The mahi‘ai (farmer) is carrying some of his produce to share with the lawai‘a (fisherman) and his ‘ohana (family). In turn, products of the kai (ocean) are given to the mahi‘ai. This exchange of necessities is prompted by love and concern for the ‘ohana, and no one keeps an accounting of the value of the food exchanged. Food products are usually carried in an ‘umeke lā‘au (wooden bowl) or in a large ‘umeke pōhue (gourd calabash) most often covered by lids. For ease in carrying, the ‘umeke are suspended in a sturdy kōkō (carrying net) which is made with loops to be slipped over the notched ends of the hardwood ‘auamo or māmaka (carrying pole). This was an extremely important part of the Hawaiian culture. Lokomaika‘i was one of the major values that was stressed in their society.

Bible scripture for Mahi ai: When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually?
       Does he keep on breaking up and harrowing the soil? Isaiah 28:24

Sweet potato or ‘uala was one of the foods traded amongst them.
Sweet Patatoes. Paul Fuqua. 2005. unitedstreaming. 8 February 2006.