Community Coconut Program
The Community Coconut Program is dedicated to fostering “niu as a relationship rooted in community and aloha ‘āina.” This vision began with Niu Now, a community grass-roots movement committed to the coconut and to planting uluniu (coconut groves) since 2018.
We are carrying forward this mission by extending ʻike niu (coconut knowledge). We aim to bridge the gaps in Hawaiian coconut research as well as practical knowledge of coconut production in Hawai‘i. With Dr. Heather McMillen’s guidance, Indrajit Gunasekara’s leadership and Kehau Kahele-Madali’s assistance, this project is dedicated to rejuvenating Hawaiian coconut resources. We have a strong focus on reviving the Uluniu system, the Hawaiian niu gene banking practice, within our Hawaiʻi communities.
He niu aha kēia – What kind of coconut prayer/assembly is this?
He ʻaha niu hoʻohui lāhui, hoʻohui ʻā – A prayer/assembly to unite people and land
He ʻaha niu, hoʻohui aku, hui – A prayer/assembly to restore and reunite
He Pule Niu, Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, 1897
Upcoming Events
Come join us at uluniu workdays!
At UH West Oʻahu Uluniu
At Kūkaniloko Uluniu
At Kaʻala Farm, Waiʻanae Uluniu
What We Do
Coconut groves are among those things on earth that are worshiped.
-Mary Kawena Pukui
With a sacred reverent consciousness, the Hawaiʻi Community Coconut Program works to harmonize both Indigenous and Scientific applications to safeguard Hawaiian coconut genetic diversity. We provide hands-on-support for understanding Hawaiian coconut diversity and thus work to revitalize the coconut as a vital resource of cultural, nutritional and ecological importance. In addition, we safeguard niu genetic diversity by introducing culturally-grounded scientific processes to track and collect vital ethnobotanical and morphological information on coconut trees. We have begun to track down some historically known niu varieties as well as develop a data governing system to build a niu inventory database and a germplasm practice. Specific attention is given to understanding and recognizing historically-respected, royalty-tied, community-connected ancient Hawaiian uluniu and “old varieties of Hawaiian niu.” In addition, we’re contributing to building a holistic knowledge-based niu practitioner approach reaching all functional applications of niu with various communities.
We take a collective, community-driven approach and aim to revitalize the use of coconut as a vital cultural, nutritional and ecological resource by supporting those niu associated functions. With a coconut-centric approach, we support Hawaiian Cultural Agroforestry movements lead by number of local community partners including Kaulunani Program, Niu Now, the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Kaʻala Farms, Ulupō Heiau, Puʻuhonua Society, Koali Niu Project (Maui) and Paeloko Learning Center (Maui), Nihipali ʻOhana (Molokaʻi) and other community members within the islands of Hawai‘i looking for food trees to plant in and around their lives, projects, public spaces and living areas.
Resources and Reports
What is the Hawai‘i Community Coconut Program? Our Why
Contact Us
Indrajit Gunasekara, Community Coconut Program Director
Email
Jahnna-Marie Kehaulani Kahele-Madali, Community Coconut Program Assistant
Email
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