This locally owned company has its origins in Keanae, Maui. Inspired by Maui’s elements and country life, Napua Hueu created an all-inclusive marketplace to support, encourage and further inspire local farmers, culinary artisans and Hawaiiana crafters.
Being raised in a farming village, Napua understood well the challenges facing taro (kalo) farmers. In an effort to support and help market poi, she began helping Keanae kalo, gain exposure.
It must be understood that kalo has ancestral, significances that stretch beyond the scope of the general public understanding. It is what shapes and defines Hawaiian farming families.
If the kalo is big, the family is strong. As seen through recent island history, a neglected taro patch was a tell tale sign of discontent or challenging times.
The eldest grandchild, Napua had the rare advantage of being raised speaking Hawaiian with her kalo farmer, great grandfather, James Hueu. She has witnessed good times and bad.
In an asserted effort to support her lineage and inspire her younger siblings and cousins, she committed to her roots. A tall task. There are fresh water issues, there is disconnectedness, there is doubt and there are the rising gas prices.
To get exposure, the poi has to get beyond it’s countryside borders and into the eyesight of those who love, covet and want it. Hence, distribution with gas prices that once went over $6.00 in east Maui.
A roadside attempt was pleasant for a while, rain or shine on Waiehu Beach Road with other small business enterprises. This was pleasant and easy, as the tropical flower truck is family from the same remote, Keanae, Maui.
That experiment was cut short by the health department demanding the poi be made in a certified kitchen and ingredients be labeled. [Poi: kalo, water]
Napua was not the only one having poi distribution issues. A statewide effort had even brought a legistlative bill forward in efforts to support and safeguard the local kalo farmer.
Native Intelligence to the rescue. The locally owned Hawaiiana showcase store in Wailuku was delighted to be a distribution locale for Fresh Keanae Poi.
Alas, Napua organizes poi distribution for five local Keanae farmers on a rotation. Not surprising that the bill supporting the sale of poi passed and Keanae Poi continues to flourish with Native Intelligence.
Now here’s where you need to pay attention. This is not all Napua does.
Amidst, supporting her village farms, she has also honored and sponsored community culinary artisans and local Hawaiiana crafters. Simultaneosly, she advocated for farmer rights and built an online marketplace to showcase local handiwork as well as her own custom island girl inspired couture.
Her culinary collects include her Grandma Sandy’s or rather Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread (popularized over 30 years), Tutu Pearl’s Coconut Candy, Ohia’s Mac-Nut Brittle and Maui Jelly Girl.
Her Hawaiiana artisans include Aunty Nalani’s Hawaiian Patchwork Quilts, Pauline’s Plumeria's and Kaimalia Pieces (ocean-inspired jewelry).
Her work is seasonal, or rather seasonal is her work. She hunts and gathers those who work with what is in season, promotes, distributes and sustains.
If that isn’t enough, she just helped organize, outfit and staff Local Boys Shave Ice truck, making the popular shave ice mobile.
Oh, did I mention she is working on a short film addressing the 100 year battle over the East Maui water diversion?
I would love to be a fly on the wall should anyone ask Napua, “What do you do?” Seriously?.
With that, let me say, this young, family-first entrepreneur, is an accomplishing young Hawaiian with enterprising goals that align with strong cultural ties.
