Kalo: More Then a Plant
Posted on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
The Taro plant, most commonly known as “Kalo” in Hawaii inspired Hinu’s Wire Kalo Earrings.
Traditionally, Kalo was a staple of the Hawaiian diet. Every part of the plant can be utilized; the leaves can be steamed and eaten like spinach or used to wrap meat and fish to make a laulau. The stalk is saved and will be replanted. The root can be cooked and eaten or pounded and made into poi (see picture below).
Kalo is more then just a food source. It is the connection between the Hawaiian people and the land. Here’s an excerpt from the Honolulu Weekly about the origin of the Kalo plant.
“Together (Sky Father) Wakea and Ho’ohokukalani birthed a son. But he was lifeless and gnarled like a root, and his mother’s heart was broken. Haloanakalaukapalili–Haloa of the shaking leaves–they named him and buried him in the soil. Haloa, long stalk, Haloa, long breath, Haloa, long life. From Haloa sprouted a shoot. He became the first taro plant, the kalo. And Ho’ohokukalani was pregnant again. She gave birth to another son, healthy and strong, and he was called Haloa, the first Hawaiian, progenitor of the Hawaiian people and namesake of his older brother.
Haloa, long stalk. The younger brother tended to his older brother, and the kalo grew abundantly. Haloa, long breath. The lo’i generated oxygen, vitalizing its surroundings. Haloa, long life. The kalo fed the people, and its medicinal leaves aided the sick. But Haloa brought even more.
By Haloa’s hand, the land became fertile. He created a work ethic and established a collective kuleana (responsibility) by this reasoning: Haloa came from the land, so Hawaiians came from the land. Keep the land alive, and the culture is perpetuated.”
As you can see, Kalo provides more then just nutrition for the body, but it also has enormous spiritual value!
Sport a new pair of Hinu’s Wire Kalo Earrings in 14kt. Gold or sterling silver and be a step closer to Hawaii! www.hinujewelry.com
Hinu’s Wire Kalo Earrings
14kt. Yellow $600
Sterling Silver $150
Lo’i Kalo
Photo: Slow Food Hawaii
www.slowfoodhawaii.org
Gorgeous!
This is absolutely beautiful! The next gift for my beautiful wife.
Kalo is a touching symbol. Thank you for sharing this…
Aloha
How do I order?
Hi Janiece,
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I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any more questions. You can email us directly at help@hinujewelry.com for further assistance! Thanks!