On Saturday, June 13th, the Maui community is invited to gather at Maui Nui
Botanical Gardens for a day dedicated to honoring and revitalizing niu (coconut)
as a multi-use, culturally significant Hawaiian canoe plant and staple crop.
At ‘Aha Niu, cultural practitioners, farmers, educators, chefs, and families will
come together for hands-on workshops, moʻolelo, and coconut-centered food
and crafts. Through workshops, the whole ʻohana will have the opportunity to
learn how to weave pāpale lau niu, make cordage from the husk (kaula niu),
prepare ʻapu ʻawa, and plant and sprout niu (kanu niu), along with food
processing and cooking demonstrations. Cultural practitioners and niu farmers
will hold space for moʻolelo and conversations about stewardship and the future
of niu in Hawaiʻi. Educational and non-profit booths will share information and
resources, including how to identify, report, and mitigate the coconut rhinoceros
beetle (CRB). Food and craft vendors will demonstrate niu’s versatility,
highlighting traditional and contemporary uses of this staple crop.

The hope is that this festival reconnects Maui Nui with niu as a living resource
that nourishes, shelters, and sustains. A free niu sprout giveaway (while supplies
last) will help families bring that commitment into their backyards and kitchens.

Space is limited, register today! https://bit.ly/3QtP3JS

Volunteering is a great way to connect with the niu community, sign up here:
https://swettehawaii.ivolunteer.com/ahaniu2026