North Shore NewsBy: Dominic Souza, Conservation Technician, Botanical Dept., Waimea Valley
As Makali‘i (the constellation Pleiades) rises at sunset, we are reminded that the beginning of the Hawaiian New Year, Makahiki, has arrived. As the “Holiday Season” is celebrated throughout the country, Makahiki, beginning mid-November and ending in late January or February, also marks a time of gathering and celebration for many in Hawai‘i. Preparing large amounts of food for the feasts to host ‘ohana and friends often means ka hana imu!
Imu, or underground ovens, have persisted as a customary cooking practice for centuries. Here in Hawai‘i, as people are getting their holiday feast ready, the smoky evidence of their use fills the air. Here in
Waimea Valley we practice this age old tradition during the holidays and for special occasions. Members of
our staff plan out the process and gather the needed material for the imu from here in the valley. We have
an imu in our kauhale (traditional Hawaiian living site) where we prepare and cook our holiday meals
for staff who wish to participate. Keeping this ancient tradition alive here in Waimea is such a special part of this valley. By perpetuating our native Hawaiian culture and traditions we strengthen our connection to the land and to each other. While preparing the imu, we are happy to share with guests and locals alike who may stop and ask questions or share their mana‘o (thoughts) on what it means to them to see this tradition continue through the generations.
If you or someone you know will be in Waimea during the holidays and you smell the distinctive aroma of a fire burning, it will most likely be the staff firing up the imu to prepare a time honored family recipe with the bounty the valley has given. We look forward to making memories that we will cherish far into the future. If you are curious as to what an imu is and how it is used, or how it is built and prepared,
feel free to stop by and come check us out. We are happy to share and/or listen to stories of imu past.