Talk Story - A travel blog by and for HH Guests
Taro Magic
Posted: Sep 12th 2008, 21:24
On a recent work day, I had the unique opportunity of turning off my phone and venturing to Kipahulu for an interpretive taro patch tour. Where is Kipahulu you may ask? It's past the famed Hana. You've seen the bumper stickers and t-shirts claiming "I survived the road to Hana" -Kipahulu is well past Hana but worth the drive.
What is taro? Briefly, it's what the purple mush-looking stuff served at luaus is made from. I say briefly because there is so much more to this seemingly plain root vegetable. Our tour guide, Scott Crawford, shared his aloha and knowledge of both Hawaiian myths and history as we trekked up the private trail to the hidden taro patches. Along the way, we crossed the Pools of Oheo, more commonly referred to as the Seven Sacred Pools, and through a majestic forest. Upon clearing the forest, we entered the magical taro patch with native dragon flies buzzing between taro fields and the sound of the Falls at Makahiku in the distance. It wasn't long before we were anxious to step into the fields and harvest our very own taro. The sensation is like no other-I can only compare it to a mud bath in a pond. It is not for the faint of heart but if you are longing to step away from the modern Hawaii vacation and experience real Hawaiian cultural, the taro patch tour is not to be missed!
While visiting Maui, if you are interested in this unique opportunity to venture off the beaten path, please contact your Hawaii Hideaways Concierge.
What is taro? Briefly, it's what the purple mush-looking stuff served at luaus is made from. I say briefly because there is so much more to this seemingly plain root vegetable. Our tour guide, Scott Crawford, shared his aloha and knowledge of both Hawaiian myths and history as we trekked up the private trail to the hidden taro patches. Along the way, we crossed the Pools of Oheo, more commonly referred to as the Seven Sacred Pools, and through a majestic forest. Upon clearing the forest, we entered the magical taro patch with native dragon flies buzzing between taro fields and the sound of the Falls at Makahiku in the distance. It wasn't long before we were anxious to step into the fields and harvest our very own taro. The sensation is like no other-I can only compare it to a mud bath in a pond. It is not for the faint of heart but if you are longing to step away from the modern Hawaii vacation and experience real Hawaiian cultural, the taro patch tour is not to be missed!
While visiting Maui, if you are interested in this unique opportunity to venture off the beaten path, please contact your Hawaii Hideaways Concierge.
