The 'a'ali'i plant grew in abundance at Kawainui and Hamakua in ancient times. It still grows there today, but it is now smothered and hidden by alien weeds. The leaves of the 'a'ali'i are very strong. The flowers are red, green and white mixed with pink.

This hardy shrub is rich in cultural meaning. I once saw a video which told the story of the 'a'ali'i and the banana plant as follows: The banana plant boasted, "I bet I can beat you in a contest of strength. You will be weaker in the storm winds."

"You're on," replied the 'a'ali'i. They called on the winds to blow with the following command: "Blow forth, blow forth winds of Hilo. Blow forth, blow forth, winds of Kona. Blow forth, blow forth twisting winds from all directions. Blow forth with all your strength." This is how they called out and sang to the wind. The wind blew hard against the 'a'ali'i. Its leaves didn't fall, but its flowers and seed pods fell and were blown away. The banana plant laughed.

'A'ali'i said, "My flowers need to be blown away from me in order to carry on the 'a'ali'i family. It's your turn now." "No problem," said the banana plant. "Blow forth, blow forth, strong storm winds," he chanted. He fell over. The 'a'ali'i had won. This is the story of the 'a'ali'i ku makani: the 'a'ali'i that stands firm in the storm winds. These are my thoughts about the 'a'ali'i plant which grew in great numbers on the lands of Hamakua and Kawainui in ancient times.