By Erica Garza

Celebrate the taro plant at the 19th Annual East Maui Taro Festival in Hana April 29 to May 1.

The 19^th annual East Maui Taro Festival will take place at the Hana Ballpark April 29 to May 1, bringing with it poi pounding demonstrations, taro pancakes, loco moco bowls and a variety of traditional foods.

Taro is believed to have the greatest life force of all foods and is a staple food of the Hawaiian diet, supplemented by other traditional foods like breadfruit, sweet potato, ferns, fruit, fish and seaweed. The Polynesians brought the taro plant to Hawaii as long ago as 450 A.D. As one of the oldest cultivated crops throughout the islands, it is associated with the god Kane, life giver, and considered a sacred part of daily Hawaiian life.

This annual festival celebrates the crop with interactive exhibits, lectures, taro making demonstrations, food stalls, taro related film screenings and live entertainment.

On Sunday, May 1, the famous taro pancake breakfast will be held, with loco moco bowls also available. For those unfamiliar, loco moco consists of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. Though admission to the festival is free, the taro pancake breakfast is for purchase.

For more information about the festival, please call 808-264-1553.

Maui Now covers the latest food news and events throughout the island and appreciates suggestions. Please send tips or feedback to erica@mauinow.com.