Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 6, Number 6, 1 June 1989 — Taro Festival Celebrates Prime Food of Hawaiʻi [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Taro Festival Celebrates Prime Food of Hawaiʻi

Taro. Kalo. A food staple of Polynesia since ancient times, and considered by Hawaiians the "hiapo," or older sibling of the first man, taro has been and eontinues to be a nourishing food and spiritual symbol. "In Celebration of Taro" is a free daylong festival planned for July 22 at Windward Community College, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The public is invited to leam about. • the cultural and historical significance of taro, • how to grow taro in home gardens (taro cuttings will be on sale); • agriculture classes at WCC; • old and modern poi-making techniques, • taro cooking (take home recipes) • medicinal uses of taro In addition there will be story-telling, children's activities, arts and crafts for sale, and food booths featuring kulolo, taro chips, laulau and poi. "In Celebration of Taro" is sponsored by The Friends of Taro, Windward Community College and the Native Hawaiian Health Task Force of the Department of Health.