Sweet potato (uala) were brought to Hawaii on canoes with the earliest Polynesians

who came to the islands. Ancient Hawaiians grew over 200 varieties of uala, but
only a few varieties are still cultivated today. Each has its own taste, but they tend
to have a soft texture and floral flavor. The leaves of the plant are also edible.

How it's made: Sweet potatoes can be grilled, steamed, or baked in an oven or in an
imu. Cooked, skinned, and mashed uala makes a sweet potato poi when mixed with
water.