Queen’s Challenge returns to the East Maui Taro Festival

The Maui News
April 12, 2025

*Kipahuli farmer John Lind was the winner in the wetland kalo category, with E kūpaku ka ‘āina executive director, Penny Levin, at the East Maui Taro Festival in 2019. Photo courtesy EKKA*

The Queen’s Challenge competition is back after a five-year hiatus.

According to event organizers, the Queen’s Challenge competition honors Queen Emma while highlighting the skills and pride of kalo, or taro, farmers across Maui.

The competition will take place once again at the 2025 East Maui Taro Festival on April 26 at the Hana Ballpark.

The competition is open to all farmers on Maui growing Hawaiian kalo varieties in two categories — wetland and dryland.

Entries may only be traditional Hawaiian kalo varieties found in “Bulletin 84: Taro Varieties in Hawaii,” a catalog of taro varieties in Hawaii authored 1939.

A two-point advantage will go to taro grown organically in honor of Queen Emma’s proficiency in growing kalo and caring for the soil. The prize is $500 for a kalo grown in lo’i and $500 for a kalo grown dryland conditions.

“Bulletin 84” can be found at www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/B-084.pdf. Competitors are advised to be aware that not all varieties in Bulletin 84 are Hawaiian.

There is no cost to enter. The whole plant must be clean and intact (top and corm) with roots removed to be judged.

Entry forms can be picked up at the E kūpaku ka ‘āina booth under the main festival tent. Growers or their representative must provide the following information to the E kupaku ka aina contest table no later than 11 a.m. April 26.

For questions from potential sponsors, email ekupaku@gmail.com or call (808) 285-3947.