The Background Story
One of the most vital plants in Hawaii is the ulu, or breadfruit tree.
The legend goes that Ku, the god of fortune and war, would cause great storms to rage across the sky.
Despite this spectacle, the people of Hawaii did not see Ku as a fearsome celestial figure.
They allowed him to live among them as a planter, with a wife and a family.
During a devastating famine, Ku decided to save the mortal people he loved.
He planted himself in the earth and became a breadfruit tree,
and the ulu became known as the gift of Ku.
This magical and moving story of sacrifice is still important in Hawaiian culture today.
The Ulu Review is an new online publication, based off of the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
Our goal is to celebrate the way in which storytelling can help to preserve
the cultural values of humanity and tradition.
We’re excited to publish short stories, poems, plays, and personal essays --
especially ones that have a special kind of magic to them.
Whether it be a mythological flair, or the type of everyday magic found in coincidences
and happenstance, we are eager to be a home
for tales that give insight into the wonderful and miraculous.
We are accepting new work on a rolling basis.
That means submissions are always welcome, and the review intends to publish monthly.
We are excited to announce that our first monthly edition, featuring selected pieces
from our first round of submissions, was published online in August 2023!
In the future, we will be hosting writing contests, with selected pieces each month receiving a monetary prize.
As we become a more established presence, we hope to pay for every piece published.
To learn the details of the submission guidelines and upcoming contests, click here.
We’re excited to begin this journey with you -- authors and readers alike!
~ Founder & Editor, Hannah Lum