Breadfruit — known in Hawai‘i as ‘ulu — is one of the precious canoe plants that Polynesian voyagers brought to Hawai‘i centuries ago, and has served as a longstanding source of sustenance.
Abundant in nutrients, amino acids and complex carbohydrates but low in fat, ‘ulu can be used like potatoes in a range of recipes, made into dips or baked into desserts, depending on its phase of maturity. Raw breadfruit can be processed into gluten-free flour.
Its uses are incredibly versatile, expanding even beyond food. The timber can be used for houses, canoes, furniture and firewood; the breadfruit “gum” or sap can serve as waterproof caulking; fibers from the bark can be used for clothing, paper, artwork and more.
Gathering to Honor ‘Ulu
Lā ‘Ulu (Breadfruit Day) is a free community event in Central Maui to celebrate the incredible breadfruit and Hawaiian culture. This gathering was last held in 2019, and a dedicated team is bringing it back to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens in Kahului on Saturday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Parking is available for free at War Memorial Stadium.
“The history of ‘ulu is significant in Hawai’i as a substantial food source and one of the highest-yielding food plants,” explains Maui Nui Botanical Gardens Executive Director Tamara Sherrill. “More residents than ever before are planting Hawaiian crops. And ‘ulu, like so many Hawaiian plants, has dozens of traditional and modern uses beyond food. Whether you grew up cooking with ‘ulu or have never tried it, this event welcomes everyone.”
Lā ‘Ulu Festivities
The event features breadfruit creations of local chefs and farmers; hands-on activities to make traditional products such as lei and kapa from ‘ulu; Hawaiian games like ‘ulu maika; presentations about harvesting, propagating, planting, and cooking with breadfruit; and live Hawaiian music and hula.
There will also be an ʻulu tree sale, and an opportunity to sponsor Maoli-type ʻulu trees to be held for donation to fire-affected Lāhainā residents.
“La ’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,” adds Elaine Malina of Maui Green and Beautiful.
The Many Benefits of Breadfruit
From a nutritional standpoint, the list is long: breadfruit is high in fiber and contains proteins to help regulate diabetes, lower cholesterol and enhance skin and hair. It’s packed with vitamin C, B1 and B5, along with minerals like copper and potassium to help bolster immunity and fight off infections.
With so many potential health benefits and uses, this high-yielding, climate-resilient plant has been gaining popularity as an ancient answer to help solve modern-day food insecurity issues in tropical regions, according to Eco Business.
Connect with Community at Lā ‘Ulu
Sponsors of Lā ‘Ulu include Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Maui Green and Beautiful, Savage Farms Wellness Center, Ulupono Initiative, Kane’s Legacy Tree Services, Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative, KPOA, Arborists Sarge & Elaine, Maui Oil, First Hawaiian Bank and Maui Breadfruit Company.
For more details and to volunteer, visit the Lā ‘Ulu page.
WHAT: Lā ‘Ulu Breadfruit Day at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
WHEN: Saturday, September 7th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE: Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, 150 Kanaloa Avenue in Kahului, across from War Memorial Stadium
COST: Free admission & free parking at War Memorial Stadium
Among the Trees to Help in Healing
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens has also hosted several forest bathing sessions in 2023 and 2024, as part of the free “Healing Trees” series for Maui. Learn how you can take part in our blog, “How Healing Trees Maui is Here to Help.”
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