In 1995, a small group of Native Hawaiian residents came together to revive, restore, and share the practices of traditional Native Hawaiian culture with others in Kipahulu. We, the Kipahulu ‘Ohana, are a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating residents and visitors of the “ways of old” through cultural demonstrations and hands-on activities. Using the wisdom and spiritual guidance of our kupuna (elders, learned teachers), we seek to re-establish a Hawaiian lifestyle in Kipahulu. By initiating sustainable projects, dividing the labor, and sharing the results, we will preserve our culture.
This directory of links to culturally oriented websites is designed to provide visitors with a guide for learning about the special culture of Maui Nui (the islands of Maui, Moloka`i, Lana`i and Kaho`olawe), to encourage respectful and sensitive tourism activity.
The 30th Annual East Maui Taro Festival will be held on April 18, 2026 in Hana, Maui. The Taro Festival website contains information about past festivals and links to other websites with information about taro, poi, and Hawaiian culture.
Canoe Plants of Ancient Hawaii
The life of Kanaka Maoli, the indigenous Hawai`i people, is linked closely with kalo, also known as the taro plant. Kalo is believed to have the greatest life force of all foods. According to the Kumulipo, the creation chant, kalo grew from the first-born son of Wakea (sky father) and Papa (earth mother), through Wakea’s relationship with his and Papa’s daughter, Ho`ohokulani. Haloa-naka, as the son was named, was stillborn and buried. Out of his body grew the kalo plant, also called Haloa, which means everlasting breath. Kalo and poi (pounded kalo) are a means of survival for the Hawai`i people. The Canoe Plants of Ancient Hawaii website contains information about the cultural significance of taro, and information about the cultivation of the plant.
where on Oahu can I purchase `oha (young taro shoots) to plant with my students at Alvah Scott Elementary? i would like to know if i could purchase 24 shoots to have my students plant and care for them?
please call me at 630-9582
aloha and mahalo,
alena
um i was wondering where does taro grow in hawaii and why is dye important to the hawaiians
I am a former resident of Hawaii but living in Florida. I have a hapa (1/4) Hawaiian daughter who wants to know her “roots” better. I have a few native Hawaiian plants growing on our 1 acre property in West Palm Beach. I want to grow some Hawaiian Taro so she (Leahi) can cook with it. I’m having difficulty finding a source for live root to plant. Can you help me? I will gladly pay for the cost of a couple of roots, shipping and will make a donation to your organization. I can even trade for services. I do high end creative services for clients from Hawaii to the Caribbean. Attached is a sample logo I did for a Ukulele craftsman in Waimanalo. I appreciate any help and will be very generous in my response.
Here is the link to the sample logo:
http://mayfieldcreative.com/FTP/docs//720_Nakulu%20Label-v4.pdf
I grow malanga (taro) at my yard. I am looking for a variety (swamp taro or lowland taro) which grows well in the paddy condition. I am really interested in grow the real kalo which is used to make POI in Hawaii. Any recommendation?
I live in Utah and wood like to make a Taro pie, where can I buy Taro Root.
Karen I want that Taro pie recipe if you would please share:) You use the purple taro, right?
Also do you have a double crust coconut pie recipe. Not coconut cream, but coconut pie?