About

Kalo

In Hawaiian culture, Kalo (also known as taro), is one of the most important plants. Kalo is a resilient plant, has many uses, and is a staple in Hawaiian culture. Since ancient times to present day, kalo remains to be a staple in Hawaiian diet. The moʻolelo (story) of Hāloa; the stillborn child of Wākea and Ho‘ohōkūkalani. She buried her stillborn and from that a heart-shaped leaf sprouted, the first kalo sprung. Ho‘ohōkūkalani later gave birth to a second son, whom she named Hāloa in honor of his older brother. Hāloa was the first human whose name translates to everlasting breath. Hāloa continued to care for his older brother and in turn the kalo plant nourished his ʻohana (family).

Puakenikeni

While Puakenikeni is not an indigenous flower, it has become a local favorite! In Hawaiian. Puakenikeni translates to “10 cent flower”. In the early 1900ʻs, lei makers at the Honolulu docks would sell lei and sold Puakenikeni leis for 10 cents!

Pīkake

Just like the Puakenikeni flower, Pīkake is not an indigenous flower but quickly became a local favorite when introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the 1800s. Pīkake is a small delicate flower but oh so fragrant! Pīkake leis are made by kui (needle/ piercing) lei style as pictured in the neon light display.