Kalo, the corm (rounded thick underground stem base) of the taro plant, was the "staff of life" in the Hawaiian diet. The entire ohana showed up to help an ohana member build a house. The makua performed the daily work of the ohana.

The children were given responsibilities, too. They took care of the aged members of the ohana and helped their makua by carrying food, water and materials for building houses, canoes and other things. The children were sometimes adopted. The makua sometimes gave a baby to a close relative as a sign of love. This was mostly done only whithin an ohana so that the children grew up knowing his/her real parents.

The children in an 'ohana grew up having many makua to care for them. The 'ohana provided emotional support, love and security especially when a child has lost his/her parents. The grandparents were dearly loved and revered (admired or honored) by the 'ohana. They were the source of wisdom and understanding. The oldest kupuna usually was the first born or head of the 'ohana. These kupuna took care of the little children in the 'ohana while the makua worked. They were teachers of the ohana, they taught planting, fishing , hose building and weaving. They taught the chants, wise sayings, stories, genealogies and customs. Those children who showed special talents were sent to special experts or teachers for instruction. The aumakua were the ancestors who remained members of the 'ohana as sharks, birds, lizards, eels, fish, rocks or plants. They were a real part of the 'ohana.