Taro, a root vegetable and the primary poi ingredient, was highly regarded by Hawaiians, who believed that the taro plant, or "kalo", was the original ancestor of the Hawaiian people.
Taro, a root vegetable and the primary poi ingredient, was highly important to the Hawaiians because they associated taro with their gods and their story of establishment. Hawaiians believed that the taro plant, or kalo, was the original ancestor of the Hawaiian people.