There are about 230 varieties of uala or sweet potato. Kamapua'a was the god of the sweet potato.

Hawaiians used the 'Uala for four things.

Food

The roots would be baked in an imu. If you baked it, mashed it, and mixed it with water, you'd have something similar to poi. The tubers would be grated and mixed with coconut milk, wrapped in la'i then baked. This would be desert. Young leaves would be cooked and eaten. The tubers were also useful because they could be used to make a fermented drink.

Flooring

The old leaves and vines would be used as a padding. The plant parts would be put under mats for comfort.

Medicines

Only some 'uala would be used for medicine. Some would be eaten to cause them to vomit for an asthma cure. Some would also be used to gargle to clear the throat.

Hot Food

Leaves, vines and tubers would be used for the final flattening of a pig.