Loʻi were developed early in Hawai’i, around 1200 AD (Allen 1991, Kirch 2002, McElroy 2007), and Hawaiians practiced this type of agriculture at a larger scale than elsewhere in Polynesia (Kirch 1997). Ecosystems were modified to create terraces, which were flooded during cultivation by stream water or fresh springs (Handy 1940). Construction of lo‘i and irrigation systems required high labor inputs, but high productivity of the systems compensated for the elevated labor costs (Kirch 1997). Secondary crops, such as kō (Saccharum officinarum; sugarcane), maiʻa (Musa hybrids; banana), and kī (Cordyline fruticosa; ti), were often cultivated on the banks of the terraces, supplementing output even more (Handy
Loʻi were developed early in Hawai’i, around 1200 AD (Allen 1991, Kirch 2002, McElroy 2007), and Hawaiians practiced this type of agriculture at a larger scale than elsewhere in Polynesia (Kirch 1997). Ecosystems were modified to create terraces, which were flooded during cultivation by stream water or fresh springs (Handy 1940). Construction of lo‘i and irrigation systems required high labor inputs, but high productivity of the systems compensated for the elevated labor costs (Kirch 1997). Secondary crops, such as kō (Saccharum officinarum; sugarcane), maiʻa (Musa hybrids; banana), and kī (Cordyline fruticosa; ti), were often cultivated on the banks of the terraces, supplementing output even more (Handy