Nā Pua Pasifika focuses on sustainability in Hawai’i Nei. Each segment spotlights one of five main food crops used throughout the Pacific Islands that can be key building blocks of food security for the state: ‘Ulu (breadfruit), Kalo (taro), Uhi (true yam), Kapioka (tapioca), and ‘Uala (sweet potato). UKUKU

The first episode – ‘ULU features Angelina McCoy from the island of Satawal. The niece of Mau Piailug; the master navigator responsible for setting in motion a renaissance in canoe voyaging by teaching present-day Hawaiians traditional non-instrument navigation, Angelina describes her childhood on Satawal and how the uses of breadfruit form a major part of their culture. The wood of breadfruit trees is used in the construction of their canoes, and as lumber to build their homes and canoe houses. While its fruit provides a major food staple that is cooked in many different ways and is also preserved as “maar” (fermented ‘ulu) that can be an important means of sustenance in times of hardship when other local food sources are unavailable.