Why Kalo?

When our founder, Leilani, had her first child, she knew it was important to ground her son with a strong sense of cultural identity that she didn’t have growing up. For her, kalo was the starting point for her family’s journey to reconnecting with their Hawaiian roots. She reflected on what resonated with her as a Hawaiian, and the story of Hāloa, the first kanaka (Hawaiian person), came to mind.

As the story goes, Wākea, the Sky Father, and Ho’ohōkūkalani, had a child. Sadly, the baby was stillborn, so the gods wrapped him in hala leaves and buried him in the ground. From the spot where he was buried, the very first kalo plant sprouted. They named the kalo plant “Haloanakalaukapalili,” which means ‘the long stem whose leaves tremble in the wind.’ Some time later, Ho’ohōkūkalani became pregnant again, and this time she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. They named him Hāloa in honor of his older brother.

Hāloa was the very first person, and through him all Hawaiians are connected to one another and to kalo. Hāloa cared for the kalo plant and in return, the kalo plant nourished him and his descendants. Kalo was the primary dietary staple in Hawaii and sustained the Hawaiian population prior to foreign influence. When cooked, every part of the kalo plant is edible. Kalo was also used medicinally to treat infections, sores, and settle an upset stomach. It also played an important role in kapa cloth making. Kalo stems were traditionally used to dye the cloth, and a paste made from poi was used as a glue to join kapa pieces together for clothing.

Just as Haloanakalaukapalili the kalo cared for his younger brother and all his children by providing them with sustenance, Hāloa embraced the duty to serve his elder brother and mālama ‘aina (care for the land).

Leilani felt this lesson of mālama ‘aina was crucial for her children to learn. During the Covid lockdown, Leilani and her family decided to create their own kalo patch. They flooded their yard and using huli (a shoot from the top part of the kalo that is used as planting material), they transformed the hard clay soil in their yard into a fertile mala (garden). 

Years later, from this very garden, Leilani pulled a kalo leaf that she used to stamp one of her iconic kalo designs for The Keiki Dept. For Leilani, this kalo motif serves as a reminder to stay rooted and connected to her culture. It represents the ability we all have to create more of a cultural identity for ourselves and to reconnect with where we came from. In fact, every iteration of The Keiki Dept.’s logo has featured kalo!  This iconic plant represents resilience and continues to spark connection for Leilani with her Hawaiian heritage.

The Keiki Dept. gives a portion of all online sales to non-profit organizations. Additionally, Leilani also donates extra huli from her own garden whenever she has some to spare. She remembers how fortunate her family was to receive huli to start their own garden back during the Covid lockdown and wants to pass the aloha on to others who are looking to start their own kalo patch.

In honor of this special plant, deck out your keiki (or yourself!) from head to toe in kalo! This amazing lā‘au holds a special place in our hearts, so you know we have everything from backpacks to kapa moe to help you rep Hawaii’s most versatile plant. Make sure you are subscribed to our our ʻOhana Insiders list so you always get the latest scoop on any new prints headed your way!

Mahalo to the resources used for this article:

1.  Hawaiian Taro – Kalo in Hawaiian Culture, Hawai’i ’Ulu Cooperative, eatbreadfruit.com/blogs/culture-and-place/kalo-in-hawaiian-culture#:~:text=Since%20ancient%20times%20and%20through,for%20kalo%3A%20wetland%20and%20dryland. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025. 

2. MOʻOLELO HĀLOA - STORY OF HĀLOA, Aloha ʻĀina Poi Company, 2025, alohaainapoico.com/pages/mo%CA%BBolelo-haloa-story-of-haloa?srsltid=AfmBOopStqGN2W1RYDI1OM1DWSJnYGHn3DGQ_DNFQENc4U6RhfSoPWgo. 

3. Naluai, Jeana Iwalani. “Poi and the Story of Hāloa.” Ho’omana Spa Maui, 18 June 2019, hoomanaspamaui.com/poi-and-the-story-of-haloa/.