Plant – Niu

Niu

Description: Trunk up to 30 m tall, leaves up to 6 m long

ʻōlelo mua (Introduction):

Inoa(Name):

  • Scientific – Cocos nucifera
  • Hawaiian – Niu

ʻOhana: Part of Arecaceae family

Kūlana olakino(Status): Polynesian introduction 

Lāʻau lapaʻau(Medicinal Use):

  • Niu flesh, oil, leaf buds, and water were used in numerous medicines (see other plants). These include formulations for lepo pa‘a (constipation), ‘ea (thrush), pa‘ao‘ao, and the “illness related to lolo”
  •  In addition, the leaf bud is made into a topical medicine for ‘eha moku kukonukonu and ‘eha ‘ulia wale (Chun 1998:41).

Kino lau(Many Forms taken by Supernatural body): KU & NIUOLAHIKI

Ways it was Used:

  • The trunks used to make house posts, small canoes, hula drums, or food containers (Handy et al. 1972:173–175).
  • Leaves (launiu) used to for baskets, thatch and for fans, known as some of the finest in Polynesia (Abbott 1993:61, 76; Summers 1990:75–78). Leaf sheaths used as food or fish-bait wrappers (Handy et al. 1972:173).
  • Husk fibers also used for cordage to make nets or lashing, known as ‘aha (Summers 1990:75); the cordage could be coarse or fine. The cordage can be made into supports for ‘umeke (bowls) or other round-based objects.
  • Shell of fruit was used for eating utensils, such as spoons, bowls, plates, as well as ‘awa cups and strainers for ‘awa.
    •  An historic period piece in the Bishop Museum ethnology collection is in the form of a goblet.
  • Niu shells also served for storage containers, lids, and knee drums or puniu (Krauss 1993:80–87; Handy et al. 1972:173–175); the fibers are made into a drum beater.
    • A musical instrument, the hokiokio, can also be made from coconut shell. Small mortars and bull roarers (oeoe) are also made from the niu shell (Krauss 1993:45, 98–99).
    • Sometimes the niu “shell” used to make ‘uli‘uli (hula rattles) (Handy et al.1972:174).
  • Niu water used as a drink, and flesh eaten raw or with poi (Handy et al. 1972:171. Some of the most familiar preparations of niu were not developed by ancient Hawaiians.
    •  Oil from meat used on body and hair (Handy et al. 1972:174).

  • In the Bishop Museum ethnology collection there are examples of the husk fibers used as kapa and a brush, and the leaves and husk as part of a game. The wood could be fashioned into an ‘ukeke, or musical bow. The mid-rib of the niu leaf is used as the “skewer” for a kukui nut torch (kali lukui) (Abbott 1992:77). Some recognize two forms introduced by Polynesians: niu hiwa (dark green husk and black shell) used ceremonially, medicinally and for cooking; niu lelo (reddish yellow husk and yellow shell), used for secular purposes, not for medicine or ceremonies (Handy et al. 1972:170; Summers 1990:75–78). In the Bishop Museum Ethnology collection there is an example of a post-contact bowl made from the trunk of the niu.