Voyaging Plants of Ancient Hawaiians: Niu (Coconut)
If there was one plant that meant life or death for the ancient Polynesian voyagers, it would certainly be the niu (coconut). The naturally stored fruit or nut of the niu provided both food and drink for these seafarers. Once they found land and settled, the coconut would provide housing, shade, furniture, baskets, cordage, clothing, even medicine.
Though niu (coconuts) were part of the canoe plants that traveled with ancient Polynesians, fallen nuts also floated with the currents and landed here and there throughout our island chain.
Probably the most easily recognized palm tree in the world, coconut trees can grow upwards to 100 feet tall. Ever see those agile young men (and women) quickly climb up a coconut tree? The trunk of the Niu is rough and ringed that makes for a natural step ladder (go check this out next time you get up close to one). These “steps” are formed when the fronds from the tree falls off as it grows.
In ancient Hawaiian tradition, a coconut was planted when a child was born. A he’e, octopus, was often placed in the bottom of the hole where the coconut was to be planted. Besides being used as fertilizer, legend was that the octopus would help the tree’s roots spread and grip the soil; to hold firm, even through windy storms. Coconut trees grow well in sandy soil and near the salt spray. You will find many ancient coconut groves along the coastline through out Hawai’i. A gentle reminder to treat everything in Hawai’i with respect. No graffiti, or cutting your initials on the trunk of trees, especially the coconut tree, as it is one of the many kinolau (forms) of Ku, the war god.
I hope that you’re able to taste some of the many forms of coconut here in Hawaii. Whether it be as a natural energy drink, or our local desserts of haupia or kulolo (very, very ono), or just chew on a piece and taste its sweetness. With the Coconut, you can drink it, eat it and be merry all at the same time!
Looking for a “show” and some fresh coconut? Go to Maui’s famous Swap Meet in Kahului every Saturday and watch Hana born and raised John Bull English do his stuff. He’s easy to find; just look for his informative (and funny!) handmade signs. He’ll serve you up the best ever cold, coconut water. And when you’re done drinking, he’ll happily open up your niu so you can munch on the onolicious coconut meat inside.
I hope that you’re able to taste some of the many forms of coconut here in Hawaii. Whether it be as a natural energy drink, or our local desserts of haupia or kulolo (very, very ono), or just chew on a piece and taste its sweetness. With the Coconut, you can drink it, eat it and be merry all at the same time!
Want to immerse yourself in more things Coconut? Just look for our too-many-to-mention island coconut products!
Okay, okay; just for you I’ll mention a few: Coconut Aloe, Coconut Maui Miracle oil soap, Coconut glycerin soap, and oh yeah, our Coconut loofah soap for those rough spots, Coconut Maui Organic lotion, our Coconut Miracle oil… like I said buku-plenty!
A Hui Hou (until we next meet),
Anty Kalei