Iconic Lā ‘Ulu Festival comes to Central Maui, Sept. 7

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens hosts a free community event celebrating breadfruit and Hawaiian culture, Lā ‘Ulu (Breadfruit Day). The fourth Lā ‘Ulu, restarted after five years, will be held at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens on Sept, 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Parking is available for free at War Memorial Stadium.

“The history of ‘ulu is significant in Hawai’i as a substantial food source and one of the highest-yielding food plants,” explains Maui Nui Botanical Gardens Executive Director Tamara Sherrill.  “More residents than ever before are planting Hawaiian crops. And ‘ulu, like so many Hawaiian plants, has dozens of traditional and modern uses beyond food. Whether you grew up cooking with ‘ulu or have never tried it, this event welcomes everyone.”

The event features breadfruit creations of local chefs and farmers; hands-on activities to make traditional products such as lei and kapa from ‘ulu; Hawaiian games such as ‘ulu maika; presentations about harvesting, propagating, planting, and cooking with ʻulu; and live Hawaiian music and hula. There will be an ʻulu tree sale and an opportunity to sponsor Maoli-type ʻulu trees to be held for donation to fire-affected Lāhainā residents.

“La’Ulu Breadfruit Day is bringing the community together to heal, to remember, and to celebrate what makes Maui special, which is needed more than ever before,” said Elaine Malina of Maui Green and Beautiful.

Sponsors of this event are Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Maui Green and Beautiful, Savage Farms Wellness Center, Ulupono Initiative, Kane’s Legacy Tree Services, Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative, KPOA, Arborists Sarge & Elaine, Maui Oil, First Hawaiian Bank, and Maui Breadfruit Company. For more information and to volunteer, visit: https://mnbg.org/laulu-breadfruit-festival-2024/