Amazing Taro Feast takes over Kapa‘a

The Amazing Taro Feast and Adopt-a-Variety Celebration kicked off on Aug. 24 at the Children of the Land Center for Polynesian Culture in Kapa‘a. Regenerations Botanical Garden, Children of the Land Center for Polynesian Culture and Makaweli Poi Mill sponsored the event.

More than 40 varieties of taro, grown at Kaua‘i Community College, were featured at the event.

The event also gave participants the opportunity to learn about taro and how to grow it themselves.  

The event started at 7:30 p.m. and culminated at 10 p.m. Ka‘ohuopkalani Harada opened with a pule (prayer) at 7:45.

After the pule, event coordinator Paul Massey introduced special guest and taro expert Jerry Konanui, who spoke about the importance of taro in Hawai’i and the harmful effects of genetically modified organisms.

“Protecting the Taro,” a 30-minute film, was shown after the introductions.

Dozens of people attended the feat, and everyone had a chance to taste the over 40 varieties of organically grown taro.