Long before supermarkets and modern agriculture, Polynesian voyagers arrived in Hawai‘i with the essentials for survival, known as “canoe plants.” These carefully selected crops, such as ‘ulu (breadfruit), kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato), and kō (sugarcane), became the backbone of traditional Hawaiian agriculture and cuisine. Today, a new wave of local businesses are not only preserving these vital plants, but transforming them into delicious, sustainable, and culturally rich products.
As part of a series with Ulupono Initiative, Mana Up is spotlighting local agriculture that’s deeply rooted in island flavors, culture, and values. Let’s dive into three exciting brands that are redefining the way we use canoe plants.
‘Ulu Mana
If you think breadfruit is bland, think again. ‘Ulu Mana is shaking up snack culture with one of Hawai‘i’s most underappreciated superfoods: ‘ulu.
Founded with a mission to create healthy, local, and sustainable snacks, ‘Ulu Mana turns fresh breadfruit into addictively crunchy ‘Ulu Chips, seasoned with flavors like Hawaiian chili, sea salt, and even garlic herb.
“‘Ulu Mana's core products 'Ulu Chips and Hawaiian Hummus are based on 'ulu which is one of the main canoe crops,” says Ulu Mana founder Loren Shoop.
Breadfruit isn’t just delicious, it’s also incredibly sustainable. A single tree can produce hundreds of pounds of food annually. By supporting ʻUlu Mana, you're not just getting a uniquely tasty snack; you're supporting a regenerative food system rooted in Hawaiian agriculture.
Breadfruit isn’t just delicious, it’s also incredibly sustainable. A single tree can produce hundreds of pounds of food annually.
Courtesy of Kō Hana Rum
Hawaiian ʻUlu (breadfruit), taken on Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi. Photo: Unsplash
Hanalei Poi Company's Loʻi (Taro Patch) on the North Shore of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi. Photo: Unsplash
Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative
The Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative is a farmer-owned collective on a mission to bring canoe plants back to the forefront of island food systems. Their focus? Canoe plants like ‘ulu, kalo, and ‘uala, grown by small-scale farmers across the islands.
Through innovative processing, they turn these traditional crops into ready to use forms: peeled, cooked, and frozen, making it easier than ever to cook with native ingredients at home or in commercial kitchens.
Want to make ‘ulu (breadfruit) pancakes or ‘Ulu bread? The brand’s products make traditional cooking simple, without sacrificing authenticity or flavor. They're also available in both retail and foodservice packs, ideal for restaurants, caterers, and conscious home cooks alike.
“At Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative, canoe crops are at the heart of everything we do,” says Kasey Crispin, Communications Lead for Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative. “They drive our products, mission, and the story we’re helping to tell about Hawaiʻi’s food future. We were founded by farmers with the shared goal of revitalizing ʻulu (breadfruit) as a staple crop and restoring its rightful place in Hawaiʻi’s food system. Since then, we’ve expanded to include other traditional Hawaiian crops like kalo (taro), ʻuala (sweet potato), and palaʻai (squash) — all of which are deeply rooted in the cultural and agricultural history of these islands.
The Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative was established in 2016 and obtained initial grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state Department of Agriculture, and Ulupono Initiative to develop a small processing facility and organizational capacity. The co-op has grown substantially since then.
“Through our value-added products, we make it easier for chefs, institutions, and families to incorporate these foods into modern kitchens while staying connected to their origins.
Beyond the plate, we’re committed to sharing stories that honor the rich cultural, nutritional, and ecological significance of canoe crops and the role they play in building a more sovereign, resilient, and healthy Hawaiʻi.”
Kō Hana Rum: Distilling Sugarcane with Purpose
Kō Hana Distillers goes beyond your typical rum brand. Located on O‘ahu, Kō Hana is dedicated to reviving kō: Hawaiian heirloom sugarcane, by hand-harvesting and pressing it to create a pure agricole style rum. Unlike mass market rums made from molasses, Kō Hana’s rum begins with fresh sugarcane juice, allowing the true identity and variety of each cane to shine through.
Each batch of Kō Hana rum tells a story. The distillery grows more than 30 different varieties of native kō, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some were nearly lost to history, until Kō Hana brought them back to life.
Why Canoe Plants Matter
Supporting brands like these isn't just about enjoying great food, it's about reconnecting with a deeper sense of place. Canoe plants represent resilience, community, and sustainability. These businesses are modern stewards of that legacy, blending innovation with tradition to nourish both people and the planet.
So next time you're shopping locally, stocking your pantry, or looking for a thoughtful gift, reach for something rooted in Hawai‘i.
