Origins of the Kalakoa Cookbooks
Many of the cookbooks featured on this site were originally published by Hawaii’s University Extension Clubs and Home Demonstration Councils.
Specifically, these are the cookbooks with covers featuring a solid color, such as yellow, red, green, blue, or gold and a line drawing of the Hawaiian Island from which the recipes were shared.
I’ve always thought of the books as the kalakoa cookbooks, referring to the various colors of the covers. Kalakoa being Pidgin for colors that don’t match or are mixed up, originating from the Hawaiian word for calico.
So, where did these clubs and councils originate and how did they come to compile and publish these cherished cookbooks? We can gain some insights from the “Foreword” to 50th Anniversary Best of Our Favorite Recipes 1946-1996 for the Island of Maui, republished below.
Know someone who was a member of one of these clubs or councils or who contributed to these cookbooks? Share a Story
Foreword
University Extension Clubs were organized as educational groups of homemakers who were interested in learning how to improve their homes, how to be better citizens, and how to work with others for the improvement of their communities.
During the past 50 plus years, members have thus participated in informal educational programs provided by county agents charged with the responsibility to provide practical information in agriculture, families, and related subjects.
The foundation for home demonstration work on Maui was established by Miss Gertrude Gage. During the 1929-30 extension year, Ms. Gage organized clubs mainly by working through the younger generation, sending messages home from school and through the Parent Teacher Associations.
The first University Extension Club was organized on Puukolii where 24 women attended three meetings on food and three on clothing.
Keokea, Paia, Kealahou, and Haliimaile were other communities where home demonstration groups were formed. The food programs were simple and fundamental. Many women were learning about certain foods for the first time.
Home demonstration work then expanded, and clubs were organized from Honokohua to Hana and throughout Central Maui. By 1946, many groups were ready to affiliate as a county-wide council. Through the encouragement of Home Agent Mary Ann Amoss, the Maui Home Council was organized to plan programs and activities on a county-wide basis.
Throughout the past 50 years, members continued to provide leadership and educational opportunities. They responded to new initiatives and developed innovative programs to meet the changing needs of Maui's families and communities.
Through partnerships with the University of Hawaii-Cooperative Extension and allied agencies and organizations, the Council helped to meet many challenges and changes. Members journeyed together from the kitchen to the capitol as they established the Family Community Leadership Program. Throughout the decades, their image from cooking and sewing was changed. Today, the organization is recognized as the Association for Family and Community Education.
For many years, Maui Extension Homemakers’ Council (MEHC) and now Maui Association for Family and Community Education (MAFCE) has sponsored the Homemakers’ Exhibit at the Maui County Fair. This is its largest undertaking each year. The association has spearheaded the seat belt requirement in Hawaii. Most recently, they have provided baby blankets for Kauai after Hurricane Iniki, huggy dolls and animals for distressed children and lap blankets for the frail elderly. Storybook aprons and books for preschools and kindergartens were also provided. Members help the charities of their own choice.
Together, members and their families have made a difference through education, leadership, and community service. Hundreds of people throughout the many years have been served by the extension homemakers/U.E. Club members. The quality of life on Maui was thus enhanced by 50 years of their commitments, cooperation and caring.
Over the years, the Maui Extension Homemakers’ Council had published five cookbooks. The first, “Our Favorite Recipes,” was published in 1957.
Proceeds from all of the cookbook sales have been used to finance programs in community services, continuing education, and leadership training.
The Maui Association for Family and Community Education is to present its “50th Anniversary Best of our Favorite Recipes.” We sincerely express our Aloha and appreciation to all who so kindly donated their favorite recipes and may all enjoy this cookbook.
