Polynesian Heritage Plants: Niu

Niu (nī'-u)

Coconut
Cocos nucifera
Arecaceae Family
Polynesian Introduced

Wāhi ka niu.
Break open the coconut.
[The breaking open of a young fresh coconut for the gods was a sign of piety in ancient times.]

Description

Coconut trees are tall palm trees that can grow up to 100 feet (30 m) tall. Leaves are pinnate, meaning they are compound leaves with leaflets arranged on either side of the steam. Leaves can be 13-20 feet (4-6 m) long with leaflets 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) long. Trees bear coconut fruits that consist of a fibrous outer husk and harder inner shell containing coconut water and coconut meat, depending on maturity.

Traditional Uses

NPS Photos

Niu provided more than just food, drink, and shade in ancient Hawaiʻi. Sometimes referred to as the Polynesian “Tree of Life”, niu has a multitude of uses and almost every part of the tree is used in some form. To showcase some of these uses, we’ll start from the bottom and work our way up:

Trunk

The woody trunks are carved into pahu (drums) for hula and rituals at the heiau. Containers for food and small canoes are also made from the trunk.

Leaves

The large leaves are used for thatch or woven into baskets or fans. The stiff mid-ribs of the leaves can be gathered and bound into a broom or used as the base of a kukui nut torch.

Coconut Husks

Fibers from the husk of the coconut can be twisted and plaited into cordage for nets or lashings and is especially important for rigging canoes.

Coconut Shells

The hard, rounded shells of the coconut can be used as eating utensils (spoons, bowls, plates) and cups for drinks such as ʻawa (kava). Musical instruments such as the ʻuliʻuli (hula rattles) are formed out of coconut shells as well.

Coconut Flesh & Water

While not a major food source in ancient Hawaiʻi, the flesh of the coconut fruit was occasionally eaten raw or with poi. The sterile coconut water in young coconuts was a reliable source of clean water, sometimes sustaining voyagers as they sailed across the ocean. The flesh and water were used in a number of medicines, often making the mixture more palatable.

Palaʻie
The implement used to play palaʻie (ball and loop game) is a perfect example of the many uses of niu. The handle of the implement is made of the leaf mid-ribs, the rope is made of twisted and plaited coconut husk fibers, and the ball is made of the coconut “cloth” that is found at the base of coconut leaves. See demonstration video below to learn more about how to play this traditional game.

Duration:

51.786 seconds

In the game of palaʻie (ball and loop game), players must swing the ball in a circular motion with the goal of landing the ball in the loop at the end of the implement. The object of the game is to continue this motion for as long as possible. Sometimes mele (songs) or oli (chants) accompany play to help keep the rhythm.

Cultural Significance

In Native Hawaiian culture, niu is considered a kino lau (body form) of the akua (god) Kū. The sacred wai niu (coconut water) is used in many ceremonies and rituals since it is the only water that is not touched by human hands.

Niu at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau

Niu is a significant part of the historical landscape at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. Groves of coconut trees dot the shoreline in the Royal Grounds, Puʻuhonua, and beyond. For safety, these trees are continuously trimmed to reduce the risk of falling coconuts and fronds. Coconuts from these trees are used in cultural ceremonies and the leaves are used in weaving demonstrations.