Hanalei Taro Presentation and Demonstration

Kamiloiki Elementary School

Kamilokiki Elementary School bought in two kalo farmers from Hanalei Taro on Kauaʻi to speak to 4th graders about how to grow and cultivate kalo, a plant that is so important to the Hawaiian culture. The farmers taught the students about the parts of the kalo plant, what each part can be used for, and the difficulties that kalo farmers encounter. In addition to the presentation, they brought 30 pre-cooked kalo roots for the students to look at, make observations and inferences about, and pond into paiʻiʻai, a pure mixture of kalo and water to take home. They also brought samples of two desserts that are made from kalo for all of the students and teachers: taro mochi and kulolo.

This opporutnity was shared not only with the students, but with teachers at Kamiloiki as well. The Principal, Hawaiiana teacher, Mandarin teacher, and librarian also shared in the experience wiuth the students, two of whom are not originally from Hawaiʻi.

"This was an amazing opportunity and experience for our students and faculty that would not have been possible without the help and support from Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation," Daniel Adachi, 4th Grade Teacher.