‘Uala (Sweet Potato)

Hawaiian name: ‘Uala
Botanical name: Ipomoea batatas
Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory Family)
Status: Polynesian-introduced
Where found: In cultivation
Water/Light: Moist, with full sun exposure
Elevation range: 0 to 5,000 feet
Height: Up to 1 foot

Notes: There once may have been more than 200 Hawaiian varieties of ‘uala. In old Hawai‘i, the young leaves were eaten as greens (called palula), and the sap was used in many medicinal treatments. A nursing mother wore an open lei of ‘uala vines to induce the flow of milk. The tuberous root (a great source of vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus) was an important food for early Hawaiians; and continues to be a local favorite today.

‘Ōlelo Noeau:

He ʻuala ka ʻai hoʻōla koke i ka wī
Translation: Sweet potato is the food that quickly ends the famine

‘Uala li‘ili‘i o Kalepolepo.
Translation: Small potatoes from Kalepolepo.
Meaning: Said of an unintelligent person.

From Work Done by Whit Germano to Catalog Native Hawaiian Plants
MNBG

Location
The Garden is located at 150 Kanaloa Avenue in Kahului, Maui, right across from the War Memorial Stadium.
(808) 249-2798

Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Saturday,
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed occasionally for inclement weather and Hawaii State Holidays.

Admission
Members: Free
General: $10
Kama'āina (with Hawai'i ID) & Keiki Under 12: Free

Please Consider
Making a Donation

Every dollar contributed to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens goes directly towards the preservation of Native Hawaiian Plants and the upkeep of our collection that includes some of the rarest specimens in whole world!

Upcoming Events

Mar
25
Sat
2023
9:00 am Nā Leo Pūlama o Maui Presents: H...
Nā Leo Pūlama o Maui Presents: H...
Mar 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Nā Leo Pūlama o Maui Presents: Hoʻomau 2023 @ Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
Nā Leo Pūlama o Maui Presents: Hoʻomau 2023 Saturday, March 25, | 9 am to Sunset Maui Nui Botanical Gardens $15 presale $20 at the door The Premier ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi...
Apr
7
Fri
2023
all-day Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is Cl...
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is Cl...
Apr 7 all-day
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is Closed – Good Friday Friday, April 7, 2023
May
27
Sat
2023
9:00 am E kalo ʻai a koʻu makua (The kal...
E kalo ʻai a koʻu makua (The kal...
May 27 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
E kalo ʻai a koʻu makua (The kalo that feeds is my parent - Harvesting, prepping, and cooking kalo.) @ Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
This is a different kind of cooking class for those who want to go beyond poi, laulau, and kulolo. Hawaiian Cultivars Manager Namea Hoshino will be leading hands-on preparations of...
Jul
4
Tue
2023
all-day Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is Cl...
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is Cl...
Jul 4 all-day
Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is Closed – Independence Day Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Jul
15
Sat
2023
9:00 am Na ʻono i ka lau a me ke kalo (T...
Na ʻono i ka lau a me ke kalo (T...
Jul 15 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Na ʻono i ka lau a me ke kalo (The tasty leaf and kalo - Identifying and taste testing.) @ Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
Saturday, July 15, 9 to 12 pm – Na ʻono i ka lau a me ke kalo (The tasty leaf and kalo – Identifying and taste testing.) Students will get...