Lā ‘Ulu Breadfruit Day festival returns to Maui after hiatus

Jul 29, 2024

Mark your calendars for a long-awaited celebration of Hawaiian culture and agriculture! Lā ‘Ulu Breadfruit Day is set to make its return on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. This beloved community event, dormant since 2019, promises a day filled with education, local crafts, and the star of the show — ‘ulu (breadfruit).

A highlight of the festival will be the sale of ‘ulu trees. Kahanu Garden and Preserve and the Breadfruit Institute will offer three varieties — ‘Ulu Fiti, Ma‘afala, and Maoli — providing a rare opportunity for attendees to start their own breadfruit gardens at home. There will also be an opportunity to sponsor Maoli ʻulu trees for donation to people with fire-affected properties. The event theme is kanu ka ʻulu, ulu ke kaiāulu (plant an ʻulu, grow a community).

Amid the lush grounds of Kahului’s own botanical gardens, the event will also feature educational organizations, hands-on cultural activities, and craft vendors, showcasing the many traditional uses of all the parts of this beloved tree. Food enthusiasts can look forward to invited food vendors, offering a range of 'ulu-based culinary delights.  

Best of all, admission is free, making this an accessible event for all. 

This revival of the festival is made possible by the support of generous sponsors, including Maui Breadfruit Company, Maui Green & Beautiful, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Savage Farms Wellness Center, Hawaii 'Ulu Cooperative, KPOA Hawaiian Music 93.5 FM, Kane’s Legacy Tree Services, Maui Oil Company, various Maui residents, and Ulupono Initiative.

For more information and updates, visit: Maui Nui Botanical Gardens

Volunteers and educational organizations interested in participating can find registration information on the website. Note that food vendors are by invitation only.

Join us in welcoming back this cherished event and supporting the increased use of ‘ulu in Hawai‘i!

Photo courtesy: Lā ‘Ulu Breadfruit Day