Hilo’s Niu Festival Celebrates Coconut Culture on February 22

The Niu Festival, a vibrant cultural and educational gathering celebrating the significance of the coconut, will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2024, in downtown Hilo, Hawaii. Organized by Hui ‘Oihana, the Hawaii Island Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, this free event promises a full day of activities centered around the theme of niu, often referred to as the “tree of life.”

The festival will kick off with outdoor activities from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. along Haili Street, adjacent to the historic Palace Theater. To create a safe and immersive environment, a temporary street closure is planned for this period. Attendees can look forward to engaging in hands-on cultural practices, visiting educational stations, and sampling traditional mea‘ai. The event will showcase the cultural, agricultural, and environmental importance of niu, with participation from various local organizations.

Key partners contributing to the festival include the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, Kaulunani, Pu‘uhonua Society, Niu Now, and the state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Each organization will play a role in enhancing the educational experience for attendees.

“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,” stated Misty Carter, president of Hui ‘Oihana. She emphasized the urgency of the festival’s message, noting the threats posed by the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle. “This gathering creates space to educate our community, share ‘ike, and strengthen awareness around how we protect niu through stewardship, prevention, and collective action.”

As the day progresses, the festivities will continue inside the Palace Theater. Doors will open at 2 p.m. for an afternoon and evening program that combines cultural expression with storytelling. The evening’s highlights include a hula presentation by Halau Unuokeahi, reflections from Dr. Manulani Aluli Meyer, and the screening of the documentary “Niu Forever.” The film, directed and produced by Alex Cantatore, focuses on themes of environmental, social, and spiritual well-being through place-based storytelling.

Additionally, attendees will hear insights from Indrajit Gunasekara, a niu expert with a lineage connected to coconut cultivation that spans over 3,000 years. His knowledge will provide valuable context to the discussions surrounding the cultural and ecological significance of niu.

The Niu Festival promises to be a rich and engaging experience, inviting the community to connect with their heritage and learn about the vital role of the coconut in Hawaiian culture. Through this event, Hui ‘Oihana hopes to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of preservation and stewardship in today’s changing environment.