While many associate Hawaii with its picturesque beaches and warm oceans, my vacation there immersed me in its cultural roots through the Mālama experience. The Mālama experience (Mālama meaning "to care for") is when visitors are engaging with the local culture and environment in a sustainable manner. Some examples would be community service, learning about the culture, practicing ecotourism, or working with locals to preserve the environment.

The Mālama experience that I participated in revealed the deep cultural connection to taro roots in Hawaiian traditions. In Hawaiian mythology, it is believed that taro is the elder sibling of the Hawaiian people. Hāloa, the first child of the gods, was stillborn, and after he was buried, the first taro plant grew from his body. The second child, also named Hāloa, became the ancestor of all Hawaiians. Additionally, taro is considered a staple food in Hawaii, and has been consumed for centuries. It can be pounded into a traditional dish called poi, a primary food source in Hawaii.

Moreover, it is widely believed in Hawaii that taro is a gift from the gods, and so the plant is harvested, cared for, and treated with great respect. It is thought that growing and caring for the plants is a way to show your love and honor ancestors and the land. Finally, in Hawaii, taro symbolizes life and a deep connection between the land and the people. Furthermore, besides learning about the history of taro plants in Hawaii, I also got the opportunity to prepare a taro field by jumping around in knee-high mud to make it the perfect consistency for growing taro. After jumping in the mud, I got the opportunity to see what harvested taro looked like, and how it is grounded into poi. Ultimately, I learned so much about Hawaiian culture through the Mālama experience, knowledge that most travelers to Hawaii miss out on.