consisting of 16 squares arranged in four rows and four columns. The game is believed to have deep cultural significance, often linked to storytelling, navigation, and the spiritual world in Polynesian traditions.

The objective of Hoolima is to capture the opponent’s pieces by surrounding them with one’s own. Players take turns placing their pieces, which are often small stones or shells, onto the grid. The game begins with each player placing their pieces in the center squares, and subsequent moves involve positioning pieces to block or encircle the opponent’s pieces. A piece is captured if it is completely surrounded by the opponent’s pieces on all adjacent squares.

Hoolima is not only a recreational activity but also serves as an educational tool, teaching players about strategy, spatial reasoning, and cultural values such as patience and respect. It is sometimes played in social gatherings, festivals, and community events in Polynesian cultures. Variations of the game exist across different Pacific Island communities, reflecting regional adaptations while maintaining the core principles of the original.

The game’s simplicity and depth make it accessible to players of all ages, while its cultural roots continue to be celebrated in modern Polynesian communities. Hoolima remains a living tradition, passed down through generations as both a pastime and a cultural preserve.