No Ke Kumu 'Ulu: The 'Ulu Tree

Ku, the great Hawaiian akua (god) of the uplands, forest, and the deep sea, comes from the faraway land of Kahiki to settle in Hawai'i as an ordinary mortal. After a time, he takes a wife and raises several children, while providing for them as a mahi 'ai (a farmer, planter), and lives in peace, dignity and plenty.

Then, the rains no longer come; the streams and springs begin to dry up, and the crops wither. Without food or water, his 'ohana (family) and the people are faced with the hardship of famine. Unable to bear their suffering, Ku sacrifices himself by burrowing deep into the earth. Soon, from the spot where he descended, the sprout of a breadfruit tree appears. The first of its kind in Hawai'i!

Ku's generosity and his amazing plant - the 'ulu, or breadfruit - helps to save his 'ohana and the people from the famine. Today, the 'ulu tree continues to grow throughout Hawai'i and its nourishing fruit is still treasured as a food source.

No Ke Kumu 'Ulu is the second book in a series published collaboratively by Hale Kuamo'o and Kamehameha Schools.

The Hale Kuamo'o - Hawaiian Language Center supports and encourages the expansion of Hawaiian language as the medium of education, business, government and in other contexts of life in Hawai'i. The center provides professional and material resources necessary to address this goal including educational support in the development of curriculum materials for Hawaiian medium education, teacher training, Na Maka O Kana Hawaiian language newspaper, and the Mamaka Kaiao dictionary of contemporary Hawaiian terms.

Kamehameha Publishing supports Kamehameha Schools' mission by publishing anddistributing Hawaiian language, culture, and community-based materials that engage, reinforce, and invigorate Hawaiian cultural vitality. Today, Kamehameha Schools is a comprehensive educational system that operates three K - 12 campuses, more than thirty preschool sites, and community education programs throughout the state. Kamehameha Schools also provides financial aid, scholarships, and charter school funding to serve thousands of additional students each year.