‘Ulu
When I think about a sustainable food in Hawai‘i, I think Kalo. Growing up in Hilo I always heard about the revitalization of Kalo, and how there is so much significance to us Hawaiians and the people of Hawai‘i as the main source of sustenance in old Hawai’i. But there was and still is another equally sustainable food source, ‘ulu. ‘Ulu had a very special role in Hawaiian society. It not only provided food and medicinal uses but it provided a representation of responsibility and kuleana to helping life thrive. Though it had many uses all throughout old Hawai‘i, when you look at today’s society ‘ulu is not frequently talked about or used. In ancient Hawaiʻi there was a legend about the creation of the ʻulu tree, which ties into the revitalization of ‘ulu through kuleana (responsibility) as people. Past knowledge on the usage and importance and influence the use of ‘ulu in today’s society. People use ‘hulu throughout the world. The importance of it to the Hawaiian people seems to be overlooked due to the importation of food from the “mainland” America. With this influx of food being brought, not grown many people do not realize the importance of ‘ulu.
Those who don’t know the story of ‘hulu, and where it comes from may think it is native to Hawai‘i, but it isn’t. ‘Ulu is native to Papua New Guinea and comes from the Moraceae (fig and mulberry) family. ‘Ulu is very high in carbohydrates and contains no fat. According to, Bishop Museum Ethnobotany Database, ‘ulu is also known by its scientific name Artocarpus altilis(Bishop Museum, 2017). The origin of ʻulu is the same throughout the world, adaptations to their surroundings created new strains of the fruit. ‘Ulu trees have both male and female flowers, with the female flowers originating from below the males. When pollinated, the female flowers turn into bulbs, which then grow into the fruit. While it looks to be one big fruit, it is actually thousands of little fruits growing around a central core to form the overall shape. ‘Ulu has populated regions far beyond its origin.
Early Polynesians settlers introduced ‘ulu to Hawaii. Although, not only Hawaiians rely heavily on ‘Ulu. All throughout Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Fiji it is highly revered. Voyaging migrations throughout the Pacific lead to ‘ulu populating many places in the Pacific region and beyond. Well-liked by most cultures due to the abundant uses the trees produce. ‘Ulu has many uses, being a sustainable food source included. Native to New Guinea, Moluccas (Indonesia) and the Philippines, ‘ulu started to spread across the Pacific around 3,000 years ago(Bhore, December 2014). Different variations developed during this time and made their way via human migrations. It was introduced to the caribbean solely as food for the slaves. ‘Ulu was then taken throughout the Americas, to Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Madagascar, Maldives, and Northern Australia. During this time of colonisation of ‘ulu some species evolved to become seedless. The benefits of some species being seedless is, people are able to harvest new shoots and transfer into the ground. The tree will then start to grow.
Throughout the tree's life it can be used in multiple ways. Medicinal uses of the sap when mixed with other plants can be applied to; heal cuts, scratches, various skin diseases, moisturizer for wind cracked or scaly skin, and mouth sores. Other uses include; using the sap to catch birds used in making and chiefs capes and sun dried male flowers, when burned are used as a natural mosquito repellant (Canoe Plants of Hawaii). The wood of the ‘ulu was used to make drums, boards, build houses and small canoes. The bark of the tree was used in treating headaches and in the making of Kapa (Bhore, December 2014).
Culturally and traditionally ‘ulu is significant. ‘Ulu is the kino lau of Ku and Haumea (symbol or form the gods/goddesses take). There is a story about how ‘ulu came to be. According to Kumu Keala Ching, the story of Ku and Hina begins during their time, which was ancient Hawai‘i, when there was famine. In order to provide food for his family Ku told Hina that he was able to provide food but when he leaves he wouldn’t be able to return. Hina said no to the idea, but changed her mind after their children went to Ku saying they were hungry. Ku then goes outside and stands on his head. He then disappears into the ground. Hina, upon seeing Ku disappear begins to cry. As she cries the ‘ulu tree grows from the ground. Ku leaves but then comes back in the form of food. His kuleana was to provide for his family. Like the ‘ulu tree its responsibility is to provide food for generation after generation. For example,‘ulu was planted when a child was born to provide a life long supply of food. ‘Ulu has been given a rebirth of importance by the people of Hawai’i.
Recently there has been a revitalization of ‘Ulu. The Roots of ‘Ulu takes a look at what is being done to incorporate ‘ulu into everyday life again. Speaking from experiencing and being in the filming of The Roots of ‘Ulu(Antonelli John, 2015). While filming some of the scenes for this documentary, I was asked questions by the filmmakers off camera about different plants that were growing around Kua O Ka Lā (where the scenes were shot). It was some time ago, I was about the age of 12. I remember telling them about the lā‘ī (Ti leafs) and how I use them to make leis for my hawaiian class. They might have asked me about what ‘ulu means to me, but I don’t recall. What I do remember is the food my grandmother made out of ‘ulu, for the documentary. She organized the filming of incorporating ‘ulu into many different types of foods coming from different cultures. Also teaching the students about ‘ulu. This segment was about trying to incorporate food and education. Through food we learn a lot. For example, the different cultures involved in a specific food and the educational importance that food has on our health as people. The educational importance for people to learn about ‘ulu, is the fact that it is a sustainable food source and has been for thousands of years.
‘Ulu in past hawaiian society was relied on heavily. In present society, not only is the revitalization of ‘ulu happening in Hawai’i but ‘ulu is becoming popular throughout Southeast Asia. According to Deivanai Subramanian and Subhash J Bhore, “Currently, there is a great deal of interest in expanding the use of breadfruit in agroforestry and home gardens of South East Asia”(Bhore, December 2014). Breadfruit has high potential of being profitable in the agroforestry and agriculture. I ke alo no ka ʻulu a hala- The breadfruit was just in front of us and it was missed(Blanco, 2014). With ʻUlu being such an underrated fruit in most modern civilizations the revitalization of it would bring huge upbringing and economical benefit. This ‘olelo no’eau is significant because it states blatantly that we as humans can overlook many things that would make sustaining ourselves so much easier.
Everything nowadays is processed in huge factories. Not only are many chemicals such as preservatives and others put into the food but 90% is imported to Hawai’i(Blanco, 2014). With so much of our food supply coming from off island it makes you think, why aren’t we taking notes from the people who once prospered on these islands with a population much higher than it is now. With this much food coming into Hawai’i it shows how dependant we are on the outside world. Being this dependant on outside food sourcing takes away from local production. If we were able to utilise the ‘ahupua‘a system, there would be significantly less food brought into Hawai‘i. If my ancestors were able to fully sustain themselves while being in the middle of the pacific ocean without help from the outside world for hundreds of years, then it should not be too difficult to do again.
ʻUlu is deprived of its greatness and is categorized as an underrated fruit which can change not only the economy of a country, but the lifestyle.‘Ulu had a very special role in Hawaiian society. It not only provided food and medicinal uses but it provided a representation of responsibility and kuleana to helping life thrive. Though it had many uses all throughout old Hawai‘i, when you look at today’s society ‘ulu is not frequently talked about or used. In ancient Hawaiʻi there was a legend about the creation of the ʻulu tree, which ties into the revitalization of ‘ulu through kuleana (responsibility) as people. Past knowledge on the usage and importance and influence the use of ‘ulu in today’s society. People use ‘hulu throughout the world. The importance of it to the Hawaiian people seems to be overlooked due to the importation of food from the “mainland” America. With this influx of food being brought, not grown many people do not realize the importance of ‘ulu.
Works Cited
Antonelli, John, director. The Roots of ʻUlu. Youtube.com/ The Roots of ʻUlu, Pacific Islanders In Communications, 13 Oct. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBu75riV7Yk.
Blanco, Mariposa. ʻUlu Taste The Aloha. ʻUlu Taste The Aloha, Mariposa Blanco, 2014.
Ching, Keala, director. Story of Kū and Hina: Origins of ʻUlu. Youtube.com/ Story of Kū and Hina: Origins of ʻUlu, Hawaii Homegrown Food Network, 6 Oct. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtoG8o95pmA.
Subramanian, Deivanai, and Subhash J Bhore. “Breadfruit (Artocarpus Altilis Fosb.) – An Underutilized and Neglected Fruit Plant Species.” Breadfruit (Artocarpus Altilis Fosb.) – An Underutilized and Neglected Fruit Plant Species, Jan. 2010, pp. 418–428., www.researchgate.net/profile/Subhash_Bhore2/publication/269710847_Breadfruit_Artocarpus_altilis_Fosb_-An_Underutilized_and_Neglected_Fruit_Plant_Species/links/5494f6b50cf29b9448210365.pdf
White, Lynton Dove. “`ULU.” Canoe Plants of Ancient Hawai`i: `ULU, Scott Crawford, 13 Aug. 2000, www.canoeplants.com/ulu.html.