KAHULUI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is hosting a free community event called Lā ‘Ulu (Breadfruit Day) to celebrate breadfruit and Hawaiian culture.
The evet is taking place on Sept. 7, so mark your calendars. This was the fourth Lā ‘Ulu, and it is returning after five years.
“Lā ‘Ulu Breadfruit Day is bringing the community together to heal, to remember, and to celebrate what makes Maui special, which is needed more than ever before,” said Elaine Malina of Maui Green and Beautiful.
The event will feature a variety of activities that showcase the importance of ‘ulu (breadfruit) in Hawaiʻi’s culture.
Attendees will be able to enjoy breadfruit dishes prepared by local chefs and farmers, participate in hands-on activities like making lei and kapa from ‘ulu and play traditional Native Hawaiian games such as ‘ulu maika.
There will also be presentations on how to harvest, plant and cook with ‘ulu, along with live Hawaiian music and hula performances.
“The history of ‘ulu is significant in Hawai‘i as a substantial food source and one of the highest-yielding food plants,” explained Tamara Sherrill, executive director of Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. “Whether you grew up cooking with ‘ulu or have never tried it, this event welcomes everyone.”
Additionally, there was an ‘ulu tree sale; and people could sponsor Maoli-type ‘ulu trees to be donated to Lāhainā residents affected by the recent fires.
The Lā ‘Ulu Breadfruit Day will take place at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, across from the War Memorial Stadium, on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this is a free event that is open to the public. There is also free parking at War Memorial Stadium.
For more information and to volunteer, click here.
The event is sponsored by several local organizations, including Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Maui Green and Beautiful and the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative.