Kalo
Kalo is more than a plant in Hawaiʻi—it’s family.
In Hawaiian tradition, kalo is our older sibling through the moʻolelo of Hāloa. That story reminds us that caring for kalo is also caring for our people, our ʻāina, and the generations growing up after us. It’s why kalo shows up again and again in our lives—on our plates, in our loʻi, in our language, and in the lessons we pass to our keiki.
Why kalo matters
Kalo (taro) has fed Hawaiʻi for generations. It’s a staple food, a symbol of abundance, and a living reminder of kuleana—our responsibility to care for what cares for us.
In the Hāloa story, Wākea and Ho‘ohōkūkalani’s first child was stillborn and became the first kalo plant (Haloanakalaukapalili). Their second child, Hāloa, became the ancestor of the Hawaiian people. That relationship is why you’ll often hear kalo spoken about with deep respect: we are connected, and we take care of each other.
Kalo in everyday life
Kalo is incredibly versatile. Depending on how it’s prepared, it can be:
- Steamed, baked, or boiled
- Pounded into poi
- Cooked into stews and comfort foods
- Used leaf-to-stem in different ways (when prepared safely and traditionally)
And beyond food, kalo carries ʻike (knowledge). Working in a loʻi teaches patience, observation, and the kind of steady care that doesn’t rush nature.
Our connection to kalo (The Keiki Dept)
Kalo has been part of The Keiki Dept from the beginning—literally.
It’s always been in our logo because it represents what we’re building: a brand that helps keiki and ʻohana feel connected to Hawaiʻi through everyday pieces that spark conversation.
During the Covid season, our family grew a small kalo patch at home. It wasn’t “perfect,” but it was ours—and it became one of those memories that sticks: muddy hands, learning as we went, sharing what we could, and feeling grateful for the lessons kalo teaches when you slow down and show up.
Caring for kalo is caring for community
Kalo doesn’t thrive in isolation—and neither do we.
Across Hawaiʻi, there are ongoing efforts to protect loʻi systems, mālama wai (water), and support the people and organizations doing this work with intention. When we share kalo stories, learn the moʻolelo, and support local growers and cultural practitioners, we’re helping keep that connection alive for our keiki.
