The Niu Festival, organized by Hui ‘Oihana, the Hawaii Island Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, is set to occur on Sunday, February 22, in downtown Hilo. This free, full-day cultural and educational event will focus on the niu, or coconut, recognized as the “tree of life.” The festival aims to celebrate the significance of the coconut in Hawaiian culture and promote awareness of environmental challenges facing this vital resource.
Kicking off at 9 a.m., the festival will feature a street-level activation along Haili Street, adjacent to the historic Palace Theater. The street will be temporarily closed to create a safe, immersive outdoor learning environment for attendees. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the public is invited to engage in hands-on cultural practices, participate in educational stations, and enjoy demonstrations that showcase the agricultural and environmental importance of niu.
A range of partners and organizations will contribute to the festival, including the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Kaulunani, Pu‘uhonua Society, Niu Now, and the state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. These collaborations aim to enhance community understanding of the challenges associated with coconut cultivation and stewardship.
Misty Carter, president of Hui ‘Oihana, emphasized the festival’s broader message, stating, “Niu Festival is about more than a single day or event — it’s about remembering our relationship to niu as a source of life, food security, cultural continuity, and collective responsibility.” She noted the urgent threats faced by the community, including the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle, underscoring the need for education and collective action.
Afternoon and Evening Programs at the Palace Theater
Following the outdoor activities, the festival will transition indoors to the Palace Theater, with doors opening at 2 p.m. The afternoon and evening program will blend cultural expression and storytelling, featuring a hula presentation by Halau Unuokeahi. Attendees will also hear reflections and teachings from Dr. Manulani Aluli Meyer, a respected figure in Hawaiian education and cultural practices.
A highlight of the evening will be the screening of the documentary, “Niu Forever,” presented by its director and producer, Alex Cantatore. The film explores themes of environmental, social, and spiritual well-being through place-based storytelling, aiming to deepen understanding of the niu’s role in Hawaiian culture.
Additionally, insights will be shared by Indrajit Gunasekara, a niu expert with a lineage that spans 3,000 years in coconut cultivation and stewardship. His expertise promises to enrich the audience’s appreciation of the coconut’s historical and cultural significance.
The Niu Festival not only serves as a celebration but also as a platform for education and community engagement, fostering a greater understanding of the niu and its importance in Hawaiian life. Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of responsibility for preserving this vital resource and the cultural heritage it represents.
