A new international youth Go event is coming to the islands with the launch of the Hawaii Go Camp, an annual Go camp for young players that will debut in Honolulu in summer 2026.
The first Hawaii Go Camp will take place Saturday, July 25 through Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Pagoda Hotel, just outside Waikiki. The camp is open to youths ages 6–18, ranging from 15 kyu to 5 kyu, and is already drawing interest from participants in Korea, China, and the United States.
Instruction will be led by two professional Go players, including Honolulu resident Myungwan Kim 9p, with a second professional to be announced. Camp activities will include classroom lectures, problem solving, game reviews, and competitive play. While the camp welcomes international participants, all instruction will be conducted in English.
The Pagoda Hotel, located near Ala Moana Shopping Center and Ala Moana Beach, is offering special room rates for camp families. In addition to Go instruction, the camp schedule includes a welcome BBQ at Ala Moana Park hosted by Kim on Monday, July 27, and an open day on Wednesday, July 29, allowing families time for sightseeing, shopping, or beach activities. Optional group tours are also being explored.
Organizers emphasize that the camp’s goals go beyond improving Go skills. The Hawaii Go Camp aims to foster cross-cultural exchange, build friendships among young players from different countries, and create a fun, welcoming environment centered on the game.
Earlybird pricing and family discounts are available, including reduced rates for siblings attending together. Click here for more details and registration information.
The Hawaii Go Camp is organized by Sid Kobashigawa, president of Hawaii Go-Baduk Camps, who encourages the Go community to help spread the word about this new opportunity for youth players worldwide.