Beyond the Beach: Experiencing Hawaii’s Deep-Rooted Agricultural Traditions
The Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo draws tens of thousands each spring for a week of hula competitions and cultural exhibitions, but the agricultural rhythms that underpin much of Hawaiian tradition are less visible to visitors. This article moves beyond the shoreline to explore the living agricultural and cultural practices that define the islands, from taro patches to sandalwood groves, and explains how travellers can engage with them respectfully. Poi, the starchy Polynesian food paste made from the taro root, is a staple of local cuisine. Hawaii’s cultural revival, which gained momentum in the 1970s, placed renewed emphasis on