Indigenous For Our Survival Series: Niu Ola Hiki, Cherish the Life Giving Niu With Us
by Sharde Mersberg Freitas, Chapter Organizer | Reading time: 2.5 minutes
Famous is the niu, and for many reasons! As this song depicts, the niu that provides shade, the niu that famously grows at Pōkaʻī, and what a beautiful sight to see! Most of us can likely name a recent, if not daily, use of niu. Whether it was niu haohao (young coconut) that quenched your thirst and recharged your body with natural electrolytes, haupia, or even better, the famous Sweet Lady of Waiāhole from none other than Waiāhole Poi Factory, niu is certainly a beloved plant by many. I would be remiss to not also mention the many ways in which we use coconut oil nowadays as well, and all parts of the niu tree. Some invasive species experts fear that we may have reached the point of no return in terms of maintaining our pristine niu and palm-filled, iconic postcard-like Hawaiʻi landscapes due to the coconut rhinoceros beetle. There is more to come on the calls to action to protect our niu and other natural and cultural resources of Hawaiʻi’s flora and fauna. But for this article, we invite you to kick-off Niu November and celebrate niu with us.
One of the many things to love about niu is that it is a treasured plant across many different cultures and peoples. And how lucky are we in Hawaiʻi to likely have experienced a wide use of niu, and not only limited to food. Hawaiʻi being the center of the Pacific, niu was also one of the plants that the original inhabitants of our islands brought here from the South Pacific. For these reasons, niu is also referred to as a “canoe plant.” Niu has been honored and treasured as recorded in various songs, and as told by moʻolelo (stories). One moʻolelo I recall from my childhood speaks of the eel, and that is why the face of the niu looks like a face with two eyes and a mouth. Another moʻolelo speaks of the niu as it stretches from Hawaiʻi to Tahiti to reunite Kahanaiakeakua (son of Hina and Ku) with his father while he is in Tahiti. In this moʻolelo, Hina sings to the coconut, “niu ola hiki” (life giving coconut). Even today, niu continues to carry life giving properties that connect us to the rest of the Pacific, the rest of the world, from times of old, to the present.
In celebration of niu, we are kicking off all things niu for Niu November! Mai hilahila (don’t be shy), share your talents, and let’s celebrate niu together! Whether your talents are cooking, photography, or making cute puns and sayings, bring it all! Join us for a niu photo contest that will feature three different categories: cherished niu, niu creations, and manaʻo niu (or sharing a message). Learn more about Niu November, photo contest details, prizes, and other details here. Also be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook where we will share additional niu and coconut rhinoceros beetle resources, moʻolelo, contest teasers, and more. It’s niu or never!!!
