Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 5, 1 May 2000 — Niu-loa-hiki [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Niu-loa-hiki

According to legend, "Niu-loa-hiki" (coconut arriving from a distance) was the name of the first coconut tree that arrived in our islands from far-off Kahiki. Its symbolism as a manifestation of the god Kū; its usefulness for food, thatch,

cordage and drums; and its beauty gracing the landscape, all remind us to not take for granted that whieh is from the past as it continues to thrive. For a mo'olelo relating to niu and its deep cultural value, see page 13.