Kalo (Taro) - Maui Ocean Center

Park Hours
9 AM - 5 PM

Search
Close this search box.

Park Hours 9 AM - 5 PM

Kalo (Taro)

Kalo was by far the most important plant to early Hawaiians. Kalo was the staple food through the main Hawaiian Islands and is still consumed in large quantities to this day.

 

Kalo comes in two forms; dryland and wetland. There were 300 varieties grown specifically for poi production. Poi was created by cooking the corm (root) of the kalo and then pounded with water to create poi kalo.

 

Poi is essential to the Polynesian diet and was eaten with nearly every meal. There are several varieties of kalo; Hawaiians had poi that was purple, yellow, and white depending on which type they used.

Traditionally, poi is consumed with 1-3 fingers, no utensils required.

common Name

Taro

Scientific Name

olocasia esculenta

Status

Canoe Plant (Polynesian Introduction)

where to find

From mauka to makai, different varieties can grow in lo’i (artificial ponds) or mala (dry patches), strongly dependent on the availability of water.

discover Our botanical tour!

Experience the vibrant tapestry of Hawaiian biodiversity with a journey through Maui Ocean Center’s Hawaiian Culture and Botanical Plant Tour. 

 

Embark on a multi-sensory experience, today!

share with friends

Discover More Maui Ocean Center plant life