The Memory Game: Mauna Kea

A fun, educational twist on the classic memory game — match and learn about the unique plants and animals found on Mauna Kea! 

Mauna Kea Memory Game is our newest way to help keiki fall in love with the incredible plants and animals that call Mauna Kea home. Through beautiful artwork by local artist Mika Yamada, this game brings 15 native species to life — from the bright red ʻiʻiwi to the rare Mauna Kea ʻāhinahina that blooms once in a lifetime.

Mauna Kea holds deep spiritual significance as the piko — where the land meets the heavens. This Volcano is home to species found nowhere else on Earth, making them precious treasures to learn about and protect. As your keiki match cards and learn the Hawaiian names of these plants and animals, they're building a connection to this special place.

What's Inside

• 30 vibrant cards featuring 15 native plants and animals that call Mauna Kea home

• Each card displays the Hawaiian name with proper diacritical marks (ʻokina and kahakō)
  

• Durable, high-quality materials designed to withstand enthusiastic play

• Ages 3+ and perfect for 1-4 players

Featured Species

Native Birds: Nēnē, ʻAmakihi, Palila, ʻApapane, ʻAkiapolaʻau, Pueo, ʻIʻiwi, ʻElepaio

Native Plants: ʻŌhelo papa, Māmane, ʻŌhiʻa lehua, Mauna Kea ʻĀhinahina, Pūkiawe, ʻAʻaliʻi, Koa

Multiple Ways to Play

This versatile set goes beyond simple matching:

• Classic Memory Game - Turn cards face down and find matching pairs

• Hawaiian Flashcards - Learn plant and animal names in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi

• "Go Fish" Hawaiian Style - Practice conversational Hawaiian phrases

• Ecosystem Exploration - Sort cards by habitat (forest birds, alpine plants, etc.)

• Storytelling - Create moʻolelo using randomly selected cards

• Scavenger Hunt - Hide cards around your home for keiki to discover

Why We Made This

Many of the species on Mauna Kea are endangered or found only on the slopes of this mountain. We created this game to help the next generation learn their names, recognize them, and understand why protecting them matters. When keiki can name the Palila or spot the māmane tree it depends on, they're learning to mālama ʻāina — to care for our land and all the life it supports.

Perfect For

• Families wanting to incorporate more Hawaiian culture into daily life

• Educators teaching about Hawaiian ecosystems and native species

• Anyone who loves Mauna Kea and wants to share its beauty with keiki

• Visitors seeking a meaningful, educational souvenir that celebrates Hawaiʻi's unique biodiversity