When you walk toward the sandy beaches lining our islands, you may be greeted by a low-lying plant that teeters between the unmanageable sands of the beach and inhabited land, its back to the ocean. To the unassuming, this plant is difficult to discern from other vegetation it lies among, and its usefulness is even harder to ascertain. However, pōhuehue, which is indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands, has long been exalted for both its beauty and practicality.
The plant’s scientific name, Ipomoea pes-caprae, which means “goat’s foot” in Latin, pays homage to its lobed leaves. They are bathed in sunlight, nourished by the salt spray of the ocean, and hardened by the sandy shores of the Pacific. Each flower is comprised of a funnel-shaped corolla with shades of purple at the center that fade into pink, lavender, or white lines of color that extend vibrantly throughout.
The flowers offer fragile beauty among their rugged environment, while its herbaceous vines offer hardy protection for the coastline. Its flexible vines that grow as long as 30 feet have thick taproots that hold them in place. They safeguard the perimeters of many beachfront properties, creating a physical net that naturally prevents erosion, deterring creeping waters and the variable forces of nature.
The plant also has cultural uses, which is why the vines might be spotted in the hands of those making their way out to sea. Surfers chant a mele (song) and slap the vine against the water’s surface in hopes of a rising swell commanded by their hands, while other seafarers will use the stems and vines for cordage or fishing.
True to indigenous practices, nearly every part of the pōhuehue is used for medicinal purposes. Pounded vines, roots, and leaves are applied to broken bones, sprains, and wounds and secured by kapa bandage. Leaves are chewed to relieve stomach aches, though moderation is key, as heavy doses can prove dangerous.
The mo‘olelo (story) of the plant chronicles the intertwinement of two lovers, Pōhuehue and Kaunaoa. They grew fond of each other and spent time together on the beach. However, their love could not prevent a heated argument from ensuing. Pōhuehue fled by canoe and made his way to Lāna‘i. Despite being separated for several years, Kaunaoa remained hopeful that her lover would return. After dreaming about her one night, Pōhuehue scattered the flowers of the hau tree into the ocean. The flowers made their way to Kahana Bay. Kaunaoa called upon her ‘aumakua (family guardian) and followed the path of the flowers to Pōhuehue on the shores of Lāna‘i. The reuniting of the lovers is said to be why pōhuehue vines are often interlaced with the strands of kaunaoa, both on the beach and in lei.
