Kalo Varieties

Which variety of kalo is the best? The one that's in the bowl on the table. - Jerry Konanui, Hawaiian Mahi‘ai

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Pilialoha

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Pilialoha: Variety hybridized and named by Mr. ‘Oulu Escaran of Waipio Valley, Hawai‘i. Pili means a connection, to join; a close relationship. Aloha is love, affection, compassion, mercy, sympathy, pity, kindness, sentiment, grace, charity. According to Jerry Konanui, Escaran crossed the varieties of Kāī Kea and Moi. Escaran named the variety to recognize the return of his sons from O‘ahu. They returned to Waipio Valley when construction work got slow.

Use As Food

Good poi and table taro.

Distribution

This variety started in Waipio Valley, and is now found all over.

General Characteristics

Medium in height, well spreading, maturing within 9 to 12 months. Pilialoha is fertile with its ‘ohā, from 10 to 15; characterized by its light green Hā (Petiole) with white to light pinkish kōhina (base).

Ha (Petiole)

60 to 85 cm. long, slender, drooping, light green. Indistinctly reddish brown at the lihi (stem edge), a white to light pinkish ring at the kōhina (base) with lighter pink color for 3 to 5 cm. above the base.

Lau or Lu'au(Leaf Blade)

40 to 55 cm. long, 30 to 45 cm. wide, 30 to 45 cm. from tip to base of māwae (sinus). The mature leaf is narrow in shape and wavy at the leaf edge. Thin in texture, medium green color; piko is whitish when young, sometimes the mature piko is brushed purple.

'I'o kalo (Corm)

Flesh white with light pinkish tinge, especially near the top (apex), the fibers yellow; skin pale pink.