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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
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:
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.
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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.
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