TARO
Life close to the land

by Sarah Yamanaka

The people of ancient Hawaii believed all things were equal. They took care of the land, and the land in turn, took care of them. They believed that the environment was a gift from the gods, and that they lived on the land in order to enhance its natural resources.

Ancient agricultural practices were an example of that. Water left the mountain in a stream, some of which was diverted to taro patches. It passed through the patch, then reconnected to the stream, leading to a fishpond. The nutrients from the taro patch entered the fishpond and helped algae to grow. The fish fed upon the algae, and the people in turn, ate the fish.

All things were significant to the people of ancient Hawaii. They believed that taro, or kalo, held a spiritual significance. Taro was their “older brother” who took care of them by flourishing and feeding the entire Hawaiian race. When cut, certain varieties of taro would “bleed” a red liquid—this confirmed the Hawaiian’s belief.

The word ohana (family) comes from taro. In a large growth of taro plants, the largest stem is the mother, while the smaller stems around it—cut from the original mother plant—are its children.

When the Hawaiian Islands were discovered in 1778, approximately 20,000 acres of taro patches existed. Today, there are less than 400. More than 100 species of taro exist, with about 10 varieties that are pounded into poi. Taro takes more than a year to grow; its culture is a true commitment to the land. Growing taro is a difficult way of life that may eventually disappear, except for the truly dedicated who continue to live life close to the land.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of Hawaii, ask your concierge for directions to one of the many book stores on the island.