‘Awa: Kava
Importance: Roots are pounded and mixed with water to create a ceremonial drink for religious offerings and rituals. Dried roots…
Kalo: Taro
Importance: The corm (root tuber) is a staple food; raw corm was used to stop bleeding; kalo juice was used…
Kī: Ti
Importance: Leaves used for wrapping gifts and religious offerings, and made into sandals, rain coats, roof thatching. Leaves were used…
Ko: Sugar Cane
Importance: Food source; used to sweeten the bitter taste of medicine.
Mai‘a: banana
Importance: Fruits are a staple food; leaves are used for wrapping food during cooking, especially in imu (underground oven); leaf…
‘Uala: Sweet potato
Importance: Tubers are a staple food and were also used as fishing bait. Certain varieties were used to alleviate asthma…