"Kupu ka niu kupu ke kanaka."
The coconuts grow, people grow.
(He Pule Niu, Nathaniel B. Emerson 1897)
Niu, or coconut palm, is known across the Pacific as the "Tree of Life". It is integral to the wellbeing of Hawaiian communities as a source of food, water, medicine, wood, and fiber. In Honolulu and most communities, niu is the most widespread tree. Planting uluniu (coconut groves) is part of a Hawaiian royal legacy. Some of the few remaining ancient uluniu still stand today, telling the story of the people and their connection to the place.
In recent years, the coconut palm population has suffered losses due to an invasive beetle infestation. The coconut rhinoceros beetle is widespread across our islands and destroys trees by burrowing holes and chewing on fronds. Fortunately, there is hope as a movement of niu champions are rising to protect and replant niu across Hawai‘i.
Flying over the urban forest is the manu-o-kū, a symbol of Honolulu and Hawaiian culture. Traditional Hawaiian navigators used sightings to indicate nearby land. The native white tern is recognized as the official bird of the City and County and is depicted carrying ‘ilima, O‘ahu’s island flower.
This design honors the historical significance niu and manu-o-kū have to indigenous cultures and celebrates the 2025 Year of our Community Forest campaign to advocate for their protection and sustainable perpetuation.
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