Canoe plants are the plants that were originally brought to Hawaii by the ancient Polynesians. The Polynesians came here by canoe, thus the name "canoe plants" was given to these plants. Although these introduced and cultivated plants are not native to Hawaii, they are an important part of its cultural heritage.

What were the canoe plants?

Canoe Plants are the foundation plants that came to Hawai'i to sustain and nourish the first island settlers. They occupied precious space on the first canoes. Additionally, particular animals were chosen to help establish in their new home.

Is banana a canoe plant?

The banana is an essential to Pacific island life. It is a staple food brought to Hawai`i by the earliest canoes of Polynesian settlers. ... Many tales regard the banana plant as a person. Mai`a is kinolau, the body form, of Kanaloa, the Hawaiian god of healing.