01/30/2025
Canoe plants were brought to the Hawaiian Islands by the first Polynesian settlers (in their canoes). These plants were essential to the survival of the early Hawaiians, as they provided food, shelter, clothing, and medicine.
KALO / Taro – Kalo is the most important and revered plant in Hawaiian culture. Not only is it a dietary staple (served as poi), but it also holds a central role in Hawaiian spirituality.
WAUKE / Paper Mulberry – Wauke is cultivated for its inner bark, from which kapa is made. Kapa was the original source of cloth for the Polynesians, who used it to make clothing, blankets, lamp wicks, and more.
NIU / Coconut – The coconut is truly a “tree of life,” providing Hawaiians with food, water, baskets, thatching, utensils, and cordage.
NONI / Indian Mulberry – Noni is like an entire pharmacy in one plant. Different parts of the plant can be used to treat wounds, boils, bone fractures, sore muscles, and more.
IPU / Bottle Gourd – Ipu is primarily cultivated for use as water containers and storage. Percussion instruments and rattles for hula and chants are also made from ipu.
KUKUI / Candlenut – Kukui is most often used as fuel for torches and candles after dark, but kukui nut oil has many other uses, including as a varnish for wood canoes.
MAI‘A / Banana – Besides the delicious fruit, banana leaves serve as excellent food wrappers. The juicy stalks are also used when cooking food in an imu (earth oven).
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Sources: NPS.gov, mauimagazine.net article “Seeds across the Seas” by Michael Stein
Cover artwork of Kalo plant by Wendy Hollender
