Big Mahalo to Bella Hughes and her Ohana for leading our mamaki tea workshop, and sharing their journey of how they became Shaka Tea. We received tips and tricks as well as a wealth of knowledge touching on:
Identifying the different species of Mamaki
How to grow Mamaki and where its grown
Health benefits of Mamaki
Host plant for Kamehameha Butterfly (Pulelehua project)
When to harvest & how to prepare mamaki
Participants also received hands on experience by transplanting mamaki seedlings into bigger pots. 35 seedlings were transplanted and 20 were taken to the homes of the families who participated for their personal home gardens.
Here are some fun facts about Mamaki Tea:
Only found in The Hawaiian Archipelago.
Can grow from 5-20 ft tall
Acts as a host plant for the endemic Kamehameha Butterfly
Used in ancient Hawaiian medicine
If you turn the leaf over it looks like veins and arteries, which signify circulation.
If you have any questions about Shaka Tea please visit their website to learn more. Mahalo to all the families who participated and also the the Hughes Ohana for sharing their time, knowledge and their delicious tea!