Event
Cultural Demonstration
Fee:
Free.Location:
Visitor CenterRepeating Event
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Type of Event
Description
Polynesian Heritage Plant: Niu (Coconut)
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.
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:
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.
Come join Ranger Mokihana every Saturday's at the visitor center from 10am-2pm. Learn how to use a natural prduct to create multiple crafts. Let's learn about the coconut tree and how it's frond leaves are used in weaving demonstrations and are use on a daily.
Reservation or Registration: No
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