Pounding Poi in Preparation for the Second Annual Taro Celebration

Daniel Anthony of local company Mana Ai hand-pounds taro for poi and pai ai. He’ll be one of more than 70 vendors singing the praises of Hawaii’s most culturally significant crop at this month’s Second Annual Taro Celebration in Haleiwa. “I think we should be looking at taro as our next Kona coffee,” Anthony says. “Something that’s grown around the world, but is unique in quality here in Hawaii.” Expect games, cooking and pounding demonstrations, loi visits and plenty of ono taro dishes. October 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., near Haleiwa Beach Park. For more information, contact event organizer Pamela Boyar at 388-9696, or haleiwafarmersmarket@gmail.com.